2 Kings 12:15

Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully.

Moreover they reckoned {H2803} not with the men {H582}, into whose hand {H3027} they delivered {H5414} the money {H3701} to be bestowed {H5414} on workmen {H4399}: for they dealt {H6213} faithfully {H530}.

More-work, thus restricting its use to repairing the damage in the house of ADONAI. over, they did not require an accounting from the supervisors given the money to pay the workers, because they dealt honestly.

No accounting was required from the men who received the money to pay the workmen, because they acted with integrity.

Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to give to them that did the work; for they dealt faithfully.

Commentary

Context of 2 Kings 12:15

This verse is part of the narrative detailing King Joash's (also known as Jehoash) efforts to repair the long-neglected Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. After years of disrepair, possibly exacerbated during the reign of Athaliah, Joash, guided by the priest Jehoiada, initiated a systematic fundraising and restoration project. Money was collected from the people and then entrusted to overseers to pay the workmen and purchase materials. Verses 11 and 12 of 2 Kings 12 describe how the money was given to the masters of the work. Verse 15 specifically highlights a remarkable aspect of this administration: the high level of trust placed in those handling the funds.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Trust and Integrity: The central message is the profound trust placed in the men responsible for the temple repair funds. The administration did not feel the need to audit or demand an accounting because the men had a proven record of faithfulness. This speaks volumes about their character and the culture of integrity fostered within the temple administration under Joash.
  • Faithful Stewardship: The verse showcases an exemplary model of stewardship. The individuals entrusted with sacred funds demonstrated unwavering honesty and reliability, managing resources not for personal gain but for the dedicated purpose of God's house. This reflects the biblical ideal of stewards being found faithful.
  • Reputation and Accountability: While formal reckoning was waived, it was not due to a lack of accountability, but rather the visible evidence of their integrity. Their reputation for dealing "faithfully" superseded the need for constant oversight, demonstrating the power of a strong, honest character.

Linguistic Insights

The key word in this verse is "faithfully." In Hebrew, the root word for "faithfully" is aman (אָמַן), from which we get words like emunah (faith, faithfulness) and "Amen." It conveys a sense of firmness, reliability, trustworthiness, and stability. When applied to people, it signifies that they are dependable, true to their word, and can be fully trusted with responsibilities. Their actions were consistent with their character, inspiring complete confidence in their handling of the temple finances.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

The integrity displayed by these anonymous workmen serves as a timeless example for all. In any area of life where trust is given—whether in personal relationships, business dealings, or positions of leadership—faithfulness is paramount. This verse encourages us to cultivate a reputation for honesty and reliability, understanding that genuine integrity can build such strong confidence that it may even reduce the need for exhaustive oversight. It reminds us that our character, particularly in handling resources and responsibilities, speaks powerfully and can foster an environment of trust and efficiency.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 22:7

    Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:2

    Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:3

    But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

  • 2 Chronicles 34:12

    And the men did the work faithfully: and the overseers of them [were] Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to set [it] forward; and [other of] the Levites, all that could skill of instruments of musick.

  • Nehemiah 7:2

    That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he [was] a faithful man, and feared God above many.

  • Luke 16:1

    ¶ And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

  • Luke 16:10

    He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
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