2 Kings 12:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 12:15 highlights an extraordinary act of trust and integrity within the Temple repair project initiated by King Joash. It states that the officials overseeing the restoration did not require an accounting from the men entrusted with the funds for the workmen and materials, precisely because these individuals had demonstrated unwavering faithfulness in their stewardship. This verse stands as a testament to the power of a sterling reputation built on consistent honesty and reliability, fostering an environment of confidence and efficiency in sacred service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Joash's reign and his significant efforts to repair the dilapidated Temple in Jerusalem. The preceding verses (2 Kings 12:4-14) detail the initial attempts and subsequent successful method for collecting and distributing funds for the Temple's restoration. Joash, guided by the faithful priest Jehoiada, established a system where money collected from the people was placed in a chest, then counted and delivered to the overseers of the work. Verses 11-12 specifically describe how the funds were disbursed to the masters of the work, who in turn paid the carpenters, builders, masons, and stonecutters, and purchased timber and hewn stone. Verse 15 serves as a remarkable parenthetical comment, emphasizing the exceptional integrity of the men handling these funds, setting them apart from any typical need for strict financial oversight. The subsequent verses (2 Kings 12:16) clarify that guilt offerings and sin offerings were not included in the general Temple fund, further illustrating the careful distinctions made in the Temple's financial administration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Temple in Jerusalem, originally built by Solomon, had fallen into disrepair, particularly during the reign of Athaliah, the wicked queen who usurped the throne (2 Kings 11). Joash, having been hidden and then installed as king by Jehoiada, embarked on a much-needed restoration. In the ancient Near East, and indeed in any large-scale building project, financial accountability was crucial, and often, suspicion of embezzlement or mismanagement was prevalent. Therefore, the statement in 2 Kings 12:15 about not reckoning with the men is highly unusual and speaks volumes about the character of these specific individuals and the trust they had earned. It reflects a culture of integrity fostered under Jehoiada's influence, contrasting sharply with the corruption often seen in ancient administrations. This level of trust was not merely a cultural norm but an exceptional commendation, indicating a profound commitment to honesty in handling sacred funds.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme underscored by this verse is **faithful stewardship**. It powerfully illustrates the biblical ideal that those entrusted with resources, especially sacred ones, should demonstrate unwavering integrity and reliability. This faithfulness is not merely about avoiding dishonesty but actively managing resources for their intended purpose, as seen in the Temple repair. The verse also highlights the theme of **trust and reputation**. The fact that no reckoning was required speaks to the strong reputation for honesty these men had cultivated, demonstrating that consistent integrity can build such confidence that it supersedes the need for constant oversight. This aligns with the wisdom found in [Proverbs 28:20](/proverbs/28-20 "Proverbs 28:20 - The Blessing of Faithfulness"), which states, "A faithful man will abound with blessings." Furthermore, it subtly points to the **divine oversight** at play; while human oversight was waived, the ultimate accountability was to God, who sees all. The entire Temple repair project under Joash, as detailed in [2 Kings 12](/2_kings/12 "2 Kings 12 - Joash Repairs the Temple"), serves as a broader theme of spiritual renewal and the importance of maintaining God's house.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reckoned (Hebrew, _ḥāšaḇ'_):** The Hebrew verb חָשַׁב (*ḥāšaḇ*) means "to think, devise, reckon, account, calculate." In this context, it refers to the act of auditing, demanding an account, or meticulously checking the financial records. The negation, "they reckoned not," signifies that no formal audit or detailed accounting was deemed necessary. This implies an extraordinary level of confidence and trust, where the integrity of the individuals superseded the standard financial scrutiny.
* **Faithfully (Hebrew, _ʾāman'_):** The Hebrew root אָמַן (*ʾāman*) is foundational, meaning "to be firm, trustworthy, reliable, steady." From this root derive words like "faith" (אֱמוּנָה, *ʾĕmûnâ*) and "Amen." When applied to people, it describes someone who is dependable, true to their word, and can be fully trusted with responsibilities. The phrase "they dealt faithfully" means their actions were consistent with their character; they were reliable, honest, and completely trustworthy in their handling of the Temple funds, inspiring absolute confidence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen:"** This clause describes an unusual and significant administrative decision. "They" refers to the Temple officials or those in charge of the repair project (likely under Jehoiada's guidance). The "men" are the overseers or masters of the work who received the collected funds. The phrase "reckoned not with" indicates that these officials did not require an accounting, a detailed report, or an audit of how the money was spent. This was a departure from typical financial procedures and highlights the immense trust placed in these individuals concerning the sacred funds intended for the Temple repair and the payment of various craftsmen.
* **"for they dealt faithfully."** This second clause provides the crucial justification for the first. The reason no reckoning was required was because these men had a proven track record of integrity and trustworthiness. Their actions were consistently honest and reliable, demonstrating a profound commitment to their responsibilities. This faithfulness was not merely an absence of dishonesty but an active, positive demonstration of integrity in managing the resources entrusted to them for God's house. Their character spoke for itself, negating the need for external verification.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Implicit Contrast** and **Commendation through Omission**. The implicit contrast is drawn between the expected administrative practice of financial oversight and the exceptional trust extended to these workmen. In a world where financial accountability is typically paramount, the *omission* of a reckoning serves as a powerful commendation. This absence of scrutiny is not due to negligence but to the **Exemplary Character** of the individuals, which is explicitly stated as the reason: "for they dealt faithfully." This creates a strong sense of **Irony** for the reader, as the lack of a typical check becomes the ultimate testament to their integrity. The verse functions as a **Narrative Aside**, pausing the action of the Temple repair to highlight a specific, remarkable ethical standard.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound trust placed in the workmen in 2 Kings 12:15 speaks to a foundational biblical principle: the supreme value of faithfulness and integrity in stewardship. This integrity, rooted in a fear of God and a commitment to His purposes, transcends mere human accountability. It demonstrates that true faithfulness builds a reputation so strong that it can inspire complete confidence, even in matters of significant financial responsibility. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our character, particularly in handling what is entrusted to us, is a profound witness and a reflection of our devotion. It underscores that God values not just the outcome of our work, but the integrity with which we perform it.

* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Requirements of Stewardship")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")
* [Proverbs 11:3](/proverbs/11-3 "Proverbs 11:3 - Integrity Guides the Upright")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The integrity and trustworthiness displayed by the anonymous workmen in 2 Kings 12:15 offer a timeless and profound example for every believer. In a world often marked by suspicion, corruption, and a pervasive need for audits and oversight, the commendation given to these men stands as a beacon of what true faithfulness can achieve. It challenges us to cultivate a character of such unwavering honesty and reliability that our word becomes our bond, and our actions consistently reflect our stated values. Whether in managing personal finances, fulfilling professional duties, leading in ministry, or simply interacting within our families and communities, this verse calls us to be individuals who "deal faithfully." Such integrity not only honors God but also builds bridges of trust, fosters efficiency, and creates an environment where true collaboration and confidence can flourish, ultimately reflecting the character of the God we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I currently entrusted with resources or responsibilities?**
* **How does my handling of these responsibilities reflect my commitment to faithfulness and integrity?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a reputation for trustworthiness, not for human praise, but for God's glory?**
* **How might a greater emphasis on integrity and trust transform the dynamics within my family, workplace, or church?**

### FAQ
**Why was no reckoning required, and what does this mean for us today?**

Answer: No reckoning was required because the men entrusted with the Temple repair funds had proven themselves to be consistently faithful and trustworthy. The Hebrew word for "faithfully" (אָמַן, *ʾāman*) implies a deep reliability and firmness of character. This was not an act of negligence on the part of the officials, but rather a profound commendation of the workers' integrity. For us today, this means that while accountability is generally wise and necessary, the ultimate goal should be to cultivate such a strong character of honesty and reliability that our integrity speaks for itself. It encourages us to strive for a level of faithfulness that builds deep trust, reflecting the character of God who is utterly trustworthy (see [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Faithfulness")). It reminds us that our character in handling responsibilities, especially those related to God's work, is a powerful testimony.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The exemplary faithfulness of the workmen in 2 Kings 12:15, while commendable, ultimately points to the perfect and ultimate faithfulness of Jesus Christ. These men were faithful stewards of earthly funds for a physical temple, but Christ is the perfectly faithful Son over God's entire house (Hebrews 3:6). He is the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness, never needing an audit or reckoning because His life was utterly without blemish or sin. His faithfulness was not merely in managing resources but in accomplishing the eternal redemption of humanity, a task for which He was uniquely qualified and perfectly trustworthy (Hebrews 2:17). Moreover, Jesus Himself is the true Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity (John 2:19-21), and through His sacrifice, He builds a spiritual house made of living stones—His church (1 Peter 2:5). The integrity of the workmen in 2 Kings 12:15 foreshadows the absolute integrity of Christ, who was faithful in all things, even unto death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). His perfect faithfulness enables believers, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to also "deal faithfully" in their own spheres of stewardship, empowered by His grace to live lives that reflect His trustworthiness and bring glory to God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.