2 Kings 12:4

KJV

¶ And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, [even] the money of every one that passeth [the account], the money that every man is set at, [and] all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jehoash {H3060} said {H559} to the priests {H3548}, All the money {H3701} of the dedicated things {H6944} that is brought {H935} into the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, even the money {H3701} of every one {H376} that passeth {H5674} the account, the money {H3701} that every man {H5315} is set at {H6187}, and all the money {H3701} that cometh {H5927} into any man's {H376} heart {H3820} to bring {H935} into the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068},

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'ho'ash said to the cohanim, "All the funds for sacred purposes which are brought to the house of ADONAI - the half-shekel tax, the taxes on persons in a man's household, and all the offerings anyone voluntarily brings to the house of ADONAI -

Berean Standard Bible

Then Joash said to the priests, “Collect all the money brought as sacred gifts into the house of the LORD—the census money, the money from vows, and the money brought voluntarily into the house of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the hallowed things that is brought into the house of Jehovah, in current money, the money of the persons for whom each man is rated, and all the money that it cometh into any man’s heart to bring into the house of Jehovah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Kings 12:4, King Jehoash initiates a critical project to restore the dilapidated Temple in Jerusalem. This verse meticulously records his direct communication to the priests, detailing the various categories of funds that had been collected and were available within the "House of the LORD." His precise inventory of these diverse financial contributions—encompassing consecrated items, the obligatory census tax, monetary redemptions for vows, and spontaneous freewill offerings—lays the essential groundwork for his subsequent instructions on how these resources should be properly allocated and utilized for the sacred structure's much-needed restoration, underscoring his profound commitment to the spiritual and physical integrity of the nation's central place of worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the crucial opening to King Jehoash's significant Temple repair initiative, which forms the central narrative of [2 Kings 12](/2_kings/12 "2 Kings 12 - Jehoash Repairs the Temple"). It immediately follows the account of his miraculous preservation from Athaliah's purge and his subsequent enthronement at a tender age under the steadfast guidance of the priest Jehoiada, as detailed in [2 Kings 11](/2_kings/11 "2 Kings 11 - Jehoash Becomes King"). The preceding chapter establishes a Judah that has endured a period of profound idolatry and neglect under Athaliah's reign, leading directly to the desecration and disrepair of the Temple. Verse 4 sets the stage for the king's direct and necessary intervention, as the priests, despite collecting funds, had not effectively used them for repairs, a critical issue explicitly addressed in [2 Kings 12:5-8](/2_kings/12-5-8 "2 Kings 12:5-8 - Jehoash's Directive to the Priests"). The subsequent verses in the chapter describe the implementation of a new, more efficient, and transparent system for fund collection and disbursement, showcasing Jehoash's proactive and accountable leadership in this sacred endeavor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jehoash (also known as Joash) reigned in Judah from approximately 835-796 BC. His early life and ascension to the throne were marked by the turbulent period following the reign of his grandmother, Athaliah, who had actively promoted Baal worship and severely neglected the Temple of Yahweh. The "House of the LORD" was far more than just a building; it was the central place of worship for the Israelite nation, symbolizing God's presence among His people and serving as the locus of the covenant. Its disrepair was thus a visible and potent sign of spiritual decay and national apostasy. Culturally, the various categories of offerings mentioned in the verse reflect established Mosaic laws and practices. The "money of every one that passeth [the account]" refers to the half-shekel Temple tax mandated in [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11-16 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Half-Shekel Temple Tax") for the upkeep of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The "money that every man is set at" points to votive offerings, where individuals vowed themselves or their property to the Lord and then redeemed them with money, valued according to specific laws found in [Leviticus 27](/leviticus/27 "Leviticus 27 - Laws Concerning Vows and Dedications"). Finally, "all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring" represents freewill offerings, given voluntarily out of personal devotion, as exemplified in [Deuteronomy 16:10](/deuteronomy/16-10 "Deuteronomy 16:10 - Freewill Offerings").
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme powerfully conveyed in [2 Kings 12:4](/2_kings/12-4 "2 Kings 12:4 - Jehoash's Temple Fund Initiative") is the **reverence for and diligent maintenance of God's dwelling place**. Jehoash's initiative underscores the profound spiritual importance of the Temple as the physical manifestation of God's presence and the indispensable center of Israelite worship. Its restoration was not merely a construction project but a deeply spiritual act, signifying a crucial return to covenant fidelity and national devotion to Yahweh after a prolonged period of neglect and idolatry. Another significant theme is **stewardship and accountability**. The king's detailed categorization of funds implicitly highlights the critical need for proper and transparent management of sacred resources. The broader narrative of [2 Kings 12](/2_kings/12 "2 Kings 12 - Jehoash Repairs the Temple") explicitly reveals that the priests had been collecting money but not using it effectively for repairs, necessitating the king's direct intervention and the establishment of a new, more transparent system. This emphasizes the vital responsibility of leaders and the community to faithfully manage resources dedicated to God's work. Finally, the verse clearly delineates **diverse forms of giving**, illustrating the various ways individuals contributed to the Temple's upkeep, ranging from mandatory contributions to voluntary acts of profound generosity, reflecting a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to supporting the sacred institution.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to build," refers broadly to a dwelling, habitation, or structure. In this context, "the house of the LORD" specifically designates the Temple in Jerusalem, which served as the central sanctuary and symbolic dwelling place of God among His people. The term emphasizes the physical structure as a dedicated space for worship and divine presence, highlighting the king's concern for its physical integrity.
* **Money (Hebrew, _keçeph_):** Literally meaning "silver" (from its pale color), this term is used by implication to refer to money in general, as silver was a primary medium of exchange in the ancient Near East. Its repeated mention throughout the verse underscores the financial nature of the contributions and the king's focus on the material resources available for the Temple's restoration.
* **Dedicated things (Hebrew, _qôdesh_):** This term signifies something consecrated, set apart, or holy to the Lord. In the context of the Temple, "dedicated things" refers to items or funds that individuals had vowed or specifically devoted to God for sacred purposes. These were not ordinary possessions but were considered exclusively God's property, often resulting from a vow (e.g., [Numbers 21:2](/numbers/21-2 "Numbers 21:2 - Vow to Destroy Cities")) or a special offering. The inclusion of this category highlights the variety of ways people expressed their devotion and commitment to God through material contributions.
* **Passeth [the account] (Hebrew, _'âbar_):** Literally meaning "to cross over" or "to cross," in this context, it refers to those who "pass through the census" or "are counted." This phrase directly alludes to the half-shekel temple tax (also known as "redemption money" or "atonement money") mandated in [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11-16 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Half-Shekel Temple Tax"). Every male Israelite aged twenty years or more was required to pay this fixed amount when a census was taken, specifically for the service and maintenance of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It was a universal and obligatory contribution, distinct from voluntary offerings.
* **Set at (Hebrew, _'êrek_):** This word denotes a "valuation" or "assessment." It refers to the monetary equivalent assigned to a person or property that had been vowed or dedicated to the Lord, as detailed in [Leviticus 27](/leviticus/27 "Leviticus 27 - Laws Concerning Vows and Dedications"). If an individual vowed themselves, their animals, or their land to God, they could redeem it by paying a fixed monetary value determined by the priests according to specific Levitical criteria. This category represents a form of votive offering where a vow was fulfilled through a monetary payment rather than the literal dedication of the vowed item.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb_):** Figuratively, this term encompasses the feelings, will, and intellect, representing the inner core of a person. In the phrase "cometh into any man's heart to bring," it emphasizes the voluntary and heartfelt nature of freewill offerings, distinguishing them from obligatory payments or redemptions. It highlights a donation motivated by genuine desire and devotion rather than legal requirement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jehoash said to the priests,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the speaker and the audience, highlighting the king's direct, authoritative communication to the religious leaders who were primarily responsible for the Temple's upkeep. It signifies a royal edict or directive concerning a matter of national religious importance, indicating the king's personal involvement and deep concern for the sanctuary.
* **"All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD,"**: This specifies the first category of funds. These are monies derived from items or pledges that have been consecrated or set apart as holy to God. This could include the sale of dedicated items, or money given in fulfillment of specific vows, representing a stream of income from individual acts of profound devotion and commitment.
* **"[even] the money of every one that passeth [the account],"**: This identifies the second category, referring to the obligatory half-shekel temple tax. This was a fixed, universal contribution required of every adult male Israelite during a census, intended specifically for the maintenance and service of the sanctuary. It represents a regular, predictable, and legally mandated source of funds for the Temple's ongoing upkeep.
* **"the money that every man is set at,"**: This describes the third type of contribution, which refers to the monetary valuations of persons or property vowed to the Lord, as outlined in [Leviticus 27](/leviticus/27 "Leviticus 27 - Laws Concerning Vows and Dedications"). When an individual made a vow to dedicate themselves or their possessions to God, they could often redeem that vow by paying an assessed monetary value. This category reflects a specific legal and ritualistic form of giving, tied to vows.
* **"[and] all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD,"**: This final clause encompasses the fourth and distinct category: freewill offerings. Unlike the previous categories which were obligatory or tied to specific vows/valuations, these funds were given purely voluntarily, motivated by personal generosity, devotion, and a heartfelt desire to contribute to the Lord's house. This highlights the spontaneous and uncompelled aspect of giving, flowing from the individual's inner disposition.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several key literary devices to convey its message effectively and underscore the king's methodical approach. **Enumeration** is prominently featured, as the passage meticulously lists four distinct categories of money: "dedicated things," "every one that passeth [the account]," "every man is set at," and "cometh into any man's heart to bring." This precise and exhaustive listing emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the funds available and the king's thorough understanding of the Temple's diverse financial streams. **Repetition** of the phrase "the money of" or "all the money" across the different clauses serves to unify these diverse sources under a single umbrella—financial contributions—while simultaneously highlighting their distinct origins. This rhetorical device reinforces the central theme of financial resources being systematically gathered for the Temple's restoration. Furthermore, the recurring phrase "House of the LORD" functions as a powerful **metonymy**, where the physical structure stands in for the spiritual presence of God and the entire system of worship centered there. Its repeated mention underscores the sacred purpose of these funds and the profound significance of the building itself as the designated dwelling place of God among His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Kings 12:4](/2_kings/12-4 "2 Kings 12:4 - Jehoash's Temple Fund Initiative"), by detailing the various streams of income for the Temple, underscores profound theological principles concerning God's dwelling, the nature of worship, and the responsibility of His people. The very act of collecting and categorizing these funds for the Temple's repair highlights the understanding that God's presence among His people was intrinsically linked to the sanctity and upkeep of His designated dwelling place. It reflects a theology where material resources are consecrated for spiritual purposes, demonstrating that faithful stewardship of physical assets is a tangible expression of devotion to God. The distinction between obligatory contributions (like the census tax) and freewill offerings reveals God's desire for both dutiful obedience and heartfelt generosity in worship. Ultimately, this passage points to the broader biblical theme that the community of faith is responsible for maintaining the physical and spiritual integrity of the "house of God," whether it be a literal Temple or, as in the New Testament, the body of believers.

* [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11-16 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Half-Shekel Temple Tax")
* [Leviticus 27:1-8](/leviticus/27-1-8 "Leviticus 27:1-8 - Laws Concerning Vows and Dedications")
* [1 Chronicles 29:1-9](/1_chronicles/29-1-9 "1 Chronicles 29:1-9 - David's Preparations for the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous accounting and royal concern for the Temple's physical state in [2 Kings 12:4](/2_kings/12-4 "2 Kings 12:4 - Jehoash's Temple Fund Initiative") offer profound and enduring lessons for believers today. Just as King Jehoash recognized the paramount importance of maintaining the physical structure that symbolized God's presence, so too are we called to value and support the spaces where God's people gather for worship, fellowship, and ministry. This extends beyond mere brick and mortar to the broader "house of God," which the New Testament reveals to be the community of believers, the Church itself ([1 Timothy 3:15](/1_timothy/3-15 "1 Timothy 3:15 - The Church as the House of God")). Our generosity, whether through regular tithes, specific offerings, or spontaneous freewill gifts, directly contributes to the ongoing work of God's kingdom—supporting ministries, spreading the gospel, caring for the needy, and maintaining the infrastructure necessary for spiritual growth. Furthermore, Jehoash's intervention highlights the critical need for transparent stewardship and unwavering accountability within religious organizations. Leaders and congregants alike are called to ensure that resources dedicated to God's work are managed with integrity, wisdom, and faithfulness, ensuring they are used for their intended, God-honoring purposes. Our giving should be both obedient to biblical principles and heartfelt, reflecting a genuine desire to honor God with our possessions and our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does our attitude towards the physical spaces of worship today reflect our reverence for God's presence and our commitment to His work?**
* **What truly motivates our financial contributions to God's work, and how can we cultivate a heart that embodies both biblical obedience and freewill generosity?**
* **In what practical ways can we ensure greater transparency and accountability in the stewardship of resources within our local churches and ministries, fostering trust and integrity?**
* **Beyond financial giving, how can we contribute to the "upkeep" and flourishing of God's spiritual house, the Church, through the dedication of our time, talents, and fervent prayers?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "House of the LORD" in this context?**

Answer: The "House of the LORD" (the Temple in Jerusalem) was of paramount significance as the designated dwelling place of God among His people, the central hub of Israelite worship, and the physical embodiment of the covenant. Its sanctity and proper upkeep were directly tied to the spiritual health and fidelity of the nation. Its disrepair, as seen before Jehoash's reign, symbolized a period of profound spiritual decline and neglect under Athaliah's idolatrous influence. Jehoash's initiative to repair it was therefore not merely a renovation project but a profound act of spiritual renewal and a reassertion of Judah's commitment to Yahweh. The Temple was where sacrifices were offered, prayers were made, and God's presence was uniquely manifested, making its proper state crucial for national worship and identity. The narrative in [2 Kings 12](/2_kings/12 "2 Kings 12 - Jehoash Repairs the Temple") emphasizes this spiritual importance through the king's diligent efforts.

**Why did King Jehoash need to categorize the money in such detail?**

Answer: King Jehoash's detailed categorization of the funds was crucial for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated his thorough understanding of the Temple's financial streams, indicating a methodical and organized approach to addressing the problem of disrepair. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, it was a necessary step for proper **stewardship and accountability**. The preceding verses (and subsequent ones, like [2 Kings 12:5](/2_kings/12-5 "2 Kings 12:5 - Priests' Failure to Repair")) imply that the priests, who were collecting the money, had not been effectively using it for repairs. By categorizing the funds, Jehoash could ensure that the money was specifically allocated and used for its intended purpose—the Temple's restoration. This act of itemization was a precursor to establishing a new, more transparent system for collecting and disbursing funds, as detailed in [2 Kings 12:9-16](/2_kings/12-9-16 "2 Kings 12:9-16 - The New System for Temple Repairs"), which ultimately led to the successful completion of the repairs and restored public trust.

**Are these specific types of offerings still relevant for believers today?**

Answer: While the specific Mosaic laws and categories of offerings (like the half-shekel temple tax or votive valuations) are not directly binding on New Covenant believers, the underlying principles remain highly relevant and find new expression. The concept of "dedicated things" resonates with our call to consecrate our entire lives and all our resources to God ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")). The "money of every one that passeth [the account]" (the obligatory tax) finds its parallel in the principle of regular, systematic giving, such as tithing, which supports the work of the church and ministry ([Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bring the Whole Tithe")). The "money that every man is set at" (votive offerings) reminds us of the importance of fulfilling our commitments and vows to God. And "all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring" directly corresponds to the New Testament emphasis on cheerful, freewill giving motivated by love and generosity ([2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giver")). Thus, while the forms have changed, the spiritual principles of giving, stewardship, and supporting God's "house" (now the Church) endure as vital expressions of faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous attention to the physical Temple's repair and the sacredness of its funds in [2 Kings 12:4](/2_kings/12-4 "2 Kings 12:4 - Jehoash's Temple Fund Initiative") finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Temple, though magnificent and divinely ordained, was inherently a shadow and a type, pointing forward to the true and perfect dwelling place of God. Jesus Himself declared that He was the ultimate Temple, stating, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), referring to His own body and His resurrection. Just as Jehoash sought to purify and restore the physical house of God after a period of neglect, Christ came not merely to renovate a building but to purify and restore humanity, making us the new spiritual temple, "[a dwelling place for God by the Spirit](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - A Dwelling Place for God")" ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")). The various offerings listed in [2 Kings 12:4](/2_kings/12-4 "2 Kings 12:4 - Jehoash's Temple Fund Initiative")—dedicated things, census taxes, votive valuations, and freewill gifts—all foreshadow the singular, perfect, and ultimate "dedicated thing" given to God: the self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His life, death, and resurrection were the ultimate offering, fulfilling all requirements of the Law and surpassing all previous sacrifices, bringing about true atonement and access to God ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). In Christ, the need for a physical, earthly temple for divine presence is transcended, as God now dwells by His Spirit within believers, making the Church the living, spiritual "House of God" that we are called to build up and maintain through our lives, resources, and devotion, all empowered by the finished, perfect work of our Lord.

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 22:4

Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the silver which is brought into the house of the LORD, which the keepers of the door have gathered of the people:

Exodus 35:5

Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever [is] of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,

Exodus 35:29

The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.

Exodus 30:12

When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when [thou] numberest them.

Exodus 30:16

And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.

1 Chronicles 29:3

Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, [which] I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,

1 Chronicles 29:9

Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.