2 Kings 12:5

KJV

Let the priests take [it] to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let the priests {H3548} take {H3947} it to them, every man {H376} of his acquaintance {H4378}: and let them repair {H2388} the breaches {H919} of the house {H1004}, wheresoever any breach {H919} shall be found {H4672}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the cohanim are to receive from whoever personally makes contributions to them; and they are to use these funds to repair the damaged parts of the house, wherever damage is found.

Berean Standard Bible

Let every priest receive it from his constituency, and let it be used to repair any damage found in the temple.”

American Standard Version

let the priests take it to them, every man from his acquaintance; and they shall repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Joash, demonstrating a profound commitment to the worship of Yahweh, issues a direct command to the priests concerning the much-needed restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse details his initial directive for the priests to personally manage the funds collected from various offerings and to oversee the critical work of repairing the extensive structural damage that had afflicted God's sacred house, ensuring that every identified defect would be addressed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the early and formative years of King Joash's reign, following his dramatic rescue from Queen Athaliah's purge and his enthronement at the tender age of seven, largely orchestrated by the High Priest Jehoiada ([2 Kings 11:21](/2_kings/11-21 "2 Kings 11:21 - Joash Becomes King")). Immediately preceding this verse, [2 Kings 12:4](/2_kings/12-4 "2 Kings 12:4 - Joash's Initiative for Temple Repair") records Joash's initial decree for all the holy money brought into the house of the Lord—including census money, redemption money, and voluntary offerings—to be used for Temple repairs. Verse 5 then specifies the mechanism for this repair, placing the responsibility directly on the priests. However, the narrative continues to reveal a delay (v. 6), leading Joash to confront the priests and ultimately revise the plan, shifting the direct handling of funds from the priests to the workmen themselves, managed by the king's scribe and the high priest (v. 9-12). This verse, therefore, represents the initial, albeit ultimately modified, strategy for the Temple's restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Temple, built by King Solomon, was the spiritual and national epicenter of Judah, symbolizing God's presence among His people. However, during the six-year reign of the idolatrous Queen Athaliah, the Temple had suffered severe neglect and even desecration, with her sons breaking into the house of God and using its dedicated things for the Baals ([2 Chronicles 24:7](/2_chronicles/24-7 "2 Chronicles 24:7 - Athaliah's Desecration of the Temple")). Joash's ascension, guided by the righteous Jehoiada, marked a pivotal return to Yahweh worship and covenant faithfulness. The state of the Temple reflected the spiritual health of the nation. Repairing it was not merely a construction project but a profound act of national repentance and spiritual renewal, re-establishing proper worship and honoring God's dwelling place. Priests, as custodians of the Temple, were naturally expected to oversee its maintenance and sacred finances, making Joash's initial directive culturally appropriate, even if its implementation proved challenging.
* **Key Themes:** The passage highlights several significant themes. First, **Stewardship of God's House** is paramount, as King Joash takes proactive responsibility for the physical condition of the Temple, recognizing its importance as the central place of worship and God's dwelling. This underscores the biblical principle of caring for sacred spaces and resources. Second, **Restoration and Renewal** is the primary objective, with the command to "repair the breaches" signifying a return to proper order, functionality, and spiritual integrity after a period of neglect and desecration. This physical restoration often parallels and facilitates spiritual renewal within the community. Third, **Accountability and Trust** are evident in the initial entrustment of the collected money and the oversight of repairs to the priests, implying a high degree of trust in their administrative capabilities and integrity to manage both funds and workmen effectively. Finally, **Community Involvement** is subtly suggested by the phrase "every man of his acquaintance," indicating that the priests were expected to leverage their networks to engage skilled laborers and craftsmen, implying a broader communal effort in this vital restoration project, reminiscent of later rebuilding efforts such as those led by [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/3 "Nehemiah 3 - Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Breaches (Hebrew, _bedeq'_):** The Hebrew word בֶּדֶק (*bedeq*) refers to cracks, decay, dilapidation, or structural damage. Its use here emphasizes that the Temple's disrepair was not superficial but involved serious structural integrity issues, requiring substantial repair rather than mere upkeep. This term is also used in [Ezekiel 13:5](/ezekiel/13-5 "Ezekiel 13:5 - Repairing the Breach") to describe gaps in a wall, highlighting the vulnerability created by such damage.
* **Repair (Hebrew, _chazaq'_):** The verb חָזַק (*chazaq*) means to strengthen, make firm, repair, or restore. It implies a robust and thorough renovation, not just a temporary patch. The command is to make the structure sound and secure again, ensuring its longevity and stability. This word often conveys a sense of determination and resolute action, reflecting Joash's earnest desire for the Temple's full restoration.
* **Acquaintance (Hebrew, _madda'_):** The Hebrew word מַדַּע (*madda'*) literally means "knowledge" or "understanding," but in this context, it refers to those known or acquainted with the priests, implying a network of skilled laborers, craftsmen, or reliable individuals. It suggests that the priests were to enlist competent and trustworthy people from their professional or personal connections, ensuring quality work and perhaps even a degree of communal ownership in the project.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let the priests take [it] to them, every man of his acquaintance:"** This clause outlines the initial delegation of authority and responsibility. The "it" refers to the holy money collected in the previous verse ([2 Kings 12:4](/2_kings/12-4 "2 Kings 12:4 - Joash's Initiative for Temple Repair")). King Joash instructs the priests to receive and manage these funds. The phrase "every man of his acquaintance" indicates that the priests were to utilize their personal and professional networks to identify and enlist the necessary skilled workers and resources for the repair project, suggesting a decentralized yet accountable approach.
* **"and let them repair the breaches of the house,"** This is the core command and the central purpose of the initiative. The priests are explicitly tasked with fixing the structural damages and decay ("breaches") that had afflicted the Temple ("the house"). This highlights the dire condition of the sacred edifice and the urgent need for its restoration to a state suitable for divine worship.
* **"wheresoever any breach shall be found."** This final phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the repair work. It implies a thorough inspection of the entire Temple structure and a commitment to address every single area of damage, leaving no part overlooked or neglected. This speaks to a desire for complete and holistic restoration, ensuring the Temple's integrity from top to bottom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. The **Imperative Mood** ("Let the priests take," "let them repair") underscores the authoritative nature of King Joash's command, reflecting his royal prerogative and his earnest desire for the Temple's restoration. The use of **Metonymy** is present, as "the house" stands for the entire Temple complex and its associated functions, not merely the physical building. **Repetition** of the word "breach/breaches" (בֶּדֶק, *bedeq*) emphasizes the pervasive nature of the damage and the comprehensive scope of the required repairs. Furthermore, the physical act of "repairing the breaches" can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing not only the restoration of a physical structure but also the spiritual renewal of the nation and its return to covenant faithfulness after a period of idolatry and neglect.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The directive in 2 Kings 12:5 underscores the profound theological truth that God's dwelling place, whether a physical structure or the spiritual body of believers, demands diligent care and reverence. The Temple's disrepair was not merely an architectural problem but a spiritual symptom of national neglect and apostasy under Athaliah. Joash's initiative signifies a re-prioritization of God's honor and presence, recognizing that a vibrant spiritual life often correlates with a proper respect for the sacred. This commitment to physical restoration for spiritual purposes reflects a broader biblical principle of stewardship over all that God entrusts to humanity, especially that which pertains to His worship and glory.

* [2 Chronicles 24:7](/2_chronicles/24-7 "2 Chronicles 24:7 - Athaliah's Desecration of the Temple") - Athaliah's sons broke into the house of God and used its dedicated things for the Baals, highlighting the extent of the Temple's desecration.
* [Nehemiah 3](/nehemiah/3 "Nehemiah 3 - Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem") - This chapter details the communal effort and organized labor involved in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, mirroring the spirit of shared responsibility seen in Joash's Temple repair.
* [Haggai 1:4](/haggai/1-4 "Haggai 1:4 - Rebuilding God's House") - The prophet Haggai challenges the people for dwelling in paneled houses while God's house lies in ruins, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the restoration of God's sanctuary.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of King Joash's zeal for the Temple's repair serves as a powerful reminder for believers today regarding our stewardship of God's "house," which now encompasses both our local church communities and our individual lives as temples of the Holy Spirit. Just as the physical Temple needed meticulous attention to its "breaches," so too do our spiritual lives and our corporate gatherings require constant vigilance, maintenance, and intentional restoration. We are called to identify areas of neglect, decay, or damage—whether they be in our personal faith, our relationships within the church, or the integrity of our collective witness—and actively work to "repair" them through repentance, renewed commitment to God's Word, fervent prayer, and selfless service. This verse challenges us to move beyond passive observation to active participation, leveraging our gifts, resources, and even our "acquaintances" (networks) for the health and vitality of God's kingdom, ensuring that the place where God is honored and worshipped is kept in good order.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "breaches" or areas of neglect do I observe in my personal spiritual life or in my local church community that need repair and restoration?**
* **How can I, like the priests, proactively take responsibility for stewarding God's resources (time, talents, treasure) to contribute to the health and vitality of His "house" today?**
* **In what ways can I leverage my "acquaintances" or personal networks to bring about positive change and spiritual renewal within my sphere of influence?**
* **What specific, actionable steps can I take this week to participate in the ongoing "repair and renewal" of God's people and His mission in the world?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joash initially give this task to the priests?**

Answer: King Joash entrusted the Temple repair to the priests for several compelling reasons. As the spiritual leaders and custodians of the Temple, they were intimately familiar with its structure, sacred spaces, and the specific needs for its maintenance. They also had direct access to the Temple treasury, where the funds were being collected ([2 Kings 12:4](/2_kings/12-4 "2 Kings 12:4 - Joash's Initiative for Temple Repair")). Furthermore, their position commanded respect and authority, making them suitable overseers for such a significant project. It was customary for priests to manage Temple affairs, including its physical upkeep, and they likely had established networks ("acquaintances") of skilled craftsmen and laborers who could perform the necessary work.

**What does "every man of his acquaintance" imply about the repair process?**

Answer: The phrase "every man of his acquaintance" suggests a decentralized, yet organized, approach to the repair work. It implies that the priests were not to simply hire random laborers but were to draw upon their personal and professional networks to find trustworthy and skilled individuals. This could include craftsmen, masons, carpenters, and other specialists known to them, ensuring that the work was done by competent hands. It also hints at a communal effort, where various individuals known to the priests would contribute their expertise, possibly fostering a greater sense of ownership and dedication to the restoration of God's house.

**Was this initial plan for Temple repair successful?**

Answer: No, the initial plan outlined in [2 Kings 12:5](/2_kings/12-5 "2 Kings 12:5 - Priests to Repair the Temple") was not immediately successful. The narrative reveals a significant delay: "But by the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house" ([2 Kings 12:6](/2_kings/12-6 "2 Kings 12:6 - Priests Fail to Repair")). This prompted King Joash and Jehoiada the priest to revise the method of handling the money. Instead of the priests directly managing the funds and workmen, a new system was implemented where the money was counted, put into bags, and then given directly to the workmen who performed the repairs, under the oversight of the king's scribe and the high priest ([2 Kings 12:9-12](/2_kings/12-9 "2 Kings 12:9 - New System for Temple Repair")). This revised approach proved effective, leading to the successful completion of the Temple repairs ([2 Kings 12:13-16](/2_kings/12-13 "2 Kings 12:13 - Temple Repairs Completed")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical Temple in Jerusalem, with its need for repair and restoration, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ and the spiritual reality He inaugurates. The Temple was God's dwelling place among His people, a concept that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, for in Him "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as Joash sought to repair the "breaches" in the physical structure, Christ came to repair the profound breaches caused by sin in humanity's relationship with God. His cleansing of the Temple ([Matthew 21:12-13](/matthew/21-12 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")) demonstrated His zeal for God's house and foreshadowed His greater work of spiritual purification. More profoundly, Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ became the ultimate Temple, the perfect meeting place between God and humanity, reconciling us to the Father. Furthermore, believers are now understood as "living stones" being built into a "spiritual house" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), and our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")). Thus, the call to "repair the breaches" in 2 Kings 12:5 finds its spiritual echo in the ongoing work of sanctification and the church's mission to build up the body of Christ, addressing spiritual decay and reinforcing truth, all empowered by the one who is the cornerstone of God's eternal dwelling.

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

Isaiah 58:12

And [they that shall be] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

2 Chronicles 24:5

And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened [it] not.

2 Kings 22:5

And let them deliver it into the hand of the doers of the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD: and let them give it to the doers of the work which [is] in the house of the LORD, to repair the breaches of the house,

2 Kings 22:6

Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house.

1 Kings 11:27

And this [was] the cause that he lifted up [his] hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, [and] repaired the breaches of the city of David his father.

2 Kings 12:12

And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair [it].

2 Chronicles 24:7

For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD did they bestow upon Baalim.