2 Kings 12:6

KJV

But it was [so, that] in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house.

KJV (with Strong's)

But it was so, that in the three {H7969}{H8141} and twentieth {H6242} year {H8141} of king {H4428} Jehoash {H3060} the priests {H3548} had not repaired {H2388} the breaches {H919} of the house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But twenty-three years into the reign of King Y'ho'ash, the cohanim had still not repaired the damaged places in the house.

Berean Standard Bible

By the twenty-third year of the reign of Joash, however, the priests had not yet repaired the damage to the temple.

American Standard Version

But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Twenty-three years into the reign of King Jehoash of Judah, the Jerusalem Temple remained in a state of disrepair, its structural "breaches" unaddressed, despite the king's earlier decree and the availability of dedicated funds. This verse highlights a significant failure on the part of the priests, who were entrusted with the sacred duty of maintaining God's house, revealing a prolonged period of neglect and a serious lapse in their stewardship and commitment to the spiritual and physical well-being of the sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative of King Jehoash's efforts to restore the Temple. It immediately follows his initial decree in [2 Kings 12:4-5](/2-kings/12-4 "2 Kings 12:4-5 - Jehoash's Initial Temple Repair Decree"), where he commanded the priests to collect and use all dedicated money for the repair of the "breaches of the house." The preceding chapters detail Jehoash's miraculous preservation from Athaliah's purge and his ascent to the throne under the tutelage of the high priest Jehoiada ([2 Kings 11](/2-kings/11 "2 Kings 11 - Jehoash's Coronation")). This verse, [2 Kings 12:6](/2-kings/12-6 "2 Kings 12:6 - Priestly Neglect of Temple Repair"), serves as a stark revelation of the priests' inaction over a considerable period, setting the stage for Jehoash's subsequent, more direct, and effective reform of the Temple's financial and repair system, as detailed in [2 Kings 12:7-16](/2-kings/12-7 "2 Kings 12:7-16 - Jehoash's Revised Temple Repair Plan").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jehoash (also known as Joash) reigned from approximately 835-796 BC. He ascended to the throne at the tender age of seven, having been hidden for six years from the murderous purge of his grandmother, Athaliah ([2 Kings 11:1-3](/2-kings/11-1 "2 Kings 11:1-3 - Athaliah's Usurpation and Jehoash's Rescue")). During Athaliah's reign, which was characterized by idolatry and neglect of the Yahwistic cult, the Temple itself suffered significant damage and desecration, possibly even being plundered to support Baal worship ([2 Chronicles 24:7](/2-chronicles/24-7 "2 Chronicles 24:7 - Athaliah's Sons Desecrate the Temple")). The Temple was not merely a building but the central place of worship, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Its dilapidated state was a visible manifestation of spiritual decline and administrative failure. Priests were traditionally responsible for the upkeep of the Temple, funded by various offerings, but the system in place proved ineffective for major repairs.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Kings 12:6](/2-kings/12-6 "2 Kings 12:6 - Priestly Neglect of Temple Repair") powerfully underscores several significant themes. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **neglect of duty and stewardship**. The priests, divinely appointed to care for God's house, failed to execute a clear royal mandate, demonstrating a serious lapse in their responsibility. Secondly, the verse brings to light the importance of **accountability in leadership**. Despite good intentions and a clear directive from the king, the lack of follow-through necessitated a reevaluation of the system and a more direct intervention by Jehoash, illustrating that oversight is crucial, especially in matters of sacred trust. Thirdly, the dilapidated condition of the Temple emphasizes the **sanctity and importance of God's house**. The physical state of the sanctuary often mirrored the spiritual health and priorities of the nation, suggesting a broader spiritual complacency or apathy. Finally, the twenty-three-year delay vividly illustrates the detrimental effects of **procrastination**, particularly when it involves sacred duties and the upkeep of vital institutions, leading to further decay and a more urgent need for intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **breaches (Hebrew, _peretz'_):** The Hebrew word פֶּרֶץ (*peretz*), translated as "breaches," literally means a break, a gap, a rupture, or a breakthrough. In this context, it refers to structural damage, cracks, or ruined sections of the Temple building. It indicates not just minor wear and tear, but significant deterioration that had compromised the integrity of the sacred edifice, likely due to prolonged neglect and possibly the depredations during Athaliah's reign. The plural form, *pir'tsei*, emphasizes the multiple points of damage.
* **repaired (Hebrew, _chazaq'_):** The verb חָזַק (*chazaq*), meaning "to be strong, to strengthen, to repair, to seize," is used here in the sense of making firm or restoring. It implies a substantial effort to mend and reinforce the damaged structure. The priests' failure to *chazaq* the breaches signifies a complete absence of this necessary restorative action, despite the passage of over two decades.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But it was [so, that] in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash":** This opening clause establishes a precise and significant timeline. The "three and twentieth year" marks a considerable period—more than two decades—since Jehoash's initial decree for Temple repair. This extended duration underscores the profound and prolonged nature of the priests' inaction, highlighting the severity of their neglect and the growing urgency of the situation. It implies a systemic failure rather than a temporary oversight.
* **"the priests had not repaired":** This is the core indictment of the verse. It clearly identifies the responsible party—"the priests"—and states their failure to fulfill their divinely ordained and royally commanded duty. The negative "had not repaired" (לֹא חִזְּקוּ, *lo chizzequ*) emphasizes the complete absence of the necessary work, despite their designated role in Temple administration and their access to the dedicated funds. This points to a failure of stewardship, diligence, or perhaps a flawed system of financial management.
* **"the breaches of the house":** This phrase specifies the object of the neglect: the structural damage to the Temple, referred to as "the house" (בַּיִת, *bayit*), God's dwelling place. The "breaches" (פִּרְצֵי, *pir'tsei*) denote the cracks, gaps, and decaying parts of the sacred building. The physical decay of the Temple served as a visible symbol of the spiritual apathy or administrative dysfunction that had taken root among those entrusted with its care.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Irony** by highlighting the failure of the very individuals (the priests) who were divinely appointed and royally commissioned to care for God's house. It is deeply ironic that those closest to the sacred space and responsible for its upkeep were the ones neglecting its physical state. Furthermore, the "breaches of the house" function as **Symbolism**, representing not only the physical decay of the Temple but also potentially a deeper spiritual or administrative breakdown within the priesthood or the nation itself. The physical condition of the sanctuary often mirrored the spiritual health of the people. Finally, there is a clear **Contrast** between the king's initial proactive command to repair the Temple and the priests' twenty-three years of passive inaction, which ultimately necessitated a new, more direct approach from the king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The failure of the priests to repair the Temple in [2 Kings 12:6](/2-kings/12-6 "2 Kings 12:6 - Priestly Neglect of Temple Repair") serves as a profound theological lesson on stewardship, obedience, and the sanctity of God's dwelling. It underscores that spiritual duties are not merely ceremonial but demand diligent practical application, including the care of physical spaces dedicated to worship. The prolonged neglect of the Temple, God's earthly abode, reflects a deeper spiritual malaise—a lack of zeal for God's glory and a failure to prioritize His presence. This narrative implicitly teaches that God holds His appointed leaders and people accountable for the care of what is entrusted to them, whether it be a physical structure or the spiritual well-being of the community. It foreshadows the prophetic critiques against those who prioritize their own comfort over the condition of God's house, emphasizing that true devotion is demonstrated through action.

* [Haggai 1:2-4](/haggai/1-2 "Haggai 1:2-4 - The People's Priorities")
* [Malachi 3:8-10](/malachi/3-8 "Malachi 3:8-10 - Robbing God")
* [1 Corinthians 3:16-17](/1-corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16-17 - Believers as God's Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The twenty-three-year delay in repairing the Temple, as revealed in [2 Kings 12:6](/2-kings/12-6 "2 Kings 12:6 - Priestly Neglect of Temple Repair"), offers a sobering lesson for believers today regarding responsibility, stewardship, and the danger of spiritual procrastination. Just as a physical building requires consistent maintenance, our spiritual lives and communities demand diligent attention and "repair." We must guard against spiritual "breaches"—areas of neglect in our faith, discipline, relationships, or service—that can weaken our walk with God and hinder the flourishing of the church. This passage reminds us that fulfilling our duties, whether in our personal spiritual disciplines, our families, our workplaces, or within the body of Christ, is not optional but essential for genuine faithfulness. Leaders, in particular, are called to be faithful stewards, ensuring that God's work is carried out effectively and that resources are managed with integrity and purpose. When systems fail or individuals neglect their responsibilities, it is imperative to implement new measures, as Jehoash did, to ensure that God's kingdom work progresses. Our zeal for God's "house"—His church and His presence in our lives—should be evident in our proactive care and diligent service, not in prolonged inaction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "breaches" or areas of neglect might exist in my personal spiritual life or within my Christian community today?**
* **Am I diligently fulfilling the responsibilities God has entrusted to me, or am I prone to procrastination in spiritual matters?**
* **How does the physical condition of a church building or the administrative health of a ministry reflect its spiritual vitality?**
* **What steps can I take to address areas of neglect and foster greater diligence in my service to God and others?**

### FAQ
**Why did the priests fail to repair the Temple for so long?**

Answer: The text of [2 Kings 12:6](/2-kings/12-6 "2 Kings 12:6 - Priestly Neglect of Temple Repair") does not explicitly state the reasons for the priests' failure, but several factors can be inferred from the broader narrative and historical context. It's likely a combination of mismanagement of funds, lack of urgency, and perhaps even a degree of corruption or self-interest. Jehoash's initial decree in [2 Kings 12:4-5](/2-kings/12-4 "2 Kings 12:4-5 - Jehoash's Initial Temple Repair Decree") allowed the priests to collect the dedicated money and use it directly for repairs. This system, while seemingly empowering, might have lacked sufficient oversight, leading to funds being diverted or simply not utilized for their intended purpose. The priests may have prioritized their own needs or become complacent, lacking the zeal to undertake the significant task of restoration. The severe damage to the Temple, possibly exacerbated during Athaliah's reign when Baal worship was promoted ([2 Chronicles 24:7](/2-chronicles/24-7 "2 Chronicles 24:7 - Athaliah's Sons Desecrate the Temple")), would have required substantial effort, which the priests seemed unwilling or unable to provide for over two decades. Jehoash's subsequent reform in [2 Kings 12:9-16](/2-kings/12-9 "2 Kings 12:9-16 - Jehoash's New Temple Repair System"), which established a new, more direct system for collecting and managing the repair funds, strongly suggests that the previous priestly administration of these funds was inefficient or corrupt.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of priestly neglect in [2 Kings 12:6](/2-kings/12-6 "2 Kings 12:6 - Priestly Neglect of Temple Repair") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the true and perfect Temple of God. While the physical Temple in Jerusalem suffered from human neglect and decay, Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), referring to the temple of His body ([John 2:21](/john/2-21 "John 2:21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). Unlike the priests who failed to maintain the physical structure, Jesus demonstrated ultimate zeal for God's house, cleansing it of those who defiled it ([John 2:13-17](/john/2-13 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). Furthermore, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated a new covenant, establishing a spiritual Temple not made with human hands. Believers, united with Christ, become living stones in this new spiritual house, a "holy temple in the Lord" ([Ephesians 2:21](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21 - Believers as a Holy Temple")), where God's Spirit dwells ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1-corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). Thus, the "breaches" of sin and spiritual decay that plagued humanity, which the old covenant and its physical Temple could not ultimately repair, are fully and perfectly mended by Christ's atoning work, making us a dwelling place for God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:22](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - A Dwelling Place for 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

1 Peter 5:2

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

2 Chronicles 29:34

But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the [other] priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites [were] more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.

Philippians 2:21

For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

1 Samuel 2:29

Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded [in my] habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?

1 Samuel 2:30

Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed [that] thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

Isaiah 56:10

His watchmen [are] blind: they are all ignorant, they [are] all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

Isaiah 56:12

Come ye, [say they], I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, [and] much more abundant.