2 Kings 12:9

KJV

But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money [that was] brought into the house of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Jehoiada {H3077} the priest {H3548} took {H3947} a {H259} chest {H727}, and bored {H5344} a hole {H2356} in the lid {H1817} of it, and set {H5414} it beside {H681} the altar {H4196}, on the right side {H3225} as one {H376} cometh {H935} into the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}: and the priests {H3548} that kept {H8104} the door {H5592} put {H5414} therein all the money {H3701} that was brought {H935} into the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Y'hoyada the cohen took a chest, drilled a hole in its lid and set it by the altar, on the right, as one enters the house of ADONAI; and the cohanim in charge of the entry put in it all the money brought into the house of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jehoiada the priest took a chest, bored a hole in its lid, and set it beside the altar on the right side as one enters the house of the LORD. There the priests who guarded the threshold put all the money brought into the house of the LORD.

American Standard Version

But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of Jehovah: and the priests that kept the threshold put therein all the money that was brought into the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jehoiada the priest, a pivotal figure in the early reign of King Joash, ingeniously devised a new and transparent system for collecting funds to repair the dilapidated Temple in Jerusalem. This verse details the creation and placement of a specially modified chest, positioned prominently beside the altar, into which all contributions for the "house of the LORD" were to be deposited by the priests guarding the entrance. This innovative measure addressed the previous ineffective collection methods, ensuring the necessary resources were gathered efficiently and accountably for the sacred restoration project.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of King Joash's reign, specifically detailing the practical implementation of his decree to repair the Temple. Following the dramatic account of Joash's rescue and enthronement by Jehoiada in [2 Kings 11](/2_kings/11 "2 Kings 11 - Joash's Enthronement"), chapter 12 focuses on Joash's initial efforts to restore the Temple. Verses [2 Kings 12:4-5](/2_kings/12-4 "2 Kings 12:4-5 - Joash's Initial Command for Temple Repairs") reveal Joash's command for the priests to collect money for repairs, but [2 Kings 12:6-8](/2_kings/12-6 "2 Kings 12:6-8 - Failure of the Initial Collection System") highlight the failure of this initial system. Jehoiada's action in [2 Kings 12:9](/2_kings/12-9 "2 Kings 12:9 - Jehoiada's New Collection System") thus serves as a critical turning point, introducing a pragmatic and successful solution that directly leads to the Temple's restoration as described in subsequent verses like [2 Kings 12:11-14](/2_kings/12-11 "2 Kings 12:11-14 - Temple Repairs Underway"). This demonstrates Jehoiada's continued wise leadership and administrative acumen in supporting the young king and the nation's spiritual life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites, had suffered significant neglect and desecration during the tumultuous reign of Athaliah, Joash's grandmother (recounted in [2 Kings 11](/2_kings/11 "2 Kings 11 - Athaliah's Reign and Downfall")). As a result, its physical structure was in disrepair, symbolizing a broader spiritual decline. The act of repairing the Temple was not merely a construction project but a profound act of national and spiritual renewal, signifying a return to covenant faithfulness under the guidance of Jehoiada. The placement of the chest "beside the altar" was significant, as the altar was the focal point of sacrifice and worship, emphasizing the sacred purpose of the contributions. The "priests that kept the door" were Levites responsible for maintaining order and security at the Temple gates, making them ideal, trusted custodians for the collection process, ensuring both security and transparency in a culture where public trust was paramount for sacred endeavors.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Kings and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **stewardship and accountability**, as Jehoiada's innovative system was designed to ensure that funds for sacred purposes were collected and managed with integrity. The public nature of the collection and the involvement of trusted priests fostered **transparency in giving**, building confidence among the people that their contributions would be used appropriately for the "house of the LORD," a concept deeply rooted in the importance of the Temple as God's dwelling place among His people (e.g., [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Solomon's Dedication of the Temple")). Secondly, it highlights the vital role of **community support for sacred institutions**, demonstrating the people's willingness to contribute generously when a clear, trustworthy mechanism was in place, reflecting a renewed commitment to their faith and national identity. Finally, the narrative emphasizes the interplay between **divine providence and human ingenuity**, showing how God works through the practical wisdom and administrative skill of individuals like Jehoiada to accomplish His purposes, ensuring that the physical and spiritual infrastructure for worship is maintained.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chest (Hebrew, _'aron'_):** This term refers to a box or coffer, distinct from the Ark of the Covenant (which is also _'aron'_ but with specific qualifiers). Here, it denotes a practical, wooden container. Jehoiada's modification—boring a hole in the lid—transformed a simple box into a secure collection device, preventing direct access to the contents while allowing donations to be deposited. This highlights the pragmatic and innovative spirit behind the Temple's restoration efforts.
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbeach'_):** The altar was the central feature of the Temple courtyard, where sacrifices were offered. Placing the collection chest "beside the altar" was a deliberate choice. It signified that the funds were directly associated with worship and the sacred acts performed before God. This proximity would have imbued the act of giving with spiritual significance, reminding donors of the holy purpose of their contributions and the sanctity of the Temple itself.
* **House of the LORD (Hebrew, _bayit Yahweh'_):** This phrase consistently refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. Its repeated use in the verse emphasizes the sacred nature of the building as God's dwelling place among His people. The Temple was not merely a structure but the symbolic center of Israel's covenant relationship with God, making its repair and maintenance a matter of utmost spiritual importance and national priority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it,"**: This opening clause immediately highlights Jehoiada's initiative and practical problem-solving. The phrase "bored a hole in the lid" describes the specific, ingenious modification that made the chest suitable for anonymous and secure deposits, preventing theft or tampering with the funds once deposited.
* **"and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the LORD:"**: This specifies the strategic placement of the chest. "Beside the altar" links the collection directly to worship and sacrifice, underscoring the sacred purpose of the funds. The precise location, "on the right side as one cometh into the house of the LORD," indicates a prominent and accessible position, ensuring that all who entered the Temple could easily contribute, promoting transparency and public participation.
* **"and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money [that was] brought into the house of the LORD."**: This final clause describes the collection mechanism itself. The "priests that kept the door" (likely Levites serving as gatekeepers or custodians) were entrusted with the responsibility of receiving the money from the people and depositing it into the chest. This system ensured that the collection was managed by trusted, authorized individuals, further enhancing the integrity and accountability of the process.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "chest" representing not merely a container but a new era of transparent and accountable financial management for sacred purposes. Its placement "beside the altar" **symbolizes** the direct connection between giving and worship, elevating the act of contribution to a spiritual offering. The "house of the LORD" itself is a powerful **symbol** of God's presence and the spiritual health of the nation. The narrative also exhibits **Narrative Progression**, swiftly moving from the problem of Temple disrepair and an ineffective system (2 Kings 12:6-8) to Jehoiada's decisive and practical solution in this verse, setting the stage for the successful restoration that follows. This shift highlights Jehoiada's proactive leadership and the pragmatic nature of the divine work being accomplished through human wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This account of Jehoiada's innovative collection system for Temple repairs underscores profound theological principles regarding stewardship, integrity, and communal responsibility in supporting God's work. It teaches that while God's provision is ultimate, He often works through human wisdom, organization, and faithful administration. The emphasis on transparency and accountability in handling sacred funds reflects God's character of order and righteousness, demanding that His resources be managed with the utmost integrity. This historical event serves as a foundational example of how God's people are called to contribute willingly and how leaders are responsible for establishing trustworthy systems for the advancement of His kingdom. The physical restoration of the Temple was a tangible expression of spiritual renewal and a re-commitment to God's covenant.

* [2 Chronicles 24:8-11](/2_chronicles/24-8 "Parallel Account of Jehoiada's Chest")
* [Exodus 35:4-9](/exodus/35-4 "Offerings for the Tabernacle Construction")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Bringing Tithes into the Storehouse")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Jehoiada's chest offers enduring lessons for believers and communities today. It challenges us to consider our approach to financial stewardship, both personally and corporately. Just as Jehoiada sought to ensure transparency and accountability in the Temple's finances, so too are we called to manage resources—whether our personal finances, church funds, or charitable contributions—with integrity and openness. This narrative encourages proactive problem-solving, reminding us that when initial methods fail, wisdom dictates seeking new, more effective solutions for advancing God's purposes. It also highlights the importance of communal participation; the Temple's restoration was a collective effort, demonstrating that the health and mission of God's "house" (the church today) depend on the faithful contributions and support of all its members. Ultimately, it reinforces the principle that our giving is an act of worship, a tangible expression of our commitment to God and His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of transparency in Jehoiada's system apply to financial management in modern churches or ministries?**
* **What challenges might arise when implementing transparent financial practices, and how can they be overcome?**
* **In what ways can individuals and communities proactively identify and address "disrepair" (spiritual, physical, or relational) in their own "houses of the LORD" today?**
* **How does our personal giving reflect our understanding of God's ownership and our role as stewards of His resources?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jehoiada's new system necessary, given that King Joash had already commanded collection for Temple repairs?**

Answer: Jehoiada's innovative system became necessary because the king's initial command, detailed in [2 Kings 12:4-5](/2_kings/12-4 "Joash's Initial Command"), proved ineffective. [2 Kings 12:6-8](/2_kings/12-6 "Failure of the Initial Collection System") reveals that after 23 years of Joash's reign, the priests still had not repaired the Temple. The previous method likely involved the priests collecting money directly from the people and then managing it themselves, which either lacked sufficient transparency, motivation, or a clear mechanism for direct application to the repairs. Jehoiada's chest provided a public, direct, and secure way for contributions to be received and designated specifically for the Temple work, bypassing any potential bottlenecks or mismanagements of the previous system and restoring public trust.

**What was the significance of placing the chest "beside the altar" and having "priests that kept the door" manage the collection?**

Answer: The placement of the chest "beside the altar" was highly symbolic, connecting the act of giving directly to worship and the sacred space of the Temple. The altar was where sacrifices were offered, representing the people's devotion to God. By placing the chest there, contributions were elevated from mere transactions to sacred offerings. Entrusting the collection to the "priests that kept the door" (likely Levites responsible for the Temple's security and order) ensured integrity and accountability. These individuals were known and trusted figures within the Temple administration, providing a layer of oversight that fostered confidence among the donors and ensured the funds were securely deposited for their intended holy purpose. This system underscored the sacred nature of the funds and the importance of trustworthy stewardship in God's house.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The restoration of the physical Temple in Joash's day, facilitated by Jehoiada's ingenious system, points forward to the ultimate and spiritual restoration accomplished by Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament Temple was a dwelling place for God's presence, Jesus declared Himself to be the true Temple, stating, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "Jesus, the True Temple")" (referring to His body, as explained in [John 2:21](/john/2-21 "Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ not only repaired a physical structure but inaugurated a new spiritual reality where God dwells not in buildings made with hands, but in His people, the church, which is "[built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "The Church as God's Dwelling Place")" ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "The Church as God's Dwelling Place")). The contributions to the Temple in 2 Kings 12 foreshadow the spiritual resources—our lives, gifts, and material possessions—that believers are called to offer for the building up of this new, living Temple, the body of Christ ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Believers as Living Stones")). Just as Jehoiada ensured the physical house of the LORD was maintained, Christ, as our great High Priest, continually builds and sustains His spiritual house, calling His followers to faithful stewardship and transparent living for the glory of God and the advancement of His eternal kingdom.

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

Mark 12:41

¶ And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

Jeremiah 35:4

And I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan, the son of Igdaliah, a man of God, which [was] by the chamber of the princes, which [was] above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the door:

Psalms 84:10

For a day in thy courts [is] better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

1 Chronicles 15:24

And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah [were] doorkeepers for the ark.

Luke 21:1

¶ And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

2 Kings 23:4

¶ And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven: and he burned them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Bethel.

2 Chronicles 24:8

And at the king's commandment they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of the LORD.