2 Kings 22:4

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Go up {H5927} to Hilkiah {H2518} the high {H1419} priest {H3548}, that he may sum {H8552} the silver {H3701} which is brought {H935} into the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, which the keepers {H8104} of the door {H5592} have gathered {H622} of the people {H5971}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Go up to Hilkiyahu the cohen hagadol, and have him total the money that has been brought into the house of ADONAI, which the doorkeepers have collected from the people.

Berean Standard Bible

“Go up to Hilkiah the high priest and have him count the money that has been brought into the house of the LORD, which the doorkeepers have collected from the people.

American Standard Version

Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the money which is brought into the house of Jehovah, which the keepers of the threshold have gathered of the people:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse details King Josiah's directive to Hilkiah the high priest, initiating a crucial phase of Temple restoration. In his eighteenth year as king, Josiah commanded a precise accounting of the silver contributions that had been collected by the Temple gatekeepers from the people. This act underscored Josiah's commitment to righteous governance and the urgent need to repair and purify the "house of the LORD," which had fallen into disrepair and neglect during the reigns of his idolatrous predecessors. It marked a pivotal moment in Judah's spiritual revival, emphasizing diligent stewardship and transparent financial management within sacred service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the outset of King Josiah's significant religious reforms, specifically in the eighteenth year of his reign, as detailed in [2 Kings 22:3](/2_kings/22-3 "2 Kings 22:3 - Josiah's Temple Repair Initiative"). It immediately follows the affirmation of Josiah's righteous character, stating he "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD" ([2 Kings 22:2](/2_kings/22-2 "2 Kings 22:2 - Josiah's Righteous Reign")). The command to Hilkiah to "sum the silver" serves as the foundational step for the extensive Temple repair project described in the subsequent verses ([2 Kings 22:5-7](/2_kings/22-5 "2 Kings 22:5-7 - The Temple Repair Work")). This initial act of financial accountability sets the stage for the dramatic discovery of the Book of the Law, which would further propel Josiah's sweeping reforms and covenant renewal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Josiah's reign followed decades of profound spiritual apostasy under his grandfather Manasseh and father Amon, during which the Temple in Jerusalem had been neglected, defiled, and fallen into disrepair. The "house of the LORD" was not merely a building but the central place of worship, the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The collection of funds for Temple maintenance had historical precedent, as seen in earlier reforms under King Joash ([2 Kings 12:4-16](/2_kings/12-4 "2 Kings 12:4-16 - Joash's Temple Repairs")). The "keepers of the door" were specific Temple officials responsible for guarding the entrances and often for collecting offerings. Josiah's initiative reflects a return to Mosaic covenant principles, where the upkeep of sacred spaces was a communal responsibility and a sign of national devotion.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme emerging from [2 Kings 22:4](/2_kings/22-4 "2 Kings 22:4 - Josiah's Command to Sum the Silver") is **Stewardship and Accountability** in sacred matters. Josiah's directive for a precise accounting of the "silver" highlights the importance of integrity and transparency in managing resources dedicated to God's work. This act is an integral part of the broader theme of **Restoration and Revival** that defines Josiah's reign, as he sought to cleanse and renew the spiritual life of Judah, beginning with the physical restoration of the defiled Temple. Furthermore, the verse underscores the significant **Role of the High Priest**, Hilkiah, as a key figure entrusted not only with ritual duties but also with the financial administration of God's house, emphasizing the multifaceted responsibilities inherent in spiritual leadership.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sum (Hebrew, _yatnu_ - from the root נָתַן, _natan_ "to give" or "to put"; KJV's "sum" is interpretive):** While the KJV translates "sum," the underlying Hebrew verb is from _natan_, meaning "to give," "to put," or "to place." In this context, it carries the sense of bringing forth the silver for an accounting, to "put it in order" or "present it for enumeration." It implies a thorough and transparent process of tallying and preparing the funds for their designated use, rather than a mere casual count. This precise instruction reflects Josiah's commitment to meticulous oversight.
* **Silver (כֶּסֶף, _kesef_):** This term refers to the monetary contributions or currency collected from the people. In ancient Israel, silver often served as a primary medium of exchange, and its collection for the Temple underscores the tangible sacrifice and communal investment made by the people towards the upkeep of God's sanctuary. It represents the accumulated financial resources dedicated to a sacred purpose.
* **Keepers of the door (שֹׁמְרֵי הַסַּף, _shomrei hasaph_):** These were specific Temple officials, Levitical gatekeepers, whose duties included guarding the Temple entrances and, as seen here, collecting offerings from those entering. Their role highlights the structured and organized nature of Temple administration, ensuring that donations were received and secured by designated, trustworthy individuals. Their involvement signifies a recognized and established system for receiving public contributions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Go up to Hilkiah the high priest":** This phrase establishes King Josiah's direct authority and the chain of command. Josiah, as king, initiates the action, and Hilkiah, as the highest religious authority, is the designated recipient of the command. This highlights the collaboration between the monarchy and the priesthood in matters of national spiritual significance. It also underscores Hilkiah's position of trust and responsibility within the Temple hierarchy.
* **"that he may sum the silver":** This is the core directive. The purpose is to conduct a thorough and accurate accounting of the collected funds. The KJV's "sum" conveys the intent of a complete tally and assessment, ensuring that all donations are recognized and prepared for their intended use. This action is a foundational step in financial transparency and responsible stewardship.
* **"which is brought into the house of the LORD":** This clause specifies the origin and destination of the funds. The silver was not for personal gain but was consecrated money, brought by the people as offerings or contributions specifically for the upkeep and service of the Temple. This emphasizes the sacred nature of the funds and their dedication to God's dwelling place.
* **"which the keepers of the door have gathered of the people":** This final clause identifies the agents of collection and the source of the funds. The "keepers of the door" were the Temple officials responsible for receiving these contributions, indicating an established system for donations. The "people" are the source, highlighting the communal participation and support for the Temple's maintenance, even after years of neglect.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Direct Command**, as Josiah issues an explicit instruction to Shaphan to "Go up to Hilkiah." This device immediately establishes the king's authority and the urgency of the task, setting a decisive tone for the impending reforms. Furthermore, there is an element of **Metonymy**, where "silver" stands in for the broader concept of monetary contributions or funds collected for the Temple. This allows for a concise yet comprehensive reference to the financial resources. The precise detailing of the collection process, from the "keepers of the door" to "the people," also serves as a form of **Emphasis** on the accountability and transparency Josiah desires, contrasting sharply with the previous era of neglect and potential mismanagement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse lays a foundational principle of faithful stewardship and accountability within God's economy. It demonstrates that even in the context of sacred service, meticulous attention to financial integrity is paramount. Josiah's command to "sum the silver" is not merely administrative; it reflects a theological conviction that God's resources, consecrated by the people, must be handled with utmost care, transparency, and purpose. This commitment to proper management of physical resources for the upkeep of God's house mirrors the broader call for righteousness and order in the spiritual life of the nation. It underscores that true worship involves not only spiritual devotion but also responsible management of all that God entrusts to us, recognizing that every resource ultimately belongs to Him.

* [1 Chronicles 9:26-27](/1_chronicles/9-26 "1 Chronicles 9:26-27 - Duties of the Temple Gatekeepers")
* [Exodus 30:16](/exodus/30-16 "Exodus 30:16 - The Atonement Money for the Tabernacle")
* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Requirement of Faithfulness in Stewards")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous accounting of the Temple funds by King Josiah offers profound lessons for believers and religious organizations today. It serves as a timeless reminder that integrity, transparency, and diligent stewardship are not peripheral but central to honoring God in all endeavors, especially concerning financial resources dedicated to His work. Just as Josiah prioritized the physical restoration of the Temple as a precursor to spiritual revival, we are called to maintain the "temple of the Holy Spirit" within us and the corporate body of Christ with equal care and intentionality. This involves not only financial prudence but also the responsible management of our time, talents, and spiritual gifts, ensuring that all are used for God's glory and the edification of His kingdom. Our willingness to be accountable and transparent in our stewardship reflects our trust in God and our commitment to His purposes, fostering an environment of confidence and faithfulness within the community of believers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Josiah's emphasis on accounting for the "silver" challenge our modern understanding of financial transparency and integrity within religious institutions?**
* **In what specific ways can you, as an individual, apply the principle of diligent stewardship to the resources (time, talent, treasure) God has entrusted to you?**
* **What does the restoration of the physical Temple signify for the ongoing need for spiritual renewal and maintenance in our personal lives and in the church today?**

### FAQ
**Who was Hilkiah and why was he important in this narrative?**

Answer: Hilkiah was the high priest during King Josiah's reign. He was a central and highly important figure in Josiah's religious reforms. His significance is highlighted immediately after this verse when he discovers the "Book of the Law" (likely a copy of Deuteronomy) in the Temple during the repair work ([2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")). This discovery catalyzed the most extensive spiritual revival and covenant renewal in Judah's history, making Hilkiah instrumental in bringing God's word back to the forefront of national life.

**What was the "silver" collected by the keepers of the door intended for?**

Answer: The "silver" that the keepers of the door had gathered from the people was specifically designated for the extensive repairs and restoration of the "house of the LORD," which had fallen into severe disrepair and neglect. [2 Kings 22:5-6](/2_kings/22-5 "2 Kings 22:5-6 - Purpose of the Collected Funds") clarifies that the money was to be given to the workmen, carpenters, builders, and masons to purchase timber and hewn stone for the Temple's structural and aesthetic renewal. It was a fund dedicated to bringing God's sanctuary back to a state of honor and functionality.

**Does this verse have any relevance for church finances and accountability today?**

Answer: Absolutely. The principles embedded in [2 Kings 22:4](/2_kings/22-4 "2 Kings 22:4 - Josiah's Command to Sum the Silver") are timeless and directly applicable to church finances today. Josiah's command for a precise accounting underscores the critical importance of transparency, integrity, and diligent stewardship in managing funds donated by congregants. It teaches that those entrusted with sacred resources must operate with the highest level of accountability, ensuring that contributions are handled honorably, used for their stated purposes, and clearly reported to foster trust and confidence among the people of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical Temple, whose restoration begins with the accounting of silver in [2 Kings 22:4](/2_kings/22-4 "2 Kings 22:4 - Josiah's Command to Sum the Silver"), ultimately points to a greater reality fulfilled in Jesus Christ. While Josiah sought to restore a physical dwelling place for God's presence, Christ 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. Jesus is the ultimate and perfect Temple, the true dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His cleansing of the Temple in Jerusalem ([Matthew 21:12-13](/matthew/21-12 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")) was not merely a physical act but a prophetic declaration of the spiritual restoration He would bring, purifying worship and establishing a new covenant. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ "summed" up all the requirements of the Law and the offerings, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), thereby making a way for humanity to become living stones in a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, are now the "temple of God" ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")), a new creation built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:22](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - Built into a Holy Temple")). The meticulous accounting of silver for the physical Temple foreshadows the infinite value of the blood of Christ, which purchased the spiritual Temple of His Church, ensuring its eternal perfection and ultimate fulfillment in the New Jerusalem, where there will be no need for a temple, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")).

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 12:4

¶ 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,

1 Chronicles 6:13

And Shallum begat Hilkiah, and Hilkiah begat Azariah,

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 9:11

And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God;

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.

2 Chronicles 24:12

And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the LORD, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 26:13

And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate.