TRV
Translation
King James Version
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:
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:
World English Bible Messianic
“Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may sum the money which is brought into the LORD’s house, which the keepers of the threshold have gathered of the people.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Goe vp to Hilkiah the high Priest, that hee may summe the siluer which is brought into the house of the Lord, which the keepers of the doore haue gathered of the people.
Young's Literal Translation
`Go up unto Hilkiah the high priest, and he doth complete the silver that is brought into the house of Jehovah, that the keepers of the threshold have gathered from the people,
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In the KJVVerse 10,150 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Kings 22 verses 1–10
1 ¶ Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.
2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.
3 And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying,
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:
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,
6 Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house.
7 Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully.
8 And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.
9 And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD.
10 And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king.
Concerning Josiah we are here told,
I. That he was very young when he began to reign (Kg2 22:1), only eight years old. Solomon says, Woe unto thee, O land! when thy king is a child; but happy art thou, O land! when thy king is such a child. Our English Israel had once a king that was such a child, Edward VI. Josiah, being young, had not received any bad impressions from the example of his father and grandfather, but soon saw their errors, and God gave his grace to take warning by them. See Eze 18:14, etc.
II. That he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, Kg2 22:2. See the sovereignty of divine grace - the father passed by and left to perish in his sin, the son a chosen vessel. See the triumphs of that grace - Josiah born of a wicked father, no good education nor good example given him, but many about him who no doubt advised him to tread in his father's steps and few that gave him any good counsel, and yet the grace of God made him an eminent saint, cut him off from the wild olive and grafted him into the good olive, Rom 11:24. Nothing is too hard for that grace to do. He walked in a good way, and turned not aside (as some of his predecessors had done who began well) to the right hand nor to the left. There are errors on both hands, but God kept him in the right way; he fell neither into superstition nor profaneness.
III. That he took care for the repair of the temple. This he did in the eighteenth year of his reign, Kg2 22:3. Compare Ch2 34:8. He began much sooner to seek the Lord (as appears, Ch2 34:3), but it is to be feared the work of reformation went slowly on and met with much opposition, so that he could not effect what he desired and designed, till his power was thoroughly confirmed. The consideration of the time we unavoidably lost in our minority should quicken us, when we have come to years, to act with so much the more vigour in the service of God. Having begun late we have need work hard. He sent Shaphan, the secretary of state, to Hilkiah the high priest, to take an account of the money that was collected for this use by the door-keepers (Kg2 22:4); for, it seems, they took much the same way of raising the money that Joash took, Kg2 12:9. When people gave by a little at a time the burden was insensible, and, the contribution being voluntary, it was not complained of. This money, so collected, he ordered him to lay out for the repair of the temple, Kg2 22:5, Kg2 22:6. And now, it seems, the workmen (as in the days of Joash) acquitted themselves so well that there was no reckoning made with them (Kg2 22:7), which is certainly mentioned to the praise of the workmen, that they gained such a reputation for honesty, but whether to the praise of those that employed them I know not; a man should count money (we say) after his own father; it would not have been amiss to have reckoned with the workmen, that others also might be satisfied of their honesty.
IV. That, in repairing the temple, the book of the law was happily found and brought to the king, Kg2 22:8, Kg2 22:10. Some think this book was the autograph, or original manuscript, of the five books of Moses, under his own hand; others think it was only an ancient and authentic copy. Most likely it was that which, by the command of Moses, was laid up in the most holy place, Deu 31:24, etc. 1. It seems, this book of the law was lost or missing. Perhaps it was carelessly mislaid and neglected, thrown by into a corner (as some throw their Bibles), by those that knew not the value of it, and forgotten there; or it was maliciously concealed by some of the idolatrous kings, or their agents, who were restrained by the providence of God or their own consciences from burning and destroying it, but buried it, in hopes it would never see the light again; or, as some think, it was carefully laid up by some of its friends, lest it should fall into the hands of its enemies. Whoever were the instruments of its preservation, we ought to acknowledge the hand of God in it. If this was the only authentic copy of the Pentateuch then in being, which had (as I may say) so narrow a turn for its life and was so near perishing, I wonder the hearts of all good people did not tremble for that sacred treasure, as Eli's for the ark, and I am sure we now have reason to thank God, upon our knees, for that happy providence by which Hilkiah found this book at this time, found it when he sought it not, Isa 65:1. If the holy scriptures had not been of God, they would not have been in being at this day; God's care of the Bible is a plain indication of his interest in it. 2. Whether this was the only authentic copy in being or no, it seems the things contained in it were new both to the king himself and to the high priest; for the king, upon the reading of it, rent his clothes. We have reason to think that neither the command for the king's writing a copy of the law, nor that for the public reading of the law every seventh year (Deu 17:18; Deu 31:10, Deu 31:11), had been observed for a long time; and when the instituted means of keeping up religion are neglected religion itself will soon go to decay. Yet, on the other hand, if the book of the law was lost, it seems difficult to determine what rule Josiah went by in doing that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and how the priests and people kept up the rites of their religion. I am apt to think that the people generally took up with abstracts of the law, like our abridgements of the statutes, which the priests, to save themselves the trouble of writing and the people of reading the book at large, had furnished them with - a sort of ritual, directing them in the observances of their religion, but leaving out what they thought fit, and particularly the promises and threatenings (Lev. 26 and Deu. 28, etc.), for I observe that these were the portions of the law which Josiah was so much affected with (Kg2 22:13), for these were new to him. No summaries, extracts, or collections, out of the Bible (though they may have their use) can be effectual to convey and preserve the knowledge of God and his will like the Bible itself. It was no marvel that the people were so corrupt when the book of the law was such a scarce thing among them; where that vision is not the people perish. Those that endeavoured to debauch them no doubt used all the arts they could to get that book out of their hands. The church of Rome could not keep up the use of images but by forbidding the use of the scripture. 3. It was a great instance of God's favour, and a token for good to Josiah and his people, that the book of the law was thus seasonably brought to light, to direct and quicken that blessed reformation which Josiah had begun. It is a sign that God has mercy in store for a people when he magnifies his law among them and makes that honourable, and furnishes them with means for the increase of scripture-knowledge. The translating of the scriptures into vulgar tongues was the glory, strength, and joy of the Reformation from Popery. It is observable that they were about a good work, repairing the temple, when they found the book of the law. Those that do their duty according to their knowledge shall have their knowledge increased. To him that hath shall be given. The book of the law was an abundant recompence for all their care and cost about the repair of the temple. 4. Hilkiah the priest was exceedingly well pleased with the discovery. "O," says he to Shaphan, "rejoice with me, for I have found the book of the law, heurēka, heurēka, - I have found, I have found, that jewel of inestimable value. Here, carry it to the king; it is the richest jewel of his crown. Read it before him. He walks in the way of David his father, and, if he be like him, he will love the book of the law and bid that welcome; that will be his delight and his counsellor."
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–10. Public domain.
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Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
ON THE SECOND BOOK OF KINGS 22:1
“Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign; and he did what was right in the sight of the Lord” for the thirty-one years in which he reigned. In the eighteenth year from the beginning of his rule, he began to purify Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. In fact, he removed the foreign religions introduced by Manasseh and overturned the sanctuaries and altars. In the same eighteenth year he ordered an expiation of the temple and commanded the priests to make repairs. He brought in workers, gathered stones, materials and other things useful to building and supplied the money for the expected expenses, and in this case he religiously emulated the pious zeal of his great-grandfather Jehoash. And at that time the refurbishment of the temple was not less necessary than it had been before, because for the fifty years in which Manasseh had reigned, it had been neglected or given to profane uses.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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). 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 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 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, 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), 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). His cleansing of the Temple in Jerusalem (Matthew 21:12-13) 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), thereby making a way for humanity to become living stones in a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). Believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, are now the "temple of God" (1 Corinthians 3:16), a new creation built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:22). 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).