2 Kings 22:4

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:

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}:

"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.

โ€œGo 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.

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

Context

King Josiah, who began his reign at a young age, was known for doing "that which was right in the sight of the LORD" (2 Kings 22:2). This verse marks a crucial moment early in his reign, specifically in his eighteenth year, when he initiated significant religious reforms. The Temple, "the house of the LORD," had fallen into disrepair during the reigns of his idolatrous predecessors, Manasseh and Amon. Josiah dispatched Shaphan, the scribe, to Hilkiah the high priest. The purpose was to take an account of the money that had been collected by the Temple gatekeepers from the people, designated for the much-needed repairs and restoration of God's house. This act highlights the beginning of Josiah's commitment to restoring proper worship and order in Judah.

Key Themes

  • Stewardship and Accountability: The primary theme is the careful accounting and management of sacred funds. Josiah's directive emphasizes transparency and integrity in handling the donations "gathered of the people" for a holy purpose. This sets a precedent for responsible financial oversight in religious institutions.
  • Restoration and Revival: This verse is part of the broader narrative of Josiah's efforts to cleanse and restore the Temple, which had been defiled and neglected. The collection and accounting of funds were essential steps in this process of spiritual revival and physical restoration.
  • The Role of the High Priest: Hilkiah, as the high priest, was entrusted with significant responsibility not only for ritual matters but also for the financial administration of the Temple, underscoring the multifaceted duties of religious leadership.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sum the silver" (Hebrew: ืœึธืชึตืช ืึถืชึพื”ึทื›ึถึผืกึถืฃ, latet et-hakesef, literally "to give the silver" or "to put the silver") implies an act of bringing forth, presenting, and accounting for the money. It's not just about counting but about acknowledging and allocating the funds for their intended purpose. The KJV's "sum" accurately captures the intent of taking a full account. This careful enumeration ensured that all contributions were recognized and properly directed towards the Temple's restoration.

Practical Application

The principles evident in 2 Kings 22:4 remain highly relevant today.

  • Transparency in Giving: It underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in how churches and religious organizations manage funds donated by their members. Donors should have confidence that their contributions are handled with integrity and used for their stated purposes.
  • Diligent Stewardship: This verse reminds us of the importance of diligent stewardship, not just of financial resources but of all the gifts and responsibilities God entrusts to us. Just as Josiah sought to restore the physical Temple, believers are called to maintain the "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19) through faithful living and service.
  • Prioritizing God's Work: Josiah's immediate attention to the Temple's repair highlights the priority of maintaining and supporting the places and means of worship and ministry. This serves as a timeless reminder for communities of faith to invest in the infrastructure and operations that facilitate spiritual growth and outreach.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 12:4

    ยถ 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.
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