2 Kings 22:5

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

And let them deliver {H5414} it into the hand {H3027} of the doers {H6213} of the work {H4399}, that have the oversight {H6485} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}: and let them give {H5414} it to the doers {H6213} of the work {H4399} which is in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, to repair {H2388} the breaches {H919} of the house {H1004},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then have them give it to the supervisors of the work being done in the house of ADONAI; they in turn are to use it to pay the laborers in the house of ADONAI to repair damaged places in the building -

Berean Standard Bible

And let them deliver it into the hands of the supervisors of those doing the work on the house of the LORD, who in turn are to give it to the workmen repairing the damages to the house of the LORD—

American Standard Version

and let them deliver it into the hand of the workmen that have the oversight of the house of Jehovah; and let them give it to the workmen that are in the house of Jehovah, to repair the breaches of the house,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 22:5 details King Josiah’s meticulous instructions for the distribution of funds collected for the repair of the dilapidated Temple in Jerusalem. It specifies that the money is to be entrusted to the skilled laborers and their supervisors, who are charged with overseeing and executing the necessary renovations to restore the house of the LORD from its state of disrepair. This verse highlights Josiah's commitment to organized and accountable stewardship in his sweeping spiritual reforms, ensuring that resources are directly applied to the physical restoration of the central place of worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in the account of King Josiah's reign, specifically in his eighteenth year. The narrative immediately preceding it (2 Kings 22:3-4) describes Josiah's command to Hilkiah the high priest to collect the money gathered from the people for the Temple's repair. Verse 5 then outlines the next crucial step: the proper allocation and distribution of these funds to the workers and their overseers. This initiative sets the stage for the dramatic discovery of the Book of the Law in the subsequent verses [2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law"), which further propels Josiah's comprehensive spiritual reforms and national repentance, demonstrating that the physical restoration of the Temple was a precursor to, and catalyst for, deeper spiritual renewal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Josiah's reign (640-609 BC) followed decades of profound spiritual apostasy under his grandfather Manasseh and father Amon, during which idolatry flourished and the Temple of the LORD was neglected and likely desecrated. The Temple, as the dwelling place of God's presence and the center of Israelite worship, had fallen into severe disrepair, symbolizing the nation's spiritual decay. Culturally, the collection of funds for Temple maintenance was a recognized practice, often involving voluntary contributions. Josiah's initiative to repair the "breaches" (dilapidated sections) of the Temple was not merely an architectural project but a profound statement of his commitment to restoring pure Yahwistic worship, taking advantage of the weakening Assyrian Empire's grip on Judah to implement radical religious reforms.
* **Key Themes:** The verse strongly emphasizes themes of **diligent stewardship** and **accountability**, as funds collected for a sacred purpose are carefully managed and entrusted to responsible parties. It highlights the importance of **dedicated service** and **practical action** in God's work, underscoring that spiritual revival often manifests in tangible efforts to restore what is broken. The physical repair of the Temple is a powerful symbol of **restoration and renewal**, reflecting Josiah’s fervent desire to turn Judah back to the Lord and re-establish the covenant relationship, a theme echoed in other calls for national repentance and rebuilding, such as in [Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls](/nehemiah/3 "Nehemiah 3 - Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem"). This commitment to the house of God also foreshadows the later prophetic calls to prioritize God's dwelling place, as seen in [Haggai's rebuke to those who neglect the Temple](/haggai/1 "Haggai 1 - Rebuke for Neglecting the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **doers of the work (Hebrew, _‘oseh hammela’kah'_):** This phrase literally means "those who perform the labor" or "makers of the work." It refers to the skilled craftsmen, masons, carpenters, and other laborers directly involved in the physical renovation of the Temple. The emphasis is on active, practical engagement and the necessity of skilled hands for the sacred task.
* **oversight (Hebrew, _pəquddah'_ from the root _paqad_):** While the KJV translates "that have the oversight," the underlying Hebrew (often related to the verb _paqad_, meaning "to visit, appoint, muster, oversee") implies those who are appointed, entrusted, or have been given charge or supervision. These are the foremen, supervisors, or managers responsible for directing the work, ensuring quality, and managing the laborers and resources effectively. This term highlights the structured and accountable nature of the project.
* **breaches (Hebrew, _bedeq'_):** This word refers to cracks, gaps, damage, or defects in a structure. It vividly describes the dilapidated and crumbling state of the Temple walls, foundations, and possibly its roof and internal structures. The use of this term underscores the extensive and urgent nature of the repairs needed, indicating neglect and decay over a prolonged period.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And let them deliver it into the hand of the doers of the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD:":** This clause specifies the initial transfer of the collected funds. "Them" refers to Hilkiah the high priest and the Temple scribes (Shaphan, in 2 Kings 22:4). The money is not to be kept by the priests but is to be given directly to those who will manage and execute the repairs. This highlights a system of accountability and trust, where funds are channeled to the appropriate personnel responsible for the project's success. The "doers of the work, that have the oversight" are the skilled artisans and their supervisors, indicating a clear chain of command and responsibility.
* **"and let them give it to the doers of the work which [is] in the house of the LORD,":** This phrase reiterates and perhaps further clarifies the recipients of the funds. It emphasizes that the money is for those actively engaged in the physical labor *within* the Temple itself. This repetition underscores the direct application of resources to the hands-on work, ensuring that the funds are used precisely for their intended purpose: the physical restoration of God's dwelling place.
* **"to repair the breaches of the house,":** This final clause explicitly states the objective of the entire operation. The funds are designated specifically for addressing the structural damage, decay, and neglect that the Temple had suffered. This purpose-driven allocation of resources underscores Josiah's commitment to not just collecting money, but to seeing the actual, tangible restoration of the Temple completed. The "breaches" symbolize the spiritual decay of the nation, making the physical repair a powerful metaphor for spiritual renewal.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Repetition** of the phrase "doers of the work" emphasizes the crucial role of the laborers and the hands-on nature of the restoration project, highlighting their active participation. The description of the Temple's "breaches" serves as potent **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of decay and neglect, which then contrasts with the king's proactive steps towards repair. This physical decay also functions as **Symbolism**, representing the spiritual and moral "breaches" within the nation of Judah due to generations of idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. The entire account of the Temple repair, initiated by Josiah, can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the physical restoration of the building stands for the broader spiritual and covenantal renewal Josiah seeks to bring about in Judah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous instructions for the Temple repair in 2 Kings 22:5 underscore profound theological principles relevant to all generations. It highlights the importance of **diligent stewardship** of resources, particularly those dedicated to God's work. The careful handling and accountable distribution of funds demonstrate that sacred tasks require integrity, organization, and trust. Furthermore, the emphasis on "doers of the work" signifies the value of practical, skilled labor and dedicated service in advancing God's purposes. The physical restoration of the Temple serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual renewal, illustrating that genuine repentance and a return to God often involve tangible actions to restore what has been broken, whether in our places of worship, our communities, or our personal lives. This passage reminds us that God values both the generous giving and the faithful, hard work that brings His kingdom to fruition.

* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Faithfulness in Stewardship")
* [Nehemiah 3:1-32](/nehemiah/3 "Nehemiah 3 - Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem")
* [Haggai 1:4-9](/haggai/1-4 "Haggai 1:4-9 - Rebuilding the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Josiah's Temple repair, particularly the diligent management of resources and the emphasis on the "doers of the work," offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers and the Church. It challenges us to consider our own stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us—be it finances, time, talents, or spiritual gifts. Are we ensuring that these resources are channeled effectively and accountably for the purposes of God's kingdom? Just as the physical Temple needed repair, our spiritual lives, our church communities, and even our physical church buildings can develop "breaches" of neglect, complacency, or disrepair. This verse calls us to proactive engagement in spiritual and practical restoration, valuing every person who contributes to the work, from those who give sacrificially to those who serve with their hands and skills. It encourages a collective commitment to maintaining the integrity and vitality of God's "house," whether that is our local assembly or the spiritual dwelling place within each believer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or our church community might there be "breaches" that require diligent attention and repair?**
* **How can I better practice diligent stewardship of the resources (time, talent, treasure) God has entrusted to me for His purposes?**
* **How do we, as a church, ensure accountability and effective deployment of resources for ministry and mission?**
* **How can we better recognize and affirm the "doers of the work"—those who faithfully serve in practical, often unseen, ways within our spiritual communities?**

### FAQ

**What was the state of the Temple before Josiah's reforms?**

Answer: Before Josiah's reforms, the Temple was in a severe state of disrepair and neglect, characterized by "breaches" or structural damage. This was largely a consequence of the idolatrous reigns of his predecessors, particularly Manasseh and Amon, who either actively promoted pagan worship within the Temple precincts or allowed it to fall into ruin. The physical decay symbolized the spiritual apostasy of the nation, which had turned away from the worship of Yahweh.

**Who were the "doers of the work" and "those with oversight" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "doers of the work" were the skilled craftsmen and laborers—masons, carpenters, and builders—who were directly engaged in the physical renovation and repair of the Temple. "Those with oversight" refers to the foremen, supervisors, or managers who were appointed to oversee the entire project, ensuring the quality of the work, managing the laborers, and accounting for the funds. This system ensured an organized and accountable approach to the sacred task of restoration.

**Why was the Temple repair so important to King Josiah?**

Answer: The Temple repair was profoundly important to King Josiah because it was a foundational step in his comprehensive program of spiritual reform and national renewal. For Josiah, restoring the physical dwelling place of the LORD was a tangible expression of his fervent desire to turn Judah back to covenant faithfulness with Yahweh and eradicate the idolatry that had plagued the land. It was not merely a construction project but a symbolic act of repentance and a commitment to re-establishing proper worship, which then paved the way for the discovery of the Book of the Law and an even deeper national revival, as detailed in [2 Kings 23](/2_kings/23 "2 Kings 23 - Josiah's Reforms").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 22:5 details the physical repair of a literal building, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate work of Christ in spiritual restoration. The dilapidated Temple, in need of urgent repair, symbolizes humanity's brokenness and separation from God due to sin. Just as Josiah initiated the restoration of God's house, Jesus Christ came to be the ultimate restorer, not of a stone building, but of humanity's relationship with God. He declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple"). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ became the true and living Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God, and the means by which all "breaches" between God and humanity are repaired. Furthermore, Christ is the supreme "doer of the work" and "one with oversight," diligently building His Church, which is now the spiritual Temple composed of living stones [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones"). He is the foundation and cornerstone [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone"), actively working through His Spirit to equip His people for ministry, ensuring that His house is continually built up and made fit for God's dwelling. The physical restoration under Josiah points to the far grander spiritual restoration accomplished by Christ, establishing a new covenant and a new community of worshipers who are themselves the dwelling place of God's Spirit.

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 12:11

And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD,

2 Kings 12:14

But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD.

2 Kings 12:5

Let the priests take [it] to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.

Ezra 3:7

They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

2 Chronicles 24:7

For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD did they bestow upon Baalim.

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.

2 Chronicles 24:13

So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.