2 Kings 22:6

KJV

Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house.

KJV (with Strong's)

Unto carpenters {H2796}, and builders {H1129}, and masons {H1443}, and to buy {H7069} timber {H6086} and hewn {H4274} stone {H68} to repair {H2388} the house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the carpenters, construction-workers and stonemasons - and to purchase timber and worked stone for doing the repairs on the building."

Berean Standard Bible

to the carpenters, builders, and masons—to buy timber and dressed stone to repair the temple.

American Standard Version

unto the carpenters, and to the builders, and to the masons, and for buying timber and hewn stone to repair the house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 22:6 meticulously details the practical allocation of funds collected for the extensive repair of the Lord's Temple during King Josiah's righteous reign. This verse highlights the careful stewardship of resources, specifying that money was designated for skilled laborers—carpenters, builders, and masons—and for the procurement of essential high-quality materials like timber and hewn stone, all aimed at restoring the dilapidated sacred structure in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the pivotal account of King Josiah's eighteenth regnal year, a period marked by profound religious reform. Having begun his reign at a tender age and consistently doing "that which was right in the sight of the LORD" throughout his life ([2 Kings 22:2](/2_kings/22-2 "2 Kings 22:2 - Josiah's Righteous Reign")), Josiah initiates a long-overdue renovation of the Temple. The preceding verses ([2 Kings 22:3-5](/2_kings/22-3-5 "2 Kings 22:3-5 - Temple Repair Initiative")) describe the king's command to Shaphan the scribe to collect the money brought into the Temple and entrust it to Hilkiah the high priest and the overseers of the work. Verse 6 then specifies the exact expenditures, detailing the types of skilled labor and materials required, demonstrating the thoroughness of the project. This practical preparation for the Temple's physical restoration directly precedes the momentous discovery of the Book of the Law ([2 Kings 22:8](/2_kings/22-8 "2 Kings 22:8 - Discovery of the Book of the Law")), which subsequently ignites a widespread spiritual revival throughout Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Josiah reigned over Judah from 640-609 BCE, a tumultuous period following decades of significant spiritual decline and idolatry under his grandfather Manasseh and father Amon. The Temple, once the magnificent center of Yahweh worship, had likely fallen into severe disrepair, neglect, and possibly even defilement due to the introduction of pagan practices. In ancient Near Eastern societies, skilled tradesmen like carpenters, builders, and masons were highly respected and essential for any major construction or renovation project, especially one of the scale and sacred importance of the Temple. The mention of "hewn stone" (as opposed to rough, unworked stone) indicates the use of prepared, high-quality materials, signifying the reverence and investment dedicated to God's dwelling place. This restoration effort was not merely a construction project but a symbolic act of returning to Yahweh and purifying the nation's worship.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is **Restoration and Renewal**, where the physical repair of God's house serves as a tangible precursor and symbol of a deeper spiritual and national renewal. Josiah's diligent efforts to restore the Temple underscore the theme of **Diligent Stewardship**, demonstrating meticulous and responsible management of resources dedicated to sacred work. The detailed allocation of funds to specific tradesmen and materials highlights a profound **Reverence for God's Dwelling**, contrasting sharply with the neglect of previous reigns. Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **The Value of Skilled Labor in God's Service**, acknowledging that diverse professional skills are vital and consecrated when applied to divine purposes. This entire undertaking sets the stage for the dramatic **Spiritual Revival** that follows the discovery of the Law, emphasizing that physical preparation can often precede and facilitate profound spiritual breakthroughs, as seen in the broader narrative of [2 Kings 22](/2_kings/22 "2 Kings 22 - Josiah's Reforms and the Discovery of the Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Carpenters (Hebrew, _chârâsh'_ - H2796):** This term broadly refers to a skilled craftsman or artificer, but in this specific context, it denotes those who work with wood. Their expertise would have been vital for repairing the Temple's wooden beams, doors, and interior elements, which would have suffered from decay and neglect.
* **Masons (Hebrew, _gâdar'_ - H1443):** Derived from a root meaning "to wall in or around," this term refers to those skilled in working with stone, specifically in building or repairing walls. Their role involved shaping and setting the hewn stones to ensure the structural integrity and aesthetic quality of the Temple's stone edifice.
* **Repair (Hebrew, _châzaq'_ - H2388):** This verb, used here in its causative sense, means "to strengthen, mend, or fortify." It implies not just superficial patching but a thorough restoration to a strong and sound condition. The extensive semantic range of _châzaq_ highlights the comprehensive nature of the Temple's renovation, aiming for structural integrity and renewed sacredness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons":** This opening phrase specifies the primary recipients of the Temple funds: skilled laborers. It emphasizes that the work was not to be done haphazardly but by professionals with the necessary expertise in construction and craftsmanship. The inclusion of "builders" (Hebrew: _bonim_) as a general term alongside the more specific "carpenters" and "masons" suggests a comprehensive approach to securing all necessary construction expertise for the sacred project.
* **"and to buy timber and hewn stone":** This clause details the essential materials required for the renovation. "Timber" (Hebrew: _etzim_) would have been used for structural elements, roofing, and interior finishing, while "hewn stone" (Hebrew: _avnei gazit_) signifies the use of precisely cut and prepared stone for walls and foundations, ensuring the longevity and grandeur of the restored structure. This highlights the practical and material investment in the sacred space, emphasizing quality and durability.
* **"to repair the house":** This concluding phrase states the clear and singular purpose of all the allocated funds, labor, and materials: the restoration of "the house," which unequivocally refers to the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. It underscores the ultimate goal of Josiah's initiative—to restore the physical dwelling place of God's presence among His people, reflecting a renewed commitment to proper worship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Enumeration** is prominent, with the explicit listing of "carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone." This detailed listing emphasizes the thoroughness and meticulous planning involved in the Temple repair, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the undertaking. The use of **Merism** is also evident, where the specific categories of skilled labor and materials represent the entirety of what was needed for the construction project. By naming these key components, the text implies the full scope of the work without needing to list every single detail. Furthermore, the phrase "the house" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where a part or attribute stands for the whole; "the house" clearly refers to the Temple, God's dwelling place, thereby imbuing the physical structure with profound theological significance beyond mere architecture.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The practical details of 2 Kings 22:6 transcend mere administrative record-keeping; they reveal profound theological truths about stewardship, reverence, and the nature of sacred work. Josiah's commitment to physically restoring the Temple reflects a deep understanding that the condition of God's dwelling place often mirrors the spiritual health of His people. The meticulous allocation of resources to skilled laborers and quality materials demonstrates a principle of offering God our best—not just in spiritual devotion, but also in the practical management of resources and the application of human skill. This passage implicitly teaches that all honest labor, when directed towards God's purposes, becomes consecrated and valuable in His sight. The physical repair of the Temple was an act of worship, preparing the way for a deeper spiritual encounter.

* [Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30 "Exodus 35:30-35 - Skilled Craftsmen for the Tabernacle")
* [Haggai 1:4-9](/haggai/1-4 "Haggai 1:4-9 - Rebuilding the Temple after Exile")
* [Nehemiah 3:1-32](/nehemiah/3-1 "Nehemiah 3:1-32 - Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Josiah's Temple repair in 2 Kings 22:6 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Just as Josiah prioritized the physical upkeep of the Temple as a reflection of his reverence for God, we are called to be diligent stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, whether financial, material, or skills. This includes caring for our physical places of worship, ensuring they are maintained as spaces conducive to honoring God and fostering community. Beyond physical structures, the verse reminds us that all our labor, regardless of its perceived sacredness, can be consecrated to God. The skills of carpenters, builders, and masons were essential to the Temple's restoration, illustrating that God uses diverse gifts and professions to advance His kingdom. Our daily work, when done with integrity, excellence, and a heart for God, contributes to His purposes. Moreover, this physical act of restoration paved the way for a profound spiritual revival, reminding us that diligence in practical matters can often open doors for deeper spiritual breakthroughs and a renewed commitment to God's Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the physical care and maintenance of our places of worship reflect our reverence for God and our commitment to community?**
* **In what ways can our "secular" skills, professions, and resources be consecrated to God's work and kingdom purposes today?**
* **What "dilapidated areas" in our personal spiritual lives, families, or communities might God be calling us to "repair" or restore with diligence and intentionality?**

### FAQ
**Why was the Temple in such disrepair during Josiah's reign?**

Answer: The Temple's dilapidated state was a direct consequence of decades of spiritual apostasy and neglect under previous kings, particularly Manasseh and Amon. Manasseh, Josiah's grandfather, reigned for 55 years and actively promoted idolatry, even setting up altars to Baal and Asherah poles within the Temple courts ([2 Kings 21:3-7](/2_kings/21-3-7 "2 Kings 21:3-7 - Manasseh's Idolatry")). His son Amon continued these wicked practices ([2 Kings 21:19-22](/2_kings/21-19-22 "2 Kings 21:19-22 - Amon's Idolatry")). During these periods, resources and attention were diverted away from the worship of Yahweh and the maintenance of His house, leading to its physical decay and spiritual defilement. Josiah's repair project was thus a significant step in reversing this long period of national spiritual decline.

**What is the significance of "hewn stone" being specified for the repair?**

Answer: The specification of "hewn stone" (Hebrew: _avnei gazit_) is highly significant. It refers to stones that have been carefully cut, shaped, and dressed, as opposed to rough, unworked stones. This detail indicates a commitment to using high-quality, prepared materials for the Temple's restoration. In ancient construction, hewn stone was more expensive and required skilled labor to produce and lay, signifying the importance, durability, and sacredness of the structure being built or repaired. It reflects Josiah's desire to restore the Temple to its former glory and to honor God with the very best, contrasting with any haphazard or cheap repair.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 22:6 describes the physical restoration of a material temple, it profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and spiritual restoration found in Jesus Christ. The Temple in Jerusalem was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, a physical representation of His covenant faithfulness. Yet, its need for constant repair and eventual destruction pointed to its temporary nature. Jesus, in His ministry, declared Himself to be the true and ultimate Temple, famously stating, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the True Temple")). He was speaking of the temple of His body, which would be destroyed through crucifixion and raised in resurrection, becoming the new and living way to God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")). Furthermore, the New Testament reveals that through Christ, believers themselves become the spiritual temple of God, individually and corporately, indwelt by the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy Spirit"); [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation, a Holy Temple")). Just as skilled laborers were needed to repair the physical Temple, Christ, as the Master Builder ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Builds His Church")), continues to build His church, using the diverse gifts and skills of His people to edify and grow the spiritual house ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11-16 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for the Body of Christ")). Ultimately, the need for any earthly temple will cease in the New Jerusalem, where God and the Lamb are its temple, signifying the complete and eternal presence of God with His redeemed people ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - God and the Lamb are the Temple")).

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.