2 Kings 22:7

KJV

Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully.

KJV (with Strong's)

Howbeit there was no reckoning made {H2803} with them of the money {H3701} that was delivered {H5414} into their hand {H3027}, because they dealt {H6213} faithfully {H530}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, they did not require an accounting from the supervisors given the money to spend, because they dealt honestly.

Berean Standard Bible

But they need not account for the money put into their hands, since they work with integrity.”

American Standard Version

Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand; for they dealt faithfully.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 22:7 describes a remarkable demonstration of integrity and trust during King Josiah's reign, specifically concerning the funds collected for the repair of the temple in Jerusalem. The verse highlights that the supervisors entrusted with these funds were not required to give a detailed account of the money because their unwavering faithfulness and honesty in handling the resources were so evident and universally acknowledged. This stands as a testament to the high value placed on character and integrity in the execution of sacred duties.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Josiah's righteous reign, specifically his initiation of extensive reforms and the restoration of the neglected temple of the Lord. The preceding verses (2 Kings 22:3-6) detail Josiah's command to Hilkiah the high priest to gather money from the people and deliver it to the supervisors overseeing the workmen—carpenters, builders, and masons—for the temple's renovation. Verse 7 serves as a crucial parenthetical statement, explaining *why* the usual financial oversight was deemed unnecessary for these particular individuals. It emphasizes the moral character of those involved in the sacred work, setting the stage for the discovery of the Book of the Law later in the chapter, which further fuels Josiah's reform efforts. The integrity shown in this verse underscores the spiritual renewal beginning to take root under Josiah's leadership, contrasting sharply with the corruption and idolatry of previous reigns.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah reigned from 640-609 BC, a period marked by significant political shifts as the Assyrian Empire declined. Judah had previously suffered under idolatrous kings like Manasseh and Amon, leading to the severe neglect and defilement of the temple. Josiah's reforms were a radical departure, aiming to restore pure worship of Yahweh. In the ancient Near East, financial transactions, especially for large public works, typically involved meticulous accounting to prevent corruption and ensure proper use of resources. The fact that "no reckoning was made" is therefore highly significant, indicating an extraordinary level of trust. This trust was not merely a casual oversight but a deliberate decision based on observed character, reflecting a societal value placed on faithfulness, particularly in matters pertaining to the divine. The temple was the spiritual and often economic heart of the nation, and its repair was a monumental undertaking requiring both significant resources and trustworthy individuals.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme underscored by 2 Kings 22:7 is **trust and integrity**. The verse vividly illustrates how a reputation for unwavering honesty can supersede conventional oversight, demonstrating that character can be more valuable than strict bureaucratic controls. This flows directly into the theme of **faithful stewardship**, as the supervisors were entrusted with sacred funds for a sacred purpose, exemplifying responsible and diligent handling of resources—a principle echoed throughout Scripture, as seen in [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Requirements of Stewards"). Furthermore, the verse highlights the **value of character**; the workers' moral uprightness and reliability spoke for themselves, fostering an environment of mutual confidence and respect. This emphasis on internal moral quality over external accountability mechanisms points to a deeper spiritual principle: that true service to God is rooted in a heart of integrity, a concept foundational to the wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 11:3](/proverbs/11-3 "Proverbs 11:3 - Integrity Guides the Upright"). The narrative subtly suggests that spiritual revival (as seen in Josiah's reign) often begins with a restoration of basic integrity and faithfulness among God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reckoning (Hebrew, _cheshbon'_):** This word, derived from the root meaning "to calculate" or "to account," refers to a detailed financial audit or an itemized statement of expenses and receipts. Its absence here is highly significant, indicating that the usual meticulous accounting procedures were intentionally waived. This waiver was not due to negligence but to an extraordinary level of confidence in the integrity of the individuals handling the funds.
* **Dealt faithfully (Hebrew, _'emunah'_):** This noun signifies steadfastness, reliability, truthfulness, and trustworthiness. It is closely related to the verb _'aman_ (from which "amen" is derived), meaning "to be firm," "to be reliable," or "to confirm." In this context, _'emunah_ describes not merely an action but an inherent, consistent character trait of being reliable and true. It implies that their conduct was consistently upright, inspiring complete confidence in their handling of the sacred funds. Their faithfulness was a proven, observable quality, not just an assumption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand,"**: This clause states the unusual circumstance: the customary financial audit or detailed accounting was omitted. The phrase "delivered into their hand" emphasizes the direct entrustment of significant funds to these individuals. The omission of a reckoning underscores the exceptional nature of the trust placed in them, deviating from standard procedures typically employed to prevent fraud or mismanagement.
* **"because they dealt faithfully."**: This second clause provides the crucial justification for the first. The reason for waiving the reckoning was the proven and consistent faithfulness of the individuals. Their integrity was so well-established and evident that external oversight was deemed unnecessary. This highlights that their character, rather than strict bureaucratic control, was the ultimate guarantee of proper stewardship. It speaks to a deep level of confidence earned through consistent, honest behavior.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Contrast** and **Emphasis**. There is a clear contrast drawn between the expected practice of financial reckoning and its deliberate absence in this particular situation. This contrast serves to **emphasize** the extraordinary integrity of the temple workers. The phrase "because they dealt faithfully" acts as a powerful explanatory clause, highlighting that their character was the sole and sufficient reason for this deviation from standard procedure. This also contributes to the **Characterization** of these individuals as highly trustworthy and morally upright, setting them apart as exemplary figures within the narrative of temple restoration. The simplicity and directness of the statement further underscore the profound truth it conveys about the value of integrity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The principle embedded in 2 Kings 22:7 transcends a simple financial transaction; it speaks to a profound theological truth about the nature of trust, both human and divine. God consistently seeks faithfulness in His servants, valuing integrity of heart above mere outward compliance or performance. The absence of a "reckoning" here is a testament to the workers' internal moral compass, which aligned with God's desire for righteousness. This demonstrates that true stewardship is not merely about managing resources but about cultivating a character that reflects God's own trustworthiness. It reminds us that our actions, when consistently rooted in integrity, can build profound confidence and streamline the work of God's kingdom, reducing the need for burdensome oversight. This principle finds echoes throughout Scripture, emphasizing that God's people are called to be reliable and true in all their dealings, knowing that He sees the heart.

* [Proverbs 28:20](/proverbs/28-20 "Proverbs 28:20 - A Faithful Person Will Be Richly Blessed")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")
* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Requirements of Stewards")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The example of the temple workers in 2 Kings 22:7 offers a timeless lesson on the power and impact of integrity. In a world often plagued by suspicion, corruption, and the erosion of trust, this verse stands as a beacon, reminding us that consistent faithfulness can build a reputation so strong that it transcends the need for external scrutiny. For believers today, this challenges us to cultivate a life of such transparent honesty and reliability in every sphere—personal finances, professional responsibilities, family relationships, and church service—that our character speaks for itself. When we are faithful in the "little things," as Jesus taught, we demonstrate our readiness for greater responsibilities and build a foundation of trust that fosters healthier relationships and more effective ministry. This verse encourages us to aspire to a level of integrity that honors God and inspires confidence in others, recognizing that our faithfulness is a powerful testimony to the transforming work of Christ within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you entrusted with resources or responsibilities? How does this verse challenge you to demonstrate unwavering faithfulness in those areas?**
* **How does cultivating a reputation for integrity impact your relationships with others, both personally and professionally?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure that your actions consistently reflect a character of trustworthiness, even when no one is "reckoning" with you?**

### FAQ

**What does "no reckoning made with them" mean, and why was it significant?**

Answer: "No reckoning made with them" means that the temple supervisors entrusted with the money for repairs were not required to provide a detailed account or audit of how they spent the funds. This was highly significant because, in ancient Near Eastern societies, and particularly for large public projects involving substantial sums, meticulous financial oversight was standard practice to prevent fraud or mismanagement. The waiver of this customary procedure was a deliberate decision, not an oversight, and it underscored the extraordinary level of trust placed in these individuals due to their proven and consistent integrity. It was a public acknowledgment of their impeccable character and reliability.

**How does "dealt faithfully" relate to the broader biblical concept of faithfulness?**

Answer: The phrase "dealt faithfully" comes from the Hebrew word _'emunah_ (אֱמוּנָה), which denotes steadfastness, reliability, and trustworthiness. This concept is central to the biblical understanding of faithfulness, both human and divine. For humans, it means being consistent, dependable, and true to one's word and responsibilities, especially in matters entrusted by God or others. It implies a deep moral integrity that shapes one's actions. Biblically, God Himself is characterized by faithfulness (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness")), and He calls His people to reflect this attribute. In the New Testament, faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness")) and a prerequisite for stewardship ([1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Requirements of Stewards")). The temple workers exemplified this core biblical virtue.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Kings 22:7, with its emphasis on unwavering faithfulness and integrity, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the temple workers demonstrated commendable human faithfulness in handling earthly resources, Jesus embodies divine faithfulness in all things. He was the ultimate steward of the Father's will and mission, perfectly executing every task entrusted to Him without deviation or need for "reckoning." From His perfect obedience in life to His sacrificial death, Jesus "dealt faithfully" in every aspect of His ministry, fulfilling all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Fulfilling All Righteousness")). He is the "faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Faithful and True Witness")), the one in whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). As believers, we are called to imitate His faithfulness, not through our own strength, but by being united to Him. Our own acts of integrity and trustworthy stewardship are not merely moral virtues but reflections of the perfect faithfulness of Christ, who enables us to live lives that honor God and build His kingdom, just as the temple workers' faithfulness contributed to the restoration of God's house.

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 12:15

Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully.

1 Corinthians 4:2

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Luke 16:10

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

Luke 16:12

And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

Proverbs 28:20

¶ A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

2 Corinthians 8:20

Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

2 Corinthians 8:21

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.