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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Kings 22:1–10. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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."
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
“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.
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Summary
The verse presents a profound testament to integrity and trust during King Josiah's reign, specifically concerning the funds collected for the crucial repair of the temple in Jerusalem. The verse highlights that the supervisors entrusted with these significant resources were not subjected to the usual financial audit or detailed accounting, because their unwavering faithfulness and proven honesty in handling the money were so evident and universally acknowledged. This extraordinary waiver of standard oversight underscores the immense value placed on character and integrity, particularly in the execution of sacred duties, serving as a powerful example of trust earned through consistent righteousness.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of King Josiah's righteous reign, specifically detailing his ambitious and divinely inspired initiative to restore the dilapidated temple of the Lord. The preceding verses (2 Kings 22:3-6) meticulously describe Josiah's command to Hilkiah the high priest to gather the money from the people and deliver it to the supervisors overseeing the temple workmen—carpenters, builders, and masons. Verse 7 functions as a crucial parenthetical explanation, clarifying why the customary financial oversight was deemed unnecessary for these particular individuals. It powerfully emphasizes the moral character of those engaged in this sacred work, thereby establishing a foundation of integrity that precedes and sets the stage for the momentous discovery of the Book of the Law later in the chapter (2 Kings 22:8-10). This integrity underscores the profound spiritual renewal beginning to take root under Josiah's leadership, standing in stark contrast to the pervasive corruption and idolatry that characterized the reigns of his predecessors.
Historical & Cultural Context
King Josiah's reign (640-609 BC) occurred during a period of significant geopolitical flux, marked by the decline of the mighty Assyrian Empire. Judah had previously endured decades of severe idolatry and spiritual apostasy under kings like Manasseh and Amon, leading to the profound neglect and defilement of the temple, the spiritual heart of the nation. Josiah's reforms represented a radical and divinely mandated departure, aiming to purge idolatry and restore the pure worship of Yahweh. In the ancient Near East, financial transactions, especially for large-scale public works or temple projects, typically involved meticulous accounting and stringent oversight to prevent corruption, embezzlement, and mismanagement. The fact that "no reckoning was made" is therefore exceptionally significant. This was not a casual oversight but a deliberate, informed decision based on the observed and proven character of the individuals. It reflects a societal and theological value placed on faithfulness, particularly when entrusted with resources for divine purposes. The temple's repair was a monumental undertaking, requiring not only substantial financial resources but also individuals of unimpeachable character.
Key Themes
The overarching theme powerfully conveyed by 2 Kings 22:7 is trust and integrity. The verse vividly illustrates how an established reputation for unwavering honesty can transcend and even supersede conventional bureaucratic oversight, demonstrating that character can indeed be more valuable than strict controls. This flows directly into the theme of faithful stewardship, as the supervisors were entrusted with sacred funds for a sacred purpose, exemplifying diligent and responsible handling of resources—a principle echoed throughout Scripture, as seen in the New Testament's emphasis on accountability for what is entrusted, such as in 1 Corinthians 4:2. Furthermore, the verse highlights the intrinsic value of character; the workers' moral uprightness and reliability spoke for themselves, fostering an environment of profound 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, where Proverbs 11:3 declares that "The integrity of the upright guides them." The narrative subtly suggests that genuine spiritual revival, as witnessed in Josiah's reign, often commences with a restoration of fundamental integrity and faithfulness among God's people.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means "to plait or interpenetrate," but figuratively, it refers to "to think, regard, value, compute, or make account of." In this context, it signifies a detailed financial audit, an itemized statement of expenses, or a meticulous calculation of funds. The phrase "no reckoning made" indicates that the usual, expected process of accounting for funds was intentionally waived. This waiver was not due to negligence but to an extraordinary level of confidence in the integrity of the individuals handling the money, demonstrating that their character served as the ultimate ledger.
Derived from a root meaning "to be pale," this word primarily refers to "silver" due to its color, and by implication, "money" in general, as silver was a common medium of exchange in the ancient world. The use of this term emphasizes that substantial, tangible financial resources were entrusted to these individuals. The integrity of the workers was proven in their handling of these valuable assets, which were collected from the people for a sacred purpose.
This feminine noun, derived from the root 'aman (to be firm, reliable), literally means "firmness." Figuratively, it denotes security, and morally, it signifies fidelity, trustworthiness, and truth. In this verse, ʼĕmûwnâh describes not merely a single act but an inherent, consistent character trait of being reliable, true, and dependable. It implies that their conduct was consistently upright, inspiring complete and unwavering confidence in their handling of the sacred funds. Their faithfulness was a proven, observable quality, not merely an assumption or hope.
Verse Breakdown
"Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand,"
This initial clause establishes the extraordinary circumstance: the customary financial audit or detailed accounting process was deliberately omitted. The phrase "delivered into their hand" emphasizes the direct entrustment of significant financial resources to these specific individuals, highlighting their direct responsibility. The omission of the "reckoning" underscores the exceptional nature of the trust placed in them, a deviation from standard procedures typically employed to prevent fraud, mismanagement, or even accidental errors in large-scale projects.
"because they dealt faithfully."
This second clause provides the crucial and singular justification for the first. The reason for waiving the detailed accounting was the proven, consistent, and unimpeachable faithfulness of the individuals. Their integrity was so well-established and evident through their past conduct that external oversight was deemed entirely unnecessary. This highlights that their character, rather than strict bureaucratic control, was the ultimate and sufficient guarantee of proper stewardship. It speaks to a deep level of confidence earned through a consistent pattern of honest, reliable, and trustworthy behavior.
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Contrast and Emphasis. There is a clear contrast drawn between the expected and typical practice of financial reckoning for public funds and its deliberate, notable absence in this particular situation. This contrast serves to powerfully emphasize the extraordinary integrity and trustworthiness of the temple workers. The phrase "because they dealt faithfully" acts as a concise yet profound explanatory clause, highlighting that their character was the sole and sufficient reason for this significant deviation from standard procedure. This also contributes to the Characterization of these individuals as highly trustworthy, morally upright, and exemplary figures within the broader narrative of temple restoration and national repentance. The simplicity and directness of the statement further underscore the profound truth it conveys about the intrinsic value and impact 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 and values faithfulness in His servants, prioritizing integrity of heart above mere outward compliance or performance. The absence of a "reckoning" here is a powerful testament to the workers' internal moral compass, which aligned perfectly with God's desire for righteousness and truth. This demonstrates that true stewardship is not merely about managing resources efficiently but about cultivating a character that reflects God's own unwavering trustworthiness. It reminds us that our actions, when consistently rooted in integrity and transparency, can build profound confidence, foster healthier relationships, and significantly streamline the work of God's kingdom, often reducing the need for burdensome external oversight. This principle finds deep echoes throughout Scripture, emphasizing that God's people are called to be reliable and true in all their dealings, knowing that He sees beyond the surface and discerns the heart.
Reflection and Application
The exemplary conduct of the temple workers in 2 Kings 22:7 offers a timeless and deeply relevant lesson on the transformative power and far-reaching impact of integrity. In a world frequently characterized by suspicion, pervasive corruption, and a lamentable erosion of trust in public and private spheres, this verse stands as a luminous beacon, reminding us that consistent, transparent faithfulness can build a reputation so robust and compelling that it transcends the perceived need for external scrutiny and detailed oversight. For believers today, this passage presents a profound challenge: to earnestly cultivate a life of such transparent honesty, unwavering reliability, and moral uprightness in every sphere of our existence—be it our personal finances, professional responsibilities, family relationships, or service within the church and community—that our character inherently speaks for itself. When we are faithful in the "little things," as Jesus profoundly taught (Luke 16:10), we not only demonstrate our readiness for greater responsibilities but also lay a solid foundation of trust that fosters healthier relationships, more effective ministry, and a more credible witness to the world. This verse powerfully encourages us to aspire to a level of integrity that profoundly honors God and inspires genuine confidence in others, recognizing that our faithfulness is a powerful, living testimony to the transforming work of Christ within us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "no reckoning made with them" mean, and why was it significant?
"No reckoning made with them" means that the temple supervisors entrusted with the money for repairs were not required to provide a detailed account, audit, or itemized statement 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, mismanagement, or even simple errors. The waiver of this customary procedure was a deliberate and conscious decision, not an oversight, and it powerfully underscored the extraordinary level of trust placed in these individuals due to their proven and consistent integrity. It was a public and profound acknowledgment of their impeccable character and reliability, demonstrating that their reputation for faithfulness was sufficient guarantee.
How does "dealt faithfully" relate to the broader biblical concept of faithfulness?
The phrase "dealt faithfully" comes from the Hebrew word ʼĕmûwnâh (H530), which denotes steadfastness, reliability, truthfulness, and trustworthiness. This concept is absolutely central to the broader biblical understanding of faithfulness, encompassing both human and divine attributes. For humans, it means being consistent, dependable, and true to one's word, commitments, and responsibilities, especially in matters entrusted by God or others. It implies a deep moral integrity that shapes one's character and actions. Biblically, God Himself is supremely characterized by faithfulness (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:9), and He calls His people to reflect this divine attribute in their lives. In the New Testament, faithfulness is identified as a vital fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a fundamental prerequisite for good stewardship (1 Corinthians 4:2). The temple workers in 2 Kings 22:7 exemplified this core biblical virtue in a tangible and impactful way.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
2 Kings 22:7, with its profound emphasis on unwavering faithfulness and unimpeachable integrity, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the temple workers demonstrated commendable human faithfulness in handling earthly resources entrusted to them, Jesus embodies divine faithfulness in all things, serving as the quintessential example. He was the ultimate Steward of the Father's will and divine mission, perfectly executing every task entrusted to Him without the slightest deviation, error, or need for any "reckoning." From His perfect obedience throughout His earthly life to His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus "dealt faithfully" in every conceivable aspect of His ministry, fulfilling all righteousness (Matthew 3:15) and perfectly accomplishing the Father's plan. He is supremely the "faithful and true witness" (Revelation 3:14), the one in whom all the magnificent promises of God find their resounding "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). As believers, we are called not merely to imitate His faithfulness through our own limited strength, but to participate in it by being vitally united to Him through faith. Our own acts of integrity, trustworthiness, and faithful stewardship are not merely moral virtues; rather, they are Spirit-empowered reflections of the perfect faithfulness of Christ, who indwells us and enables us to live lives that profoundly honor God and effectively build His kingdom, just as the temple workers' faithfulness contributed directly to the restoration of God's physical house.