2 Kings 22:9

KJV

And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Shaphan {H8227} the scribe {H5608} came {H935} to the king {H4428}, and brought {H7725} the king {H4428} word {H1697} again {H7725}, and said {H559}, Thy servants {H5650} have gathered {H5413} the money {H3701} that was found {H4672} in the house {H1004}, and have delivered {H5414} it into the hand {H3027} of them that do {H6213} the work {H4399}, that have the oversight {H6485} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Shafan the secretary went back to the king and gave the king this report: "Your servants have poured out the money found in the house and handed it over to the people supervising the work in the house of ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

And Shaphan the scribe went to the king and reported, “Your servants have paid out the money that was found in the temple and have put it into the hands of the workers and supervisors of the house of the LORD.”

American Standard Version

And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have emptied out the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of the workmen that have the oversight of the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 22:9 records the crucial report from Shaphan, the royal scribe, to King Josiah, confirming the successful collection and proper allocation of funds designated for the repair of the dilapidated Temple in Jerusalem. This verse highlights the administrative integrity and diligent stewardship that characterized Josiah's early reign, setting the stage for the profound religious reforms and spiritual awakening that would soon sweep through Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of King Josiah's righteous reign, specifically detailing the initial phase of his Temple repair project. It immediately follows Josiah's command to Hilkiah the high priest to initiate the repairs and collect the money from the people (2 Kings 22:3-7). Shaphan's report here serves as an administrative update, confirming that the funds have been properly gathered and entrusted to the overseers. Critically, this report directly precedes the pivotal discovery of the Book of the Law by Hilkiah, which Shaphan then brings to the king (2 Kings 22:8-10). Thus, 2 Kings 22:9 acts as a vital link, demonstrating the diligent preparatory work that inadvertently led to the rediscovery of God's covenant and the subsequent nationwide revival. The meticulous handling of finances underscores the seriousness with which Josiah approached the restoration of true worship, laying the groundwork for the spiritual cleansing to come.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Josiah ascended to the throne of Judah at the tender age of eight (2 Kings 22:1), inheriting a kingdom steeped in idolatry and spiritual decline, largely due to the reigns of his father Amon and grandfather Manasseh. Manasseh, in particular, had introduced widespread pagan worship, even desecrating the Temple itself (2 Kings 21:1-9). Josiah, however, is praised for doing "that which was right in the sight of the LORD" (2 Kings 22:2). His reform efforts, which began in earnest in the eighteenth year of his reign, included cleansing the land of idolatry and repairing the neglected Temple. Shaphan, as "the scribe," held a highly influential position in the royal court, functioning not merely as a copyist but as a chief secretary, royal administrator, and trusted advisor, often involved in diplomatic and financial matters. His role here as the intermediary between the Temple workers and the king underscores the importance of transparent financial accountability in the ancient Near East, especially concerning sacred funds. The "house of the LORD" refers to the First Temple in Jerusalem, the spiritual and national epicenter of Judah, which had fallen into disrepair due to neglect and the introduction of foreign cults.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights **Stewardship and Accountability**, demonstrating a meticulous and honest approach to handling sacred resources—the money collected from the people for God's house. This stands in stark contrast to earlier periods of corruption (e.g., [2 Kings 12:15-16](/2_kings/12-15 "2 Kings 12:15-16 - Integrity in Temple Repairs")). Secondly, the diligence of "thy servants" and "them that do the work" emphasizes **Diligent Service and Obedience** in matters pertaining to God's command, laying the practical groundwork for spiritual renewal. This proactive effort to restore the physical Temple foreshadows the spiritual restoration of the nation. Finally, the entire account of Josiah's reign, initiated by these repairs, underscores the theme of **Divine Initiative and Human Response**, where God's desire for His people's return is met by a righteous king's obedient actions, ultimately leading to a profound national repentance and covenant renewal, as seen in [2 Kings 23](/2_kings/23 "2 Kings 23 - Josiah's Reforms and Covenant Renewal").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Scribe (Hebrew, _sopher'_):** In ancient Israel, a _sopher_ was far more than a simple copyist. This term designated a high-ranking official, often a royal secretary, administrator, or even a legal expert. Shaphan's position as "the scribe" indicates his significant influence, trustworthiness, and proximity to King Josiah. He was a key figure in the royal administration, responsible for official correspondence, record-keeping, and often, as here, reporting on important state affairs. His involvement lends credibility and authority to the report.
* **Money (Hebrew, _kesef'_):** This refers to the silver or currency collected from the people of Judah and Jerusalem for the Temple repairs, as commanded by King Josiah (2 Kings 22:4). The phrase "money that was found in the house" implies that these were voluntary contributions or offerings brought into the Temple treasury. The meticulous accounting and transfer of these funds underscore the sacred nature of the donations and the importance of integrity in handling resources dedicated to God's work.
* **House of the LORD (Hebrew, _beit Yahweh'_):** This is the consistent biblical designation for the Jerusalem Temple, the central sanctuary for the worship of Yahweh. At this point in Judah's history, the Temple had suffered significant neglect and even desecration under previous idolatrous kings. Josiah's initiative to repair it was a crucial step in his broader reform agenda, signaling a return to the exclusive worship of the one true God and the restoration of the physical space dedicated to His presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said,"**: This opening clause establishes the direct communication channel between a trusted royal official and the monarch. "Came to the king" signifies a formal audience, and "brought the king word again" implies a follow-up report, indicating a process of ongoing accountability and information flow regarding the Temple project. Shaphan's role as the intermediary emphasizes the importance of official channels and reliable reporting in the administration of sacred tasks.
* **"Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house,"**: This part of Shaphan's report confirms the successful collection of the funds. "Thy servants" refers to the Temple officials and workers, including Hilkiah the high priest, who were tasked with receiving the contributions. The phrase "money that was found in the house" indicates that these were donations that had accumulated in the Temple treasury, likely from offerings brought by the people. This highlights the people's participation in the restoration effort and the careful management of these sacred funds.
* **"and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD."**: This final clause details the proper transfer of the collected funds. The money was not kept by the collectors but was handed over to "them that do the work" (the craftsmen, laborers) and, more specifically, to "them that have the oversight of the house of the LORD" (the supervisors, foremen, and administrators responsible for the actual repair work). This demonstrates a clear chain of custody and financial accountability, ensuring that the funds were directly applied to their intended purpose—the restoration of God's Temple.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 2 Kings 22:9 employs several effective literary devices. **Reporting** is central, as Shaphan's direct communication to the king serves to advance the plot and underscore the administrative diligence of Josiah's court. This formal report highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership. The meticulous detailing of the money's collection and transfer functions as **Verisimilitude**, lending an air of authenticity and realism to the account, emphasizing the practical, tangible nature of the Temple repairs. Furthermore, the verse serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing**. The diligent, honest handling of the physical Temple's finances and repairs creates an atmosphere of order and righteousness that immediately precedes the discovery of the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:8), suggesting that practical obedience and integrity often pave the way for profound spiritual revelation and revival.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly a simple administrative report, carries significant theological weight, emphasizing the divine expectation of integrity and diligence in matters pertaining to God's work. It portrays a model of faithful stewardship where resources dedicated to the Lord are handled with utmost transparency and accountability. The careful management of funds for the Temple's physical restoration reflects a deeper spiritual commitment to restoring proper worship and order within the community. This act of responsible financial administration is presented as a prerequisite for the spiritual awakening that follows, suggesting that practical obedience and integrity in handling earthly resources are foundational to receiving and responding to divine revelation.
* [2 Kings 12:4-16](/2_kings/12-4 "2 Kings 12:4-16 - Joash's Temple Repairs and Financial Oversight")
* [Nehemiah 13:13](/nehemiah/13-13 "Nehemiah 13:13 - Appointing Treasurers for Integrity")
* [1 Corinthians 16:1-4](/1_corinthians/16-1 "1 Corinthians 16:1-4 - Principles for Collecting Offerings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Kings 22:9 offers timeless principles for believers today, underscoring the profound importance of integrity, transparency, and diligent stewardship in all aspects of life, particularly concerning resources dedicated to God's work. Just as Shaphan's report demonstrated meticulous accountability in the Temple repairs, so too are we called to manage our personal finances, church resources, and charitable contributions with utmost honesty and care. This verse reminds us that practical obedience—the diligent attention to administrative and financial details—is not separate from our spiritual walk but often lays the groundwork for deeper spiritual encounters and corporate revival. When we faithfully manage what God has entrusted to us, whether it be time, talents, or treasures, we create an environment ripe for His Spirit to move. Our commitment to integrity in the mundane can pave the way for the miraculous, just as the Temple repairs preceded the rediscovery of God's Law and a nationwide spiritual awakening. It challenges us to consider if our current practices reflect the same level of accountability and dedication seen in Josiah's administration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of diligent stewardship in 2 Kings 22:9 apply to my personal finances and resources?**
* **In what ways can I promote greater transparency and accountability in the organizations or ministries I am involved with?**
* **What "practical matters" in my life or church might need diligent attention to prepare the ground for spiritual renewal?**
* **How does my handling of material resources reflect my commitment to God's work and His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Who was Shaphan, and what was his significance in this narrative?**

Answer: Shaphan was "the scribe," a highly influential and trusted official in King Josiah's court. His role was far more than a simple copyist; he served as a royal secretary, administrator, and advisor. In this narrative, his significance lies in his trusted position as the intermediary who delivers crucial reports to the king, first regarding the Temple finances (2 Kings 22:9) and then, even more critically, the newly discovered Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:10). His integrity and proximity to the king made him a key figure in the unfolding events of Josiah's reform, demonstrating the importance of righteous and competent leadership in the king's inner circle.

**What was the purpose of "gathering the money that was found in the house"?**

Answer: The money was collected specifically for the extensive repairs and restoration of the dilapidated Temple in Jerusalem, as commanded by King Josiah (2 Kings 22:3-6). This "money that was found in the house" refers to the voluntary contributions and offerings brought by the people of Judah and Jerusalem for this sacred purpose. The meticulous gathering and delivery of these funds to the overseers underscore the commitment to financial integrity and proper stewardship in the administration of God's house, ensuring that the resources were directly applied to their intended use.

**How does this verse relate to the discovery of the Book of the Law?**

Answer: This verse is directly linked to the discovery of the Book of the Law, as it describes the administrative diligence that immediately precedes it. While Shaphan is reporting on the Temple finances, Hilkiah the high priest, who was overseeing the repairs, "found a book of the law in the house of the LORD" (2 Kings 22:8). It was Shaphan himself who then brought this book to King Josiah (2 Kings 22:10). Thus, the diligent work of repairing the physical Temple, including the transparent handling of its finances, inadvertently led to the rediscovery of God's written word, which in turn triggered a profound national spiritual awakening and covenant renewal under Josiah's leadership (2 Kings 23). The practical obedience in restoring the physical structure paved the way for the spiritual restoration of the nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 22:9 details the careful stewardship of resources for the physical Temple, it points forward to the ultimate and perfect stewardship of Jesus Christ. The diligence in repairing the "house of the LORD" foreshadows Christ's cleansing of the Temple, not merely its physical structure but its spiritual integrity, declaring it a "house of prayer" (as seen in [Matthew 21:12-13](/matthew/21-12 "Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). More profoundly, Jesus Himself is revealed as the true and ultimate Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity, as He proclaimed, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of His body (as recorded in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple, His Body")). The "money found in the house" for repairs can be seen as a type of the spiritual resources and divine provision given for the building up of God's true spiritual Temple—the Church, which is the body of Christ (as described in [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Dwelling Place")). Just as Shaphan reported on the faithful management of funds, Christ, our faithful High Priest and ultimate steward, perfectly manages all things for the glory of God and the redemption of His people, providing all that is needed for the building of His kingdom and the sanctification of believers, who are now themselves "temples of the Holy Spirit" (as taught in [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy 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 25:22

¶ And [as for] the people that remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler.

Jeremiah 36:10

Then read Baruch in the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of the LORD, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the higher court, at the entry of the new gate of the LORD'S house, in the ears of all the people.

Jeremiah 36:12

Then he went down into the king's house, into the scribe's chamber: and, lo, all the princes sat there, [even] Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, and Elnathan the son of Achbor, and Gemariah the son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the princes.

2 Kings 18:18

And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which [was] over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.

Ezekiel 8:11

And there stood before them seventy men of the ancients of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan, with every man his censer in his hand; and a thick cloud of incense went up.

2 Kings 22:3

And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, [that] the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying,

2 Kings 22:12

And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,