2 Chronicles 34:11

Even to the artificers and builders gave they [it], to buy hewn stone, and timber for couplings, and to floor the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed.

Even to the artificers {H2796} and builders {H1129} gave {H5414} they it, to buy {H7069} hewn {H4274} stone {H68}, and timber {H6086} for couplings {H4226}, and to floor {H7136} the houses {H1004} which the kings {H4428} of Judah {H3063} had destroyed {H7843}.

that is, they gave it to the carpenters and construction-workers to purchase worked stone, timber for the crossbeams and roof beams for the houses which the kings of Y'hudah had destroyed.

They also gave money to the carpenters and builders to buy dressed stone, as well as timbers for couplings and beams for the buildings that the kings of Judah had allowed to deteriorate.

even to the carpenters and to the builders gave they it, to buy hewn stone, and timber for couplings, and to make beams for the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 34:11 details the specific materials and skilled labor acquired for the extensive temple restoration project initiated by King Josiah. This verse illustrates the practical steps taken to repair God's house and other structures that had suffered neglect or damage under previous ungodly reigns in Judah.

Context

This verse is set during the 18th year of King Josiah's reign, a pivotal time of spiritual revival and national reform in Judah. Josiah, who began seeking God at a young age (2 Chronicles 34:3), had already launched a widespread campaign to purge idolatry from the land. The repair and purification of the temple, which had been desecrated and allowed to fall into disrepair by his predecessors like Manasseh and Amon, was a central component of his reforms. The funds for these critical building materials and skilled craftsmen were gathered from the people, signifying a collective commitment to restoring the nation's spiritual heart. This significant repair effort ultimately led to the momentous discovery of the Book of the Law within the temple (2 Chronicles 34:14), further igniting the revival.

Key Themes

  • Diligent Restoration: The verse underscores the tangible, practical work involved in spiritual renewal. It highlights that true revival isn't merely about good intentions but requires hands-on effort to rebuild and repair what has been broken or neglected.
  • Godly Leadership in Action: King Josiah's unwavering commitment to God translated directly into concrete actions that benefited the entire nation, actively undoing the damage caused by previous wicked kings who had "destroyed" or allowed the deterioration of sacred and public structures.
  • Quality and Purpose: The specific mention of "hewn stone" and "timber for couplings" emphasizes the use of high-quality materials essential for constructing and reinforcing important buildings. This choice reflects the reverence and seriousness with which the temple and other structures were being restored, ensuring they were structurally sound and functional again.

Linguistic Insights

The term "artificers" (Hebrew: ḥārāšīm) refers to highly skilled craftsmen or artisans, encompassing various trades such as masons, carpenters, and metalworkers. "Builders" (Hebrew: bōnîm) are those actively involved in the construction process. The phrase "to floor the houses" (Hebrew: ləqārōṯ habbāttîm) can also be accurately translated as "to roof the houses" or "to cover the houses." This implies completing the structures, ensuring they were fully enclosed, protected, and functional, whether referring to the temple itself or other associated buildings that had suffered damage or decay.

Practical Application

This verse offers a profound lesson on the nature of genuine spiritual revival. It teaches us that faith is often expressed not just through internal devotion but also through practical, diligent work to restore what has been broken or neglected. Just as Josiah led the physical repair of the temple, we are called to engage in the work of building up and restoring, whether it applies to our personal spiritual lives, our families, our communities, or the church. It serves as a powerful reminder that authentic faith often manifests in tangible efforts to bring order, beauty, and functionality out of disarray and decay.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 33:4 (4 votes)

    Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.

  • 2 Chronicles 33:7 (4 votes)

    And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:

  • 2 Chronicles 33:22 (2 votes)

    But he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them;