2 Chronicles 24 11

2 Chronicles 24:11 kjv

Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the king's office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there was much money, the king's scribe and the high priest's officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.

2 Chronicles 24:11 nkjv

So it was, at that time, when the chest was brought to the king's official by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there was much money, that the king's scribe and the high priest's officer came and emptied the chest, and took it and returned it to its place. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.

2 Chronicles 24:11 niv

Whenever the chest was brought in by the Levites to the king's officials and they saw that there was a large amount of money, the royal secretary and the officer of the chief priest would come and empty the chest and carry it back to its place. They did this regularly and collected a great amount of money.

2 Chronicles 24:11 esv

And whenever the chest was brought to the king's officers by the Levites, when they saw that there was much money in it, the king's secretary and the officer of the chief priest would come and empty the chest and take it and return it to its place. Thus they did day after day, and collected money in abundance.

2 Chronicles 24:11 nlt

Whenever the chest became full, the Levites would carry it to the king's officials. Then the court secretary and an officer of the high priest would come and empty the chest and take it back to the Temple again. This went on day after day, and a large amount of money was collected.

2 Chronicles 24 verses

2 Chronicles 24 11 Meaning

2 Chronicles 24:11 describes the successful and diligent administration of the temple repair fund during the reign of King Joash. It details the regular, systematic process of collecting money from the people for the repair and restoration of the Lord's house, emphasizing the combined efforts of the Levites, the king's officials, and the high priest's officer, leading to an abundance of gathered funds. This verse highlights the consistent and transparent method put in place by Joash and Jehoiada, which effectively garnered significant contributions.

2 Chronicles 24 11 Context

2 Chronicles Chapter 24 describes the reign of King Joash of Judah. He became king at the young age of seven, primarily influenced by the righteous High Priest Jehoiada, who had rescued him from Athaliah's destructive purge. Early in his reign (vv. 1-3), Joash did what was right in the sight of the LORD, guided by Jehoiada.

The primary problem addressed in the first half of the chapter is the dilapidation and desecration of the Temple, neglected and damaged during the reign of his wicked grandmother, Athaliah, and her sons (vv. 7-8). Joash took the initiative to repair God's house (v. 4), a critical undertaking to restore proper worship. Initially, he commanded the Levites to collect funds for the repair, but this system failed due to the Levites' negligence (vv. 5-6).

As a result, a new, more effective method was devised by Jehoiada and the king (v. 8). A chest was made and placed outside the Temple gate, and a proclamation was issued to bring the tax for the Lord. This innovative and visible approach encouraged the people, who responded generously. Verse 11 details the administration of this new fund-gathering system, specifically describing the daily collection, verification, and transfer of the accumulated money, leading to the abundant funds needed for the temple's restoration. This efficient and transparent system was crucial for the successful completion of the repairs described in the following verses (vv. 12-14). However, the narrative later shifts to Joash's spiritual decline after Jehoiada's death.

2 Chronicles 24 11 Word analysis

• And it was so, that at what time: (וַיְהִי כִּכְפוּא – wayəhî kikhfū’) This phrase signifies a regular, repeated, and consistent occurrence. It emphasizes the methodical and routine nature of the operation, not a one-off event. The use of "thus they did day by day" further reinforces this.
• they brought the chest: "They" refers primarily to the Levites (mentioned immediately after). The "chest" (קֻפָּה – quppah) was the collection box designed specifically for receiving offerings for temple repairs. This chest was unique because it was publicly placed and its contents visibly emptied, establishing transparency. This specific chest (or its description) is also found in 2 Ki 12:9-10.
• unto the king's office: This indicates an official, royal oversight. The funds were not solely in the control of the priesthood but under joint management. Placing it at the "king's office" or 'royal office' ensures high-level accountability and security.
• by the hand of the Levites: (לְיַד הַלְוִיִּם – ləyad ha-Ləwiyim) The Levites, traditionally tasked with temple duties and sacred finances, were responsible for moving the chest when it was full. Their involvement maintained the spiritual legitimacy and association with temple administration. They acted as reliable messengers and custodians.
• and when they saw that there was much money therein: (רַב־כֶּסֶף – rav-kesef, "much silver"). "They" refers to the royal and priestly officials monitoring the collection. This detail highlights the generosity of the people and the successful outpouring of contributions. The sight of significant accumulated wealth validated the new system and motivated continued giving.
• the king's scribe: (סֹפֵר הַמֶּלֶךְ – sofer ha-Melech) This official represented the king's administration. Scribes were trained in writing, accounting, and legal matters. His presence ensured accurate record-keeping, transparency, and accountability on behalf of the state, crucial for public trust.
• and the high priest's officer: (וּפְקִיד כֹּהֵן הָרֹאשׁ – u’pəqîd kōhēn hārō’š) This official, a representative of the high priest Jehoiada, brought the religious authority and spiritual integrity to the process. His role ensured that the funds were indeed used for sacred purposes and that the process aligned with divine law. The joint presence of these two officials signifies a rare and effective partnership between the civil and religious powers for a common good.
• came and emptied the chest: The act of emptying suggests a careful and meticulous process. It ensured that all contributions were accounted for and none were withheld or misused. This regular emptying was key to maintaining the system's integrity.
• and took it, and carried it to his place again: This emphasizes the orderly nature of the system. The chest was immediately returned for further use, indicating the continuous flow of contributions. This reinforces the idea of a sustained fundraising effort.
• Thus they did day by day: (כֵּן עָשׂוּ יוֹם לְיוֹם – kēn ‘āśū yōm ləyōm) This phrase underscores the diligent, systematic, and consistent effort. It was not a sporadic collection but a daily routine, indicating commitment from all involved. Such consistency built confidence among the donors.
• and gathered money in abundance: (וַיַּאַסְפוּ כֶסֶף לָרֹב – wayya’asfū kesef lārōv, "they gathered silver to abundance"). This is the positive outcome and testament to the effectiveness of the system. "Abundance" signifies not just sufficient funds but an overflowing measure, reflecting God's blessing on a righteous endeavor and the people's generous hearts. This outcome made the temple repair possible.

Word-groups Analysis:

• "brought the chest... by the hand of the Levites": This highlights the division of labor and trust. The Levites were the carriers, the physical agents, bringing the gathered contributions to a centralized point. Their specific sacred role would lend credence to the handling of the funds.
• "the king's scribe and the high priest's officer came and emptied the chest": This specific combination of officials is vital. It demonstrates checks and balances and mutual accountability between the royal (secular) and priestly (religious) authorities. This joint oversight ensured transparency and integrity in the financial management of sacred funds, instilling public confidence.
• "Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance": This concluding phrase summarizes the continuous, systematic, and successful nature of the fundraising. The diligence (day by day) led directly to the plentiful results (abundance), showcasing the principle that consistent effort for righteous causes yields great fruit, particularly when God's favor is upon it.

2 Chronicles 24 11 Bonus section

• The innovative nature of "the chest" itself (first detailed in 2 Kings 12:9) highlights a new approach to fundraising, making the process public, visible, and accessible to everyone. This created a sense of direct contribution and immediate impact.
• This verse provides a crucial backdrop to the later narrative where Joash tragically turns away from God after Jehoiada's death. The abundance gathered here contrasts starkly with the spiritual desolation that follows, emphasizing how even great material success in service to God can be fleeting without consistent spiritual faithfulness from leadership.
• The meticulous accounting and joint oversight were critical to prevent corruption, ensuring that the collected funds were used solely for their intended purpose—the temple repair—thus maintaining public trust and encouraging continued generosity. This establishes a high bar for financial integrity in sacred affairs.

2 Chronicles 24 11 Commentary

2 Chronicles 24:11 presents a detailed picture of the practical administration of sacred finances during a period of revival and restoration in Judah. It reveals the success of a well-organized and transparent system for raising funds for God's house. The initial, less structured attempt by the Levites had failed, necessitating an innovative and public approach using the collection chest outside the temple. This verse illuminates the daily rhythm of this system, emphasizing its efficiency. The consistent observation that the chest was filled with "much money" testifies to the willing generosity of the people of Judah, perhaps a response to renewed spiritual zeal under Joash's early, righteous reign and Jehoiada's guidance. The collaborative efforts of the "king's scribe" and the "high priest's officer" are particularly significant, signifying a united front between civil and religious authorities dedicated to the same purpose. This partnership instilled public confidence and ensured meticulous accountability. Their joint supervision in emptying and counting the funds daily demonstrated unwavering commitment and fostered trust, which is crucial for any successful charitable endeavor. The repetition of "day by day" underscores the unwavering diligence and commitment, leading to the grand result of "money in abundance" that ultimately enabled the complete restoration of the Temple. This narrative provides a timeless example of good stewardship, collective responsibility, and the fruit of systematic diligence in supporting God's work. It contrasts sharply with the earlier neglect and offers a model for proper financial administration in the service of the Most High.