2 Chronicles 24:8 kjv
And at the king's commandment they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of the LORD.
2 Chronicles 24:8 nkjv
Then at the king's command they made a chest, and set it outside at the gate of the house of the LORD.
2 Chronicles 24:8 niv
At the king's command, a chest was made and placed outside, at the gate of the temple of the LORD.
2 Chronicles 24:8 esv
So the king commanded, and they made a chest and set it outside the gate of the house of the LORD.
2 Chronicles 24:8 nlt
So now the king ordered a chest to be made and set outside the gate leading to the Temple of the LORD.
2 Chronicles 24 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Chr 24:4 | Joash decided to restore the house of the LORD. | King's decision to repair the Temple. |
| 2 Chr 24:5 | He gathered the priests and Levites… go out to the cities… and collect… | Earlier, less effective collection method. |
| 2 Kgs 12:9 | Jehoiada the priest took a chest… and put a hole in its lid, and set it… | Parallel account in Kings regarding the chest. |
| Exod 30:11-16 | half a shekel… for a contribution to the LORD… to be atonement for yourselves. | Collection for the upkeep of the Tabernacle/Temple. |
| Lev 27:30-33 | every tithe of the land, whether of the seed… or of the fruit… is the LORD’s. | Principle of tithing and contributing to God. |
| Num 18:21-24 | To the Levites, I have given every tithe in Israel as their inheritance… | Provision for the support of religious servants. |
| Deut 14:28-29 | At the end of every three years… lay it up inside your towns… for the Levite… | Triennial tithe for priests, Levites, and needy. |
| 2 Chr 29:3-5 | In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the LORD and repaired them. | Hezekiah's zeal for temple repair and cleansing. |
| 2 Chr 34:8-14 | Josiah… sent Shaphan… to repair the house of the LORD his God. | Josiah's similar temple repair initiative. |
| Neh 10:32-39 | we also take on ourselves the obligation to contribute… for the service… | Covenant renewal, including commitment to temple support. |
| Ezr 7:15-17 | bringing silver and gold, which the king and his counselors… freely offered… | King's foreign contribution for temple needs. |
| 1 Kgs 8:1-6 | Solomon assembled the elders of Israel… to bring up the ark… | Example of a king facilitating temple work. |
| Hag 1:2-4 | “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?” | Rebuke for neglecting God's house while living comfortably. |
| Ps 69:9 | For zeal for your house has consumed me… | Passion and devotion for the LORD's dwelling place. |
| Mal 3:10 | Bring the full tithe into the storehouse… that there may be food in my house. | Command to give for God's house and blessing. |
| Mk 12:41-44 | Jesus sat opposite the treasury… and watched… Many rich people put in large sums. | Public collection method in the temple court. |
| Lk 21:1-4 | He saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. | Emphasizes the heart of giving, regardless of amount. |
| Acts 4:32-37 | There was not a needy person among them… selling their possessions… brought the proceeds. | Early church practicing communal giving for common good. |
| 2 Cor 9:7 | Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion. | Principle of cheerful, voluntary giving. |
| Phil 4:18-19 | I have received full payment, and more… your gifts… a fragrant offering… | Financial support as a spiritual offering to God. |
| 1 Chr 29:6-9 | Then the heads of the fathers' houses, and the chiefs of the tribes… offered willingly. | Voluntary giving for the construction of the Temple. |
| 1 Cor 16:1-2 | Now concerning the collection for the saints:… put something aside… | Collection for ministry/saints on a regular basis. |
| Heb 13:16 | Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. | Act of sharing and giving as acceptable sacrifice. |
2 Chronicles 24 verses
2 Chronicles 24 8 Meaning
After the temple in Jerusalem had suffered years of neglect and plunder, King Joash, under the guidance of High Priest Jehoiada, took decisive action to initiate its repair. This verse describes the practical step commanded by the king: the construction of a collection chest and its placement outside a public entrance to the LORD's Temple, establishing a visible and accessible means for people to bring their contributions for the sacred restoration project. It highlights a pragmatic and effective shift in the method of collecting funds for God's house.
2 Chronicles 24 8 Context
2 Chronicles chapter 24 details the reign of King Joash, who ascended the throne at age seven after his grandmother Athaliah's destructive six-year usurpation and Baal-worshiping influence. Joash was guided by Jehoiada the High Priest, who had protected him during Athaliah's purge. The temple of the LORD had fallen into deep disrepair, largely plundered and neglected, with its holy vessels even used for Baal worship (2 Chr 24:7). Joash initially displayed a zealous heart for God, intending to repair the temple. The previous method of collection, sending Levites to collect money from various cities (2 Chr 24:5), proved ineffective or too slow. Verse 8 marks a turning point: Jehoiada and Joash implement a more practical, centralized, and public system for offerings, addressing the urgent need for temple restoration and encouraging widespread participation from the people. This act signified a restoration of proper worship and attention to the physical house of the LORD after a period of profound spiritual apostasy.
2 Chronicles 24 8 Word analysis
- So the king commanded: This phrase, "וַיְצַו הַמֶּלֶךְ" (va'yetzav ha'melekh), highlights the direct authority and initiative of King Joash. It implies a royal decree, showing his earnest desire and power to enact the restoration, moving beyond earlier ineffective attempts (2 Chr 24:5-6). His command reflects his commitment under Jehoiada's guidance.
- and they made: The phrase "וַיַּעֲשׂוּ" (va'ya'asu) indicates that the king's command was executed. It implies the collaborative effort of artisans and craftsmen, likely coordinated by Jehoiada or temple officials, signifying practical, hands-on obedience to the royal directive.
- a chest: The Hebrew word "אֲר֖וֹן" (aron) specifically refers to a box or chest. While it can also denote the Ark of the Covenant, here it clearly means a designated container for collecting funds. Its purpose was to hold contributions, signifying a structured approach to finances for a sacred cause. The specific mention suggests it was designed for this new public collection method.
- and set it outside: "וַיַּנִּיחוּהָ מִחוּץ" (va'yanichuha michutz) denotes the public placement of the chest. Placing it "outside" made it readily accessible to all people entering or exiting the temple precincts, encouraging widespread participation rather than limited contributions. This physical placement increased visibility and ease of access for contributors.
- the gate: The Hebrew "שַׁעַר" (sha'ar) refers to a public gateway, often a place of assembly, judicial activity, and communal gathering in ancient cities and religious complexes. Setting the chest at the gate of the house of the LORD made the collection effort publicly visible, transparent, and unavoidable for those approaching the temple, reinforcing the communal responsibility.
- of the house of the LORD: "בֵּית יְהוָה" (Beit YHVH), the Temple in Jerusalem. This identifies the ultimate recipient and purpose of the contributions—for God's own dwelling place. The sanctity and significance of the building underscore the sacred nature of the repair project and the giving required for it. It distinguishes this collection from secular taxes or other forms of fundraising.
2 Chronicles 24 8 Words-group by words-group analysis
- "So the king commanded, and they made a chest": This entire clause emphasizes royal authority, immediate implementation, and the physical creation of a new mechanism. It moves from decree to tangible action, signaling a decisive shift in strategy to generate the needed resources effectively for the sacred task. The active role of the king highlights his administrative leadership in spiritual affairs, even as a young monarch guided by Jehoiada.
- "and set it outside the gate of the house of the LORD": This phrase details the strategic and symbolic placement. "Outside the gate" signifies public access and visibility, suggesting transparency and an invitation to all. The "gate of the house of the LORD" identifies the holy precinct, emphasizing that contributions were directly for God's dwelling, a focal point of worship and national identity, which had previously been desecrated and neglected.
2 Chronicles 24 8 Bonus section
- Innovation and Practicality: The decision to place a chest "outside the gate" was a practical innovation. Unlike simply sending messengers, this centralized, passive collection point maximized opportunities for contribution as people approached the Temple, simplifying the process for both givers and collectors. It reflected Jehoiada's wisdom in problem-solving and Joash's willingness to adopt new, more effective methods for a righteous cause.
- The Power of Proximity and Visibility: Placing the chest at the "gate of the house of the LORD" strategically leveraged human behavior. It made the need tangible and accessible right at the point of entry into the sacred space. This proximity served as a constant visual prompt for offerings, significantly increasing the collection's effectiveness, as detailed in the subsequent verses (2 Chr 24:9-11). It illustrates how making a virtuous act easy and visible can encourage participation.
- Polemics against Idolatry's Impact: This act directly contrasts the temple's former desecration and plunder by Athaliah and her sons for Baal worship (2 Chr 24:7). The repair effort signified a decisive turning away from idolatry and a rededication of resources and devotion back to Yahweh and His proper worship. The chest itself becomes a symbol of restoration over ruin, and devotion over depravity.
- Principle for Modern Churches: This verse offers a timeless principle for ministry. Creating clear, convenient, and visible ways for people to contribute to God's work is essential. Whether through offering plates, secure online giving portals, or designated funds, effective mechanisms facilitate generous giving when hearts are stirred.
2 Chronicles 24 8 Commentary
2 Chronicles 24:8 marks a pivotal moment in Joash's early reign, showcasing pragmatic leadership informed by priestly wisdom. Recognizing the prior inefficiency in collecting temple repair funds, King Joash, in conjunction with Jehoiada, introduced an innovative and accessible method: a prominently placed chest for offerings at the temple gate. This wasn't merely a logistical adjustment; it was a deliberate strategy to involve the broader community, foster transparency, and renew a sense of communal ownership and responsibility for the sacred house of God. The physical accessibility of the chest at the public gate served as a constant visual reminder and an open invitation for all, from rich to poor, to contribute freely towards the restoration of worship and the tangible dwelling place of the Most High. This initiative swiftly rectified the neglect caused by previous generations and ushered in a period of faithful provision for the temple's upkeep, reflecting a king and a nation aligning their resources with God's priorities. This verse underscores the importance of intentional and accessible mechanisms for people to give cheerfully towards God's work.