2 Chronicles 34 10

2 Chronicles 34:10 kjv

And they put it in the hand of the workmen that had the oversight of the house of the LORD, and they gave it to the workmen that wrought in the house of the LORD, to repair and amend the house:

2 Chronicles 34:10 nkjv

Then they put it in the hand of the foremen who had the oversight of the house of the LORD; and they gave it to the workmen who worked in the house of the LORD, to repair and restore the house.

2 Chronicles 34:10 niv

Then they entrusted it to the men appointed to supervise the work on the LORD's temple. These men paid the workers who repaired and restored the temple.

2 Chronicles 34:10 esv

And they gave it to the workmen who were working in the house of the LORD. And the workmen who were working in the house of the LORD gave it for repairing and restoring the house.

2 Chronicles 34:10 nlt

He entrusted the money to the men assigned to supervise the restoration of the LORD's Temple. Then they paid the workers who did the repairs and renovation of the Temple.

2 Chronicles 34 verses

2 Chronicles 34 10 Meaning

This verse details the administrative process for the funds collected for the temple restoration project initiated by King Josiah. The money was transparently delivered by those who collected it to designated foremen or overseers, who were specifically responsible for the Temple's affairs. These foremen then entrusted the funds to the various workmen engaged in the physical labor of repairing and restoring the deteriorating House of the Lord. It highlights an orderly chain of command and financial accountability in carrying out a sacred task.

2 Chronicles 34 10 Context

Chapter 34 of 2 Chronicles details the significant reign of King Josiah of Judah. At just eight years old, Josiah began to reign (v. 1). From his early youth, he demonstrated a strong commitment to following the ways of David, his ancestor, and to seeking God (v. 2-3). By his twelfth year, he started a profound religious reform, cleansing Judah and Jerusalem of idolatry, breaking down altars of Baal, cutting down Asherah poles, and smashing carved idols (v. 3-7). This extensive purging involved grinding idols to dust and scattering the dust over the graves of their worshipers.

Verse 10 fits within this context as the immediate next step in Josiah's comprehensive restoration of true worship. After cleansing the land of external idolatry, his focus turned to the sacred heart of Israelite worship: the Temple in Jerusalem. For decades, the Temple had been neglected, defiled, and fallen into disrepair under idolatrous kings like Manasseh and Amon. Josiah initiated a large-scale project to physically restore the Temple. This verse specifically describes the careful, accountable process by which the collected funds, intended for this sacred work, were managed and disbursed, setting the stage for the crucial discovery of the Book of the Law (v. 14) which would propel the reforms to even greater depths.

2 Chronicles 34 10 Word analysis

• and they delivered it: Refers to the funds or money collected from the temple doorkeepers by the scribes and priests as mentioned in the preceding verse (v. 9). The Hebrew nathan (נָתַן), "to give, put, deliver," implies a handing over, suggesting proper protocol and the passing of responsibility. This indicates the meticulous and honest handling of consecrated funds for a sacred purpose.
• into the hand of the foremen: bə-yad (בְּיַד) literally means "in the hand of," signifying being placed under their authority and control. The "foremen" (śārê ha-məlāʾḵâ, שָׂרֵי הַמְּלָאכָה) were likely the "chiefs of the work" or "overseers." These were trusted individuals appointed specifically for the management of the repair project. Their role involved administrative and financial oversight, ensuring resources were used appropriately.
• who had the oversight: The Hebrew here (‘ălêhem ham-mĕlā’ḵāh עֲלֵיהֶם הַמְּלָאכָה) indicates "over whom was the work" or "to whom the work was entrusted." It speaks to the direct authority and responsibility these foremen had for the entire repair operation. This points to a clear structure of accountability, essential for large-scale projects involving sacred offerings.
• of the house of the Lord: bêṯ YHWH (בֵּית יְהוָה). This refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, God's dwelling place among His people. Its physical condition directly reflected the spiritual state of the nation. Its restoration was paramount for restoring true worship. The sanctity of this location underscores the careful handling of all associated resources.
• and they in turn gave it: This emphasizes the continuation of the disciplined flow of resources. The funds, having been processed by the foremen, were now being directly supplied to the active laborers. This maintained the chain of command and ensured efficient use of the collected funds.
• to the workmen: la-‘ośēh ham-məlā’ḵâ (לַעֹשֵׂה הַמְּלָאכָה), "to the doers of the work" or "to those doing the work." This refers to the various artisans, carpenters, stonemasons, and other laborers engaged in the physical rebuilding. This direct disbursement to those executing the tasks indicates an organized and effective project management system.
• who were laboring: ‘ośēh (עֹשֵׂה), meaning "doing" or "working." This highlights the active and diligent effort of the workmen. Their labor was physical and skilled, requiring dedication to repair such a significant structure.
• in the house of the Lord: Reaffirms the specific location of their work, emphasizing the sacred nature of their labor within the holy precinct.
• to repair and to restore the house: lāḥăzēq u-ləbaddeq ’eṯ hab-bāyiṯ (לְחַזֵּק וּלְבַדֵּק אֶת הַבַּיִת).
  • to repair: From ḥāzaq (חָזַק), which means "to be strong, strengthen, repair, or hold fast." This implies reinforcing weakened structures, mending broken parts, and making the building sturdy again.
  • and to restore: From bādaq (בָּדַק), which means "to repair, examine for defects, make whole." This term suggests a more thorough renovation, inspecting for deficiencies and rectifying them. It implies returning the Temple to its former sound and proper state, reflecting both physical and symbolic renewal. This phrase encapsulates the ultimate purpose of all the collection and labor.

2 Chronicles 34 10 Bonus section

The careful oversight and chain of command described in this verse reflect principles of good stewardship that transcend ancient Judah. It demonstrates that sacred projects, while spiritually motivated, also require diligent practical management. The selection of trusted individuals for roles of oversight speaks to the importance of character and integrity in handling God's resources. Furthermore, the act of restoring the Temple, though physical, symbolized Josiah's deeper commitment to restoring Judah's relationship with God, highlighting that outward acts of devotion are often indicative of an inward spiritual posture. This historical account serves as a blueprint for accountability in religious undertakings and emphasizes the value placed on God's dwelling place.

2 Chronicles 34 10 Commentary

2 Chronicles 34:10 illustrates Josiah's commitment to thoroughness and integrity in his reform efforts, not merely spiritual but also practical. The meticulous management of funds—from collection through an organized hierarchy of trusted overseers to direct disbursement to skilled laborers—underscores the seriousness of the Temple's restoration. This transparency and accountability were vital given the previous kings' abuses and negligence. The dual purpose, "to repair and to restore," implies not just patching up but a comprehensive revitalization, making the Lord's house fit for His glory once more. This physical work served as a precursor and complement to the deeper spiritual revival ignited by the discovery of God's Word. It is a testament to how practical administration and zealous service coalesce in sacred undertakings.