2 Chronicles 34 17

2 Chronicles 34:17 kjv

And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the LORD, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen.

2 Chronicles 34:17 nkjv

And they have gathered the money that was found in the house of the LORD, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers and the workmen."

2 Chronicles 34:17 niv

They have paid out the money that was in the temple of the LORD and have entrusted it to the supervisors and workers."

2 Chronicles 34:17 esv

They have emptied out the money that was found in the house of the LORD and have given it into the hand of the overseers and the workmen."

2 Chronicles 34:17 nlt

The money that was collected at the Temple of the LORD has been turned over to the supervisors and workmen."

2 Chronicles 34 verses

2 Chronicles 34 17 Meaning

This verse describes the practical financial aspect of King Josiah's temple repair initiative. It highlights that the money collected for the restoration of the House of the Lord was completely disbursed and entrusted to those in charge of overseeing the work and to the craftsmen directly involved in the repairs. This demonstrates a methodical and transparent approach to stewardship of sacred funds dedicated to God's service.

2 Chronicles 34 17 Context

Chapter 34 of 2 Chronicles details the reign of King Josiah, one of Judah's most righteous kings. At just eight years old, Josiah ascended to the throne and, unlike his father Amon and grandfather Manasseh, pursued the ways of the Lord. At age twelve, he began purifying Judah and Jerusalem from idolatry, tearing down altars and smashing idols. At age eighteen, he initiated a more extensive restoration project, focusing on the dilapidated Temple in Jerusalem. Verse 17 occurs during this temple repair effort. The preceding verses describe the collection of money through Levites appointed by the king, which was then given to the high priest Hilkiah. This financial step was crucial for preparing the temple for actual restoration work, demonstrating Josiah's thoroughness and commitment to reinstating proper worship. The careful management of funds set the stage for the pivotal discovery of the Book of the Law (Torah) within the Temple, which follows directly after these events in the chapter.

2 Chronicles 34 17 Word analysis

• And they (וַיָּרִיקוּ, vayariqu): Refers to Hilkiah the high priest, and those who assisted him in the financial oversight of the temple (likely Maaseiah, the governor of the city, and Joah, the recorder, mentioned in the parallel 2 Kgs 22:4, along with the Levites of 2 Chron 34:12-13). It highlights a coordinated action by trusted officials.
• have emptied out (וַיָּרִיקוּ, vayariqu): From the root רוּק (ruq), meaning "to empty," "to pour out." This verb signifies a complete and thorough transfer, ensuring all the accumulated money was fully dispensed, leaving nothing unaccounted for or withheld. It speaks of transparency and complete availability of funds.
• the money (הַכֶּסֶף, hakesef): Refers to the silver or funds collected through various contributions from the people of Judah and Benjamin, and even from remnants of the Northern Kingdom (Manasseh, Ephraim, Simeon, up to Naphtali, mentioned in 34:9). The definite article "the" suggests it was well-defined as the money specifically for the temple repairs.
• that was found (הַנִּמְצָא, hannimtsa): Passive participle of מָצָא (matsa), "to find." This implies that the money had accumulated, perhaps over time, or was carefully collected from various sources within the temple premises, emphasizing a comprehensive collection rather than an active creation of new funds. It implies gathering what was already there or had been brought.
• in the house (בֵּית, beit): The sacred Temple building in Jerusalem, the spiritual center of the nation. It highlights the divine context and purpose of the funds.
• of the Lord (יְהוָה, YHWH): Refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The sacred association of the money and its purpose.
• and have delivered it (וַיִּתְּנוּ, vayitnu): "And they gave." This is an act of purposeful distribution and delegation. It implies entrusting the funds to others with a specific objective.
• into the hand of (בְּיַד, beyad): An idiom signifying "into the care of," "under the authority of," or "to be administered by." It indicates that the money was transferred with accountability and trust.
• the overseers (הַפְּקִידִים, hapekidim): From פָּקַד (paqad), meaning "to visit," "to appoint," "to supervise." These were administrative officials or managers, likely the Levites mentioned in 34:12-13 who "had oversight of the workmen," indicating a structured and managed approach to the work.
• and to the hand of the workers (וּלְיַד עֹשֵׂי הַמְּלָאכָה, uleyad ose ha'mela'khah): Lit. "and to the hand of the doers of the work." These were the craftsmen and laborers (carpenters, builders, masons, etc.) who would perform the physical tasks of renovation and repair, implying direct provision for their labor and materials.

• "And they have emptied out the money that was found in the house of the Lord": This phrase emphasizes the complete gathering and readiness of the funds designated for God's house. It highlights thoroughness, transparency, and preparation for divine service. No funds were held back; all available resources were made accessible for their intended holy purpose.
• "and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers and to the hand of the workers": This phrase details the method of disbursement, showing clear delegation of responsibility and trust. It ensures accountability by directing funds through established leadership (overseers) and directly to those performing the labor (workers), illustrating good stewardship and organized execution of God's work.

2 Chronicles 34 17 Bonus section

The careful handling of funds here contrasts sharply with periods of negligence and corruption that often plagued the Temple's finances in other reigns (e.g., periods mentioned in the books of Jeremiah or Ezekiel where spiritual and material decay went hand in hand). The mention of the money being "found" can also imply that previous generations had offered it, and it was now being put to proper use, indicating a rediscovery of stewardship. This detailed administrative management for the Temple’s material repair foreshadows and parallels the profound spiritual restoration initiated by the subsequent discovery of the Book of the Law within that very Temple, linking physical order with spiritual order. The Levites' diligent involvement as treasurers and overseers highlights their critical role in ensuring financial integrity within the divine economy, echoing their functions established in earlier Israelite law and practice.

2 Chronicles 34 17 Commentary

This concise verse powerfully illustrates King Josiah’s commitment to righteous leadership and effective administration in God's service. The act of "emptying out" the money indicates a complete collection and readiness for use, avoiding hoarding or corruption. Entrusting these funds "into the hand of the overseers and the workers" demonstrates wise financial management, delegation, and accountability. It highlights that God’s work is to be carried out with integrity and proper organization, ensuring that resources dedicated for divine purposes reach those appointed to execute the tasks. This transparent and orderly process facilitated the restoration of the Temple and set the stage for the profound spiritual renewal that followed. It stands as an example of faithful stewardship in the Kingdom of God.