2 Kings 22 6

2 Kings 22:6 kjv

Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house.

2 Kings 22:6 nkjv

to carpenters and builders and masons?and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house.

2 Kings 22:6 niv

the carpenters, the builders and the masons. Also have them purchase timber and dressed stone to repair the temple.

2 Kings 22:6 esv

(that is, to the carpenters, and to the builders, and to the masons), and let them use it for buying timber and quarried stone to repair the house.

2 Kings 22:6 nlt

They will need to hire carpenters, builders, and masons. Also have them buy the timber and the finished stone needed to repair the Temple.

2 Kings 22 verses

2 Kings 22 6 Meaning

2 Kings 22:6 describes the practical steps taken by King Josiah to restore the dilapidated Temple in Jerusalem. It specifies that the collected funds were allocated to the skilled laborers – carpenters, builders, and masons – as well as for the purchase of essential construction materials: timber and hewn stone. The sole purpose of these provisions was to diligently repair and strengthen the House of the LORD, preparing it to once again serve as a fitting sanctuary for divine worship.

2 Kings 22 6 Context

Verse 6 is set during the righteous reign of King Josiah of Judah (640-609 BC), who ascended the throne at a young age and distinguished himself through his early and sincere devotion to the LORD. This specific verse describes the practical implementation of Josiah's decree to repair and purify the Temple in Jerusalem, an initiative undertaken in the eighteenth year of his reign (2 Kgs 22:3). The Temple had fallen into severe disrepair, reflecting the spiritual decay and idolatry rampant in Judah during the preceding reigns of Manasseh and Amon. These kings had desecrated the Temple with pagan altars and idols, turning it from a place of Yahweh worship into a hub of polytheistic practices. Josiah's temple repair project, therefore, was not merely an architectural undertaking but a significant initial step in his wider religious reforms aimed at cleansing the land of idolatry and re-establishing the exclusive worship of the LORD. The allocation of funds and materials signifies a turning point, prioritizing the sanctity of God's dwelling place. This careful accounting also sets the stage for the crucial discovery of the Book of the Law within the Temple, which ignites an even deeper and more widespread spiritual revival.

2 Kings 22 6 Word analysis

• to the carpenters (לַחָרָשִׁים - laḥarašim):

  • Word: חָרָשִׁים (kharashim), plural of חָרָשׁ (kharash).
  • Meaning: Literally "craftsmen" or "artisans." This term is broad, referring to skilled workers in various materials, including wood, stone, metal. In this context, given the subsequent mention of "timber," it strongly points to woodworkers.
  • Significance: Underscores the need for specialized skills in the meticulous work of Temple restoration. It implies professional competence and dedication to quality.

• and the builders (וְלַבֹּנִים - vəlabonim):

  • Word: בֹּנִים (bonim), plural of בּוֹנֶה (boneh).
  • Meaning: "Those who build," or "constructors." These were the general contractors or master builders overseeing the larger project, organizing the work, and perhaps supervising other craftsmen.
  • Significance: Indicates a systematic approach to renovation, with leadership overseeing the construction process.

• and masons (וְלַגֹּדְרִים - vəlagodrim or sometimes implies חֹצְבִים - ḥotzvim):

  • Word: The Hebrew word used here, גֹּדְרִים (godrim), comes from גָּדַר (gadar), meaning "to wall," "fence," or "repair walls." Thus, "repairers of walls" or "stone workers" is fitting. Some interpret it more specifically as "stone cutters" (from חָצַב - hatzab), especially given the "hewn stone."
  • Meaning: Specialists in working with stone, including shaping, laying, and repairing stone structures.
  • Significance: Emphasizes the repair of the stone foundation and walls of the Temple, crucial for its structural integrity, likely fallen into disrepair from neglect and idol worship.

• and to buy timber (וְלִקְנוֹת עֵצִים - vəliqnot ʿeẓim):

  • Word: עֵצִים (ʿeẓim), plural of עֵץ (ʿetz).
  • Meaning: "Wood," "trees," "lumber."
  • Significance: Wood was a primary building material, used for internal structures, roofing, paneling, and doors in ancient Israelite temples. Acquiring it shows the comprehensive nature of the repair.

• and hewn stone (וְאַבְנֵי גָזִית - vəʾavne gāzît):

  • Word: אַבְנֵי גָזִית (ʾavne gāzît).
  • Meaning: "Stones cut to shape," "dressed stone," or "quarried stone." This distinguishes them from rough, uncut stones.
  • Significance: Indicates a desire for high-quality, durable materials suitable for the sacred dwelling of God. The use of carefully prepared stone reflects careful workmanship and respect for the holiness of the Temple, unlike rougher, unshaped stones used in altars (Exod 20:25) to prevent defilement by tools.

• to repair (לְחַזֵּק - ləḥazzeq):

  • Word: חָזַק (ḥazaq).
  • Meaning: "To strengthen," "to make firm," "to restore," "to make good."
  • Significance: More than a minor patch-up, this verb implies a thorough, robust renovation, making the Temple strong and sound again. It highlights Josiah's intent to bring the house of God back to its former glory and stability.

• the house (הַבַּיִת - habayit):

  • Word: בַּיִת (bayit), preceded by the definite article הַ (ha).
  • Meaning: "The House," specifically referring to the Temple in Jerusalem, often called the "House of the LORD."
  • Significance: It emphasizes that all these resources and efforts were singularly directed towards the dwelling place consecrated to the Name of God, demonstrating Josiah's piety and reverence for divine institutions.

2 Kings 22 6 Bonus section

• The allocation of specific materials like "hewn stone" (אֶבֶן גָּזִית) signifies a desire for permanence and quality appropriate for God's sanctuary, reflecting a higher standard than ordinary construction. This attention to detail resonates with the careful specifications given for the Tabernacle (Exod 25-31) and Solomon's Temple (1 Kgs 6).
• The entire operation described in these verses (2 Kgs 22:3-7) implicitly contrasts Josiah's righteous rule with his idolatrous predecessors. Unlike previous kings who pilfered temple treasures or allowed its decay, Josiah's first act of reform involved selfless devotion of resources to God's dwelling.
• This verse, read alongside 2 Kings 22:7 ("they rendered it faithfully"), emphasizes the trustworthiness and integrity of those entrusted with God's work. The project was not only materially significant but also demonstrated righteous stewardship in the handling of sacred funds and tasks.
• The material provision for the Temple also serves as a prophetic foreshadowing. Just as physical materials were required for the literal "house" of God in the Old Testament, so too does the spiritual building of God's New Testament "house"—the Church—require spiritual and physical resources (gifts, service, commitment) from "living stones" (1 Pet 2:5).

2 Kings 22 6 Commentary

2 Kings 22:6 is a succinct yet profoundly significant verse, detailing the pragmatic and financial aspects of King Josiah's early Temple restoration. It showcases Josiah's commitment to prioritizing God's house after generations of neglect and defilement under apostate kings. The verse underscores the practical reality that spiritual revival often necessitates material action and sound management. The meticulous listing of various trades (carpenters, builders, masons) and essential materials (timber, hewn stone) highlights the comprehensive nature of the repairs and the careful allocation of the offerings. This wasn't a superficial whitewash, but a thorough reconstruction, ensuring structural integrity and reverent quality. The readiness to provide significant resources for these specific tasks reflects a godly king's dedication to honoring God's presence, understanding that the physical state of the Temple reflected the spiritual health of the nation. This act of repair also served as a preparatory stage, unknowingly paving the way for the pivotal discovery of the Book of the Law within these very walls, which would then spark an even greater national spiritual reformation.