2 Kings 22:9 kjv
And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD.
2 Kings 22:9 nkjv
So Shaphan the scribe went to the king, bringing the king word, saying, "Your servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of those who do the work, who oversee the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 22:9 niv
Then Shaphan the secretary went to the king and reported to him: "Your officials have paid out the money that was in the temple of the LORD and have entrusted it to the workers and supervisors at the temple."
2 Kings 22:9 esv
And Shaphan the secretary came to the king, and reported to the king, "Your servants have emptied out the money that was found in the house and have delivered it into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 22:9 nlt
Shaphan went to the king and reported, "Your officials have turned over the money collected at the Temple of the LORD to the workers and supervisors at the Temple."
2 Kings 22 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Ki 22:3-4 | In the eighteenth year of King Josiah... he sent Shaphan... saying, “Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may count the money...” | Initial command for Temple repair funds. |
| 2 Ki 22:5 | And let them deliver it into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of the LORD... | King Josiah's direct instruction for fund management. |
| 2 Ki 12:4-5 | Joash said to the priests, “All the money... which any man may bring into the house of the LORD... let the priests receive...” | Earlier precedent of Temple repair funds. |
| 2 Ki 12:9-11 | But Jehoiada the priest took a chest... when they saw that there was much money... gave it into the hands of those who did the work... | Specific system of handling Temple money for repair. |
| Exod 35:21 | Everyone whose heart stirred him up... brought the LORD’s offering for the work of the tent of meeting... | Contributions for building the tabernacle, God's dwelling. |
| Exod 36:3 | ...brought him freewill offerings every morning. | Continual contributions for sacred work. |
| 1 Chr 29:16 | O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building You a house for Your holy name comes from Your hand... | David's stewardship and contributions for Temple. |
| 2 Chr 34:8 | ...he sent Shaphan... to repair the house of the LORD his God. | Parallel account emphasizing Josiah's directive. |
| 2 Chr 34:9 | They gave the money... into the hand of the men who had the oversight of the work... | Parallel account confirming diligent financial management. |
| Neh 10:32 | Also we made ordinances for ourselves, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God. | Post-exilic commitment to maintaining God's house financially. |
| Ezra 7:6 | This Ezra came up from Babylon, a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses... | Highlights the importance and trustworthiness of a scribe. |
| Jer 36:10 | Baruch read the words of Jeremiah from the book in the house of the LORD, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan... | Shaphan's family connected with integrity and prophetic word. |
| Prov 10:9 | He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out. | General principle of integrity relevant to managing sacred funds. |
| Luke 16:10 | He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. | Principle of faithfulness in stewardship, especially with money. |
| 1 Cor 4:2 | In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. | Direct command for accountability of those entrusted. |
| 1 Tim 3:2-3 | An overseer... must be above reproach... not fond of sordid gain... | Qualities of those overseeing spiritual and material assets. |
| Mal 3:10 | “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse... that there may be food in My house...” | Principle of bringing contributions for God's house. |
| Hag 1:4 | "Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies desolate?" | God's call for concern over the condition of His house. |
| Isa 56:7 | ...My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. | The ultimate purpose and sanctity of God's house. |
| Ps 84:10 | For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside... | Value and longing for dwelling in the house of the Lord. |
| Titus 1:7 | For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward... | Emphasizes stewardship and integrity in leadership. |
| Acts 6:3-4 | Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this task. | Appointing trusted individuals for administrative tasks. |
| Phil 4:18 | ...having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. | Apostolic instruction on handling and receiving financial gifts. |
2 Kings 22 verses
2 Kings 22 9 Meaning
The verse conveys the report of Shaphan, the trusted royal scribe, to King Josiah. It confirms that the money designated for the restoration of the Temple has been carefully accounted for, drawn from the Temple treasury, and properly distributed to the workmen overseeing the crucial repair project for the house of the Lord. This demonstrates diligent stewardship, accountability, and the active progress of King Josiah's spiritual reforms, beginning with the physical renewal of God's sanctuary.
2 Kings 22 9 Context
2 Kings chapter 22 recounts the spiritual renewal initiated during the reign of King Josiah (640-609 BC), one of Judah's most righteous kings after Manasseh and Amon had led the nation into deep idolatry and moral decline. Upon ascending the throne at age eight, Josiah began to seek the Lord in his early twenties (2 Chr 34:3). His commitment to purify Judah began with cleansing the land of pagan altars and images. The specific events leading to verse 9 revolve around his command to repair the dilapidated Temple in Jerusalem. Recognizing the neglect that had befallen the house of the Lord, Josiah dispatched Shaphan the scribe, Hilkiah the high priest, and others to collect and oversee the funds for the renovation. It is during this repair effort that Hilkiah providentially discovers the Book of the Law (2 Ki 22:8), an event that precipitates a far more profound and widespread revival throughout Judah, as the nation is confronted anew with the covenant and God's expectations. Shaphan's report in verse 9, concerning the responsible allocation of Temple funds, sets the stage for his subsequent crucial role in bringing the newly found Book of the Law to the king, highlighting his reliability and central involvement in this era of significant spiritual restoration.
2 Kings 22 9 Word analysis
- Then Shaphan: Shaphan (`סָפָן`, Saphan), whose name might mean "rock badger" or "hidden," was not just any scribe but the royal secretary, a high-ranking and influential court official during King Josiah's reign. His office combined the roles of chief administrator, secretary of state, and privy counselor. His integrity and trusted position are vital to the narrative, particularly as he will be the one to present the rediscovered Book of the Law to Josiah.
- the scribe: The Hebrew `סֹפֵר` (sopher) denotes more than just a copyist; in this context, it refers to a chief officer responsible for state records, finance, and often, diplomacy. Shaphan's role underscores the administrative and financial aspects of the Temple repairs being conducted with meticulous order.
- came to the king: This signifies direct and privileged access to the monarch, highlighting Shaphan's important position and the urgency/significance of his report.
- and brought the king word again: The phrase "word again" (`דָבָר עֽוֹד`, dāḇār ʿôḏ) indicates a previous communication. This refers to the initial report of Hilkiah finding the Book of the Law in 2 Kings 22:8, which Shaphan conveyed. This second report confirms the ongoing practicalities of the Temple work.
- saying, 'Your servants': "Your servants" refers collectively to Hilkiah the high priest and those assisting him in the Temple, including the gatekeepers who managed the finances. It's a humble yet accurate collective reference to those entrusted with the Temple's affairs under the king's authority.
- have emptied out the money: This means the money that had been collected and stored in the Temple treasury for repairs was fully drawn out and disbursed. The phrase implies a full and complete release of the funds. The Hebrew `כֶּסֶף` (kesef) generally refers to silver, the standard form of currency at the time.
- that was found in the house: This "money" was contributions from the people for the upkeep and repair of the Temple, specifically dedicated funds (`קָדוֹשׁ`, qadōsh - holy/set apart). Its collection and existence highlight the enduring commitment of some within Judah to God's house, even amid periods of decline.
- and have delivered it into the hand of the workmen: This signifies the precise and accountable transfer of funds. It was not misused or embezzled but placed directly into the charge of those responsible for implementing the physical work.
- who are overseeing the house of the Lord.': These "workmen" were the foremen, overseers, or supervisors. They were not just laborers but trusted managers (`פְּקֻדַּת`, pequddat – those with oversight, responsibility) responsible for ensuring the actual repairs of the `בַּיִת יְהוָה` (bayit YHWH – House of the Lord) were carried out efficiently and properly. This structured delegation ensured good financial stewardship for a sacred task.
- "Then Shaphan... brought the king word again": This highlights Shaphan's reliable communication channel to the king and indicates an ongoing dialogue regarding critical matters, connecting this financial update to previous significant news, specifically the discovery of the Law.
- "Your servants have emptied out the money... and have delivered it into the hand of the workmen": This phrase emphasizes transparency and accountability in financial management. It illustrates a clear chain of command and proper stewardship of consecrated funds, vital for maintaining trust and order in a religious institution. It stands in contrast to past corruption or negligence.
- "found in the house, and... overseeing the house of the Lord": This pairing emphasizes that the Temple (the "House") is the central object of attention both for the money's origin and its purpose. It signifies the reverent care and practical management directed towards God's dwelling place. The focus is entirely on the Lord's property and His work.
2 Kings 22 9 Bonus section
Shaphan's character is implicitly painted as highly trustworthy and efficient, a trait inherited by several of his descendants who later served in pivotal roles during the tumultuous period leading to Judah's exile. For instance, his son Ahikam protected Jeremiah from harm (Jer 26:24), and another son, Gemariah, also supported Jeremiah and preserved his scroll (Jer 36:10, 25). His grandson, Gedaliah, was appointed governor after the destruction of Jerusalem (2 Ki 25:22). The prominence and integrity of Shaphan's family highlight a consistent legacy of faithful service to God and the kingdom, often standing with righteous causes or prophetic voices, even amidst widespread apostasy. This consistency further bolsters the reliability of the report in 2 Kings 22:9 and underscores the importance of Godly leadership in the administration of sacred affairs. The meticulous nature of the report about the handling of the money also illustrates the Old Testament emphasis on accountability, particularly concerning finances designated for God's purposes, an echo of the detailed instructions for the tabernacle's construction and contributions in Exodus.
2 Kings 22 9 Commentary
2 Kings 22:9 serves as a vital update in King Josiah's widespread spiritual reformation. Shaphan's report to the king confirms that the financial aspect of the Temple renovation is proceeding with integrity and efficiency. The "emptying out" and "delivering" of the money into the hands of the responsible "workmen" demonstrates meticulous and trustworthy stewardship of sacred funds, reflecting Josiah's commitment to righteousness extending to every practical detail of the kingdom. This act stands in stark contrast to previous generations' neglect and misuse of holy things, indicating a new era of respect for God and His dwelling. It is a testament to the fact that spiritual revival often begins with attention to foundational duties and honest administration, laying a solid groundwork for the profound spiritual reawakening that followed the rediscovery of the Book of the Law. For instance, in current church contexts, this verse can inspire church treasurers and elders to handle contributions with utmost transparency and accountability, ensuring resources are diligently applied to their intended spiritual purposes, fostering trust within the congregation.