2 Kings 12:9

Then Jehoiada the priest took a chest, bored a hole in its lid, and set it beside the altar on the right side as one enters the house of the LORD. There the priests who guarded the threshold put all the money brought into the house of the LORD.

Study Bible

Then Jehoiada the priest took a chest
Jehoiada was a prominent priest during the reign of King Joash. His leadership was crucial in guiding the young king and restoring proper worship practices. The chest signifies a practical solution to collect funds for temple repairs, highlighting Jehoiada's role in both spiritual and administrative matters.

bored a hole in its lid
This action ensured that the chest could securely collect offerings without the risk of tampering. It reflects a concern for integrity and transparency in handling sacred funds, a principle echoed in later scriptures emphasizing honesty in stewardship (2 Corinthians 8:20-21).

and set it beside the altar on the right side
The placement of the chest was significant, as the right side was traditionally associated with favor and authority. This strategic location ensured visibility and accessibility for worshippers, encouraging contributions while maintaining the sanctity of the altar area.

as one enters the house of the LORD
The house of the LORD refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites. Its entrance was a place of transition from the secular to the sacred, symbolizing the act of bringing offerings into God's presence. This practice is reminiscent of the New Testament call to present oneself as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).

There the priests who guarded the threshold
The priests had a dual role of spiritual leadership and practical oversight. Guarding the threshold was a duty that ensured the sanctity and security of the temple. This role parallels the New Testament depiction of spiritual leaders as shepherds and overseers (1 Peter 5:2).

put all the money brought into the house of the LORD
The collection of money was intended for the repair and maintenance of the temple, reflecting a communal responsibility for the upkeep of God's dwelling place. This practice underscores the biblical principle of giving for the work of the Lord, as seen in the early church's support for ministry and missions (Philippians 4:15-18).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoiada the Priest
A key religious leader during the reign of King Joash, Jehoiada played a significant role in the spiritual and political restoration of Judah. He was instrumental in the collection and proper use of funds for temple repairs.

2. The Chest
A physical container used to collect offerings for the repair of the temple. It symbolizes transparency and accountability in handling God's resources.

3. The Altar
The location where the chest was placed, signifying the sacredness of the offerings and the importance of maintaining the house of the LORD.

4. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites, which was in need of repair during this time.

5. The Priests
Religious officials responsible for guarding the threshold and ensuring the proper collection and use of the offerings.

Teaching Points

Integrity in Stewardship
The method of collecting offerings in a chest with a hole bored in it demonstrates the importance of transparency and accountability in handling resources dedicated to God's work.

The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Renewal
Jehoiada's leadership in organizing the collection for temple repairs underscores the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide and facilitate the community's commitment to God's house.

The Sacredness of Giving
Placing the chest beside the altar signifies that giving is an act of worship, and the resources collected are to be used for the maintenance and enhancement of worship spaces.

Community Participation in God's Work
The involvement of the priests and the people in contributing to the temple repairs illustrates the collective responsibility of the faith community in supporting and sustaining their place of worship.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the method of collecting offerings in 2 Kings 12:9 reflect principles of accountability and transparency that can be applied in today's church financial practices?

2. In what ways does Jehoiada's leadership in this passage inspire modern spiritual leaders to prioritize the maintenance and care of their places of worship?

3. How can the placement of the chest beside the altar inform our understanding of giving as an act of worship?

4. What lessons can we learn from the collective effort of the priests and people in supporting the temple repairs, and how can these lessons be applied to encourage community involvement in church projects today?

5. How does the account of the widow's offering in Mark 12:41-44 enhance our understanding of the heart attitude behind giving, as seen in the collection for the temple repairs in 2 Kings 12:9?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 36:3-7
This passage describes the collection of offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle, highlighting the generosity of the people and the importance of giving for God's work.

2 Chronicles 24:8-14
Provides a parallel account of the same event, offering additional details about the collection and use of funds for temple repairs.

Mark 12:41-44
Jesus observes the widow's offering, teaching about the heart behind giving, which connects to the integrity and purpose of the collection in 2 Kings 12:9.