Topical Bible: Temple: Solomon's: Repaired by Jehoash, King of Judah

◄ Temple: Solomon's: Repaired by Jehoash, King of Judah ►

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The Temple of Solomon, a central place of worship for the Israelites, was constructed under the reign of King Solomon and dedicated to the LORD as a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant. Over time, the Temple suffered neglect and damage, particularly during periods of idolatry and apostasy in Judah. One significant restoration effort was undertaken by King Jehoash (also known as Joash), who reigned in Judah from approximately 835 to 796 BC.

Jehoash ascended to the throne as a young boy, under the guidance of the high priest Jehoiada, who played a crucial role in his early reign. The spiritual and moral decline of Judah during the reigns of previous kings had left the Temple in disrepair. Recognizing the importance of restoring the Temple to its former glory, Jehoash initiated a project to repair and refurbish the sacred structure.

The account of Jehoash's repair of the Temple is detailed in 2 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 24. According to 2 Kings 12:4-5 , "Then Jehoash said to the priests, 'Collect all the money brought as sacred offerings to the house of the LORD—the census money, the money from personal vows, and all the money voluntarily given to the house of the LORD. Let every priest receive it from his constituency, and let it be used to repair any damage found in the temple.'"

Initially, the priests were tasked with collecting and managing the funds for the repairs. However, as time passed, it became evident that the repairs were not progressing as planned. In response, Jehoash took decisive action to ensure the project was completed. He ordered that a chest be placed at the entrance of the Temple to collect offerings directly from the people, as described in 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. And the priests who guarded the threshold put into the chest all the money that was brought into the house of the LORD."

The funds collected were then entrusted to skilled workers and craftsmen who diligently repaired the Temple. The repairs included reinforcing the structure, restoring the walls, and refurbishing the sacred vessels used in worship. The efforts of Jehoash and the workers ensured that the Temple was restored to a state befitting its purpose as the house of the LORD.

Jehoash's commitment to repairing the Temple reflects a period of religious reform and a return to the worship of Yahweh in Judah. His actions underscore the importance of maintaining the sanctity and functionality of the Temple as the center of Israelite worship and the symbol of God's presence among His people.

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2 Kings 12:4-14
And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passes the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that comes into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD,
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2 Chronicles 24:7-14
For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD did they bestow on Baalim.
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