But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money that was brought into the house of the LORD.
2 KINGS 12:9KJVWhat does 2 Kings 12:9 mean?
2 Kings 12:9 describes how Jehoiada the priest set up a special chest with a hole in its lid, placing it beside the altar so that the priests guarding the entrance could collect all the money brought into the temple. This verse explains the practical steps taken to gather offerings for the upkeep of the house of the LORD.
Jehoiada, who was the high priest at this time, took action to ensure that the money given by the people for the temple was collected securely and transparently. The chest was placed in a visible and accessible spot near the altar, and the priests who watched the door were responsible for putting all the contributions into it. This system was set up during a period of temple repairs under King Joash, aiming to restore trust and proper management of temple funds.
The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 12:9
- חָרוּ (ḥāru, "bored"): This word means to bore or drill, emphasizing that a deliberate hole was made in the lid of the chest, likely for security and convenience, so people could deposit money without opening the chest.
- דֶּלֶת (delet, "door"): Used here for "door," this word highlights that the priests assigned to watch the entrance were given the responsibility to handle the offerings, showing an organized approach to temple duties.
- אָרוֹן (’ārōn, "chest"): This is the same word used elsewhere for a box or chest, sometimes even for the Ark, but here it simply means a secure container for collecting money.
Why 2 Kings 12:9 matters
- This verse shows a practical solution to concerns about honesty and accountability in handling temple funds, which had been a problem earlier in the chapter.
- The detail about the chest and its placement reveals a concern for transparency, making it clear that offerings were being managed openly and responsibly.
- Understanding this verse helps explain the reforms under Jehoiada and King Joash, setting the stage for the restoration of the temple and the renewal of proper worship practices.