Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 12
Joash’s original plan seemed simple, but in fact it was too complex (12:4-5). He was asking a large number of people – the tribe (family group) called the Levites – to go into all the towns in Judah. In each town, they had to prepare a list of all the people and to collect the tax from each person. An arrangement like that is difficult to organise. It would be necessary to tell each of the Levites where to go, when, and what to do.
The second problem was that the plan did not distinguish the money for the repairs from money for other purposes. The king had given a list of the funds that he wanted the priests to use for the repairs (12:4). However, there were other things that it was right and proper to buy with that money. So it was easier for the priests to buy those objects than to arrange the repairs.
For a better arrangement, it is necessary to separate the money that is for a particular purpose. Usually today, people separate it in their records of accounts and in bank accounts. However, Joash and Jehoiada decided to keep the money physically separate. That was the reason for the box. The money that came from the box went into bags that paid the workmen.
In addition, everyone must clearly understand what he must do. So, in the new arrangement, the people had to bring the money to the temple (God’s house in Jerusalem). The priests had to put the money that they received into the box. The chief priest and the royal secretary had to count the money and to pay for the repairs. Finally, of course, the workmen had to do the work for which they would receive payment.
Next part: The success of Joash's new arrangements (2 Kings 12:13-16)
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