Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 12
With Joash’s new arrangements, the work to repair the temple (God’s house) progressed well until it was complete (2 Chronicles 24:13). The workmen carefully followed the same design that God had given to David (1 Chronicles 28:11-19). This design was important: it was a copy of the true temple, God’s house in heaven (Hebrews 9:23-24).
It was also necessary at this time to replace many of the precious objects that the priests used in their work. However, it was more important to repair the temple building. So, all the money that Joash collected, paid for repairs only. Joash would not allow the priests to buy any new precious objects until the repairs were complete. However, at the end of the repairs, some money remained. It was only then that the king permitted its use to buy these objects (2 Chronicles 24:14).
Very many men worked on these repairs. The most skilled and capable of the men organised and led the teams of workers. These leaders paid each of the workers in their teams daily (Leviticus 19:13). The leaders were responsible and honest men. The proof of that fact was that they carried out the work carefully and properly. So, the chief priest and the royal secretary did not consider it necessary to ask them how they had spent the money. They could see clearly for themselves how these men had spent their money.
Joash was careful only to use for these repairs, the money that God’s law permitted for this purpose. So, he did not take any of the money that people paid in connection with the sacrifices (the gift of animals to God). Such payments belonged to the priests, so they were not available to use for the repairs.
Next part: Aram attacks Judah (2 Kings 12:17)
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