2 Kings 22:1-7 | The Way of Scripture

2 Kings 22:1-7

What marks the beginning of Josiah’s temple repairs?

Berean Standard Bible

1 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. 2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left. 3 Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah sent the scribe, Shaphan son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, to the house of the LORD, saying, 4 “Go up to Hilkiah the high priest and have him count the money that has been brought into the house of the LORD, which the doorkeepers have collected from the people. 5 And let them deliver it into the hands of the supervisors of those doing the work on the house of the LORD, who in turn are to give it to the workmen repairing the damages to the house of the LORD— 6 to the carpenters, builders, and masons—to buy timber and dressed stone to repair the temple. 7 But they need not account for the money put into their hands, since they work with integrity.”

What is the context?

Josiah becomes king at eight and receives the favorable description that he walks in David’s ways without turning aside. The account then moves to his eighteenth year and the repair of the Lord’s house.

He sends Shaphan to have Hilkiah count the money collected at the temple doors and deliver it to the supervisors, who will pay the craftsmen and purchase the necessary timber and stone.

The workmen are trusted because they act with integrity. As in the earlier repairs under Joash, trust is joined to a stated purpose and an organized transfer of funds rather than used to excuse leaving the work undone.

How is this passage commonly understood?

The USCCB notes connect these instructions with the earlier repair account in chapter 12. The repeated concern is practical faithfulness in using the money for the Lord’s house. The later discovery of the book takes place while this concrete work is being carried forward.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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