What does 2 Kings 12:4 mean?
"¶ 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 passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD," - 2 Kings 12:4
The Bible verse 2 Kings 12:4 in the King James Version (KJV) states, "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 passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the Lord." This verse is part of a larger passage that describes King Jehoash's efforts to repair the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem.
In order to truly understand the depth and significance of this verse, it is important to first understand the context in which it is situated. King Jehoash, also known as Joash, was the king of Judah who came to power at a young age. He reigned for 40 years and was largely influenced by the guidance of the priest Jehoiada. During his reign, Jehoash endeavored to restore the temple of the Lord, which had fallen into disrepair.
The verse begins with Jehoash instructing the priests regarding the money that was to be dedicated to the house of the Lord. This money was to be used for the specific purpose of repairing and restoring the temple. Jehoash's concern for the temple of the Lord demonstrates his understanding of the importance of maintaining a place of worship and honor for God. By directing the priests to oversee the money dedicated to the house of the Lord, Jehoash was ensuring that the resources necessary for the temple's restoration were properly managed and utilized.
The verse also highlights the inclusive nature of the contributions that were to be gathered for the temple. The money was not confined to a specific amount or from a particular source; rather, it encompassed all the funds that were brought into the house of the Lord, regardless of the amount given or the individual's intention to contribute. This demonstrates that every person's offering was valued and significant in the eyes of the king and in the eyes of the Lord.
Symbolically, the restoration of the temple under King Jehoash's leadership represents the restoration and renewal of the spiritual life of the people of Judah. The temple was a central place of worship and connection to God, and its neglect mirrored the spiritual apathy and disregard for God's commands that had overtaken the nation. By prioritizing the temple's refurbishment, Jehoash was seeking to reestablish the reverence and devotion to God that had been lost.
This verse also emphasizes the importance of stewardship and accountability in the use of resources dedicated to God's work. The money that was brought into the house of the Lord was to be carefully managed and allocated for the specific purpose of temple restoration. This underscores the principle of responsible stewardship and the need to ensure that all resources dedicated to God's work are used wisely and for the intended purpose.
In a broader context, this verse speaks to the broader theme of the importance of worship and devotion to God. The temple was a sacred space where the people of Judah came to offer sacrifices, seek God's guidance, and express their faith. By prioritizing the restoration of the temple, Jehoash was reaffirming the significance of worship and reverence for God in the life of the nation.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 12:4 in the KJV offers a powerful message about the importance of worship, stewardship, and the restoration of spiritual life. The verse reflects King Jehoash's commitment to honoring God and revitalizing the spiritual life of Judah through the restoration of the temple. It also underscores the significance of inclusive contributions and responsible management of resources dedicated to God's work. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder of the central place of worship and devotion in the lives of believers and the need to prioritize the restoration and renewal of spiritual life.
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2 Kings 12:4 - "¶ 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 passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD,"
"¶ 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 passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD," - 2 Kings 12:4
2 Kings 4:12 - "And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him."
2 Kings 4:4-5
2 Kings 12:19 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Corinthians 12:2-4 – Paul’s vision of the third heaven.
2 Kings 12:14 - "But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 25:12 - "But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen."
2 Kings 12:16 - "The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the LORD: it was the priests'."
Lamentations 4:12 - "The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem."
2 Kings 12:12 - "And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it."
2 Kings 10:4 - "But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?"
2 Kings 12:2 - "And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him."
2 Kings 10:12 - "¶ And he arose and departed, and came to Samaria. And as he was at the shearing house in the way,"
2 Kings 13:12 - "And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might wherewith he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 14:12 - "And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents."
2 Kings 12:6 - "But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house."
2 Timothy 4:12 - "And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus."
2 Kings 12:8 - "And the priests consented to receive no more money of the people, neither to repair the breaches of the house."
2 Kings 16:12 - "And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon."
2 Corinthians 4:12 - "So then death worketh in us, but life in you."
1 Kings 2:12 - "¶ Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly."
2 Kings 12:15 - "Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully."
"And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him." - 2 Kings 4:12
2 kings 2:12 in which elisha is kneeling down while receiving brown old cloak
2 Kings 3:12 - "And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the LORD is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him."
2 Kings 4:11 - "And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there."
2 Kings 12:3 - "But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places."
2 Kings 17:12 - "For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing."
1 Kings 4:2 - "And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,"