King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 24:5 Mean?

And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened it not.

Context

3

And Jehoiada took for him two wives; and he begat sons and daughters.

4

And it came to pass after this, that Joash was minded to repair the house of the LORD. to repair: Heb. to renew

5

And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened it not.

6

And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the collection, according to the commandment of Moses the servant of the LORD, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?

7

For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD did they bestow upon Baalim.

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money.**—This is the chronicler’s interpretation of “Let the priests take it to themselves, each from his own acquaintance” (Kings). The priests and Levites of the different districts were to collect the moneys due to the sanctuary, each in his own neighbourhood. **And see that ye hasten the matter.**—Literally, *and, for your part, hasten ye in regard to the matter* (comp. 2Chronicles 18:8); *and the Levites hastened not.* This agrees with the statement in 2Kings 12:6; 2Kings 12:9 : “And it was so, *that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash* the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house.” The remissness of the priestly order is evidently inferable from these words.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 24:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

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