2 Kings 12:5

5 Each priest will take the money from the people he serves. Then the priests must repair any damage they find in the Temple."

2 Kings 12:5 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 12:5

Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance,
&c.] Of those that were most known by them; for the priests had cities assigned them in several parts of the land, and they that dwelt with them in them, or in the parts adjacent to them, were best known by them; and they were sent into all the cities, some to one and some to another, where they were most acquainted, to collect money, both what was due by law, and what the people should freely give, see ( 2 Chronicles 24:5 )

and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach
shall be found:
that is, of the temple, which, according to the Jewish chronology ^F9, had been built but one hundred and fifty five years; and being built very strong, would have needed no considerable repairs as yet, but that it had been broken up and misused by Athaliah and her sons, ( 2 Chronicles 24:7 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F9 Seder Olam Rabba, c. 18.

2 Kings 12:5 In-Context

3 But the places where gods were worshiped were not removed; the people still made sacrifices and burned incense there.

4 Joash said to the priests, "Take all the money brought as offerings to the Temple of the Lord. This includes the money each person owes in taxes and the money each person promises or brings freely to the Lord.

5 Each priest will take the money from the people he serves. Then the priests must repair any damage they find in the Temple."

6 But by the twenty-third year Joash was king, the priests still had not repaired the Temple.

7 So King Joash called for Jehoiada the priest and the other priests and said to them, "Why aren't you repairing the damage of the Temple? Don't take any more money from the people you serve, but hand over the money for the repair of the Temple."