2 Kings 12:5

5 Each priest was to be responsible for the money brought by those he served, and the money was to be used to repair the Temple, as needed.

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 ) .

---

FOOTNOTES:

F9 Seder Olam Rabba, c. 18.

2 Kings 12:5 In-Context

3 However, the pagan places of worship were not destroyed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.

4 Joash called the priests and ordered them to save up the money paid in connection with the sacrifices in the Temple, both the dues paid for the regular sacrifices and the money given as freewill gifts.

5 Each priest was to be responsible for the money brought by those he served, and the money was to be used to repair the Temple, as needed.

6 But by the twenty-third year of Joash's reign the priests still had not made any repairs in the Temple.

7 So he called in Jehoiada and the other priests and asked them, "Why aren't you repairing the Temple? From now on you are not to keep the money you receive; you must hand it over, so that the repairs can be made."