2 Chronicles 24:6 – “Therefore the king summoned Jehoiada the chief priest and said to him, ‘Why haven’t you required the Levites to bring in from Judah and Jerusalem the tax imposed by Moses, the servant of the Lord, and by the assembly of Israel for the tent of the covenant law?'”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, King Joash confronts Jehoiada, the high priest, about the delay in collecting the tax necessary to fund the restoration of the temple. Joash had previously commanded the priests and Levites to go to the towns of Judah and collect the money needed for temple repairs (as seen in verse 5). However, the Levites did not act immediately, and Joash’s plan was stalled.
Joash specifically references the “tax imposed by Moses” for the “tent of the covenant law,” which refers to an earlier practice established during the time of Moses when the people were required to contribute toward the upkeep of the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites before the construction of the temple. By mentioning Moses, Joash is pointing back to a long-standing precedent for contributing financially to the worship of God and the maintenance of sacred spaces.
Joash’s frustration is evident as he questions why the collection has not yet taken place. He’s emphasizing the importance of restoring the temple and ensuring that the people fulfill their obligations to support this work. This verse shows Joash’s commitment to honoring God by repairing the temple, and it highlights his sense of responsibility as a leader.
Historical Context
Joash became king at a young age, and his reign is marked by efforts to restore the temple and return Judah to the proper worship of God. The temple had fallen into disrepair during the reign of Queen Athaliah, who promoted idol worship and neglected the house of the Lord. Joash, influenced by the high priest Jehoiada, took it upon himself to restore the temple and bring the people back to the worship of God.
The tax that Joash refers to is rooted in the Law of Moses. In Exodus 30:11-16, Moses instituted a half-shekel tax to be collected from every Israelite over the age of twenty. This money was used to maintain the tabernacle and ensure that the worship of God could continue properly. Joash’s reference to this ancient law shows that he wanted to return to the principles laid out by Moses to fund the necessary repairs to the temple.
However, despite Joash’s command, the Levites—who were responsible for collecting the money—were slow to act. This led to Joash confronting Jehoiada about why the work had not yet begun.
Theological Implications
This verse illustrates several key theological principles, particularly the importance of obedience and stewardship. Joash’s question reveals his concern that the Levites were not fulfilling their duty to collect the temple tax, which was an act of obedience to God’s law. The tax was not just a practical way to fund the temple—it was a form of worship, a way for the people to show their devotion to God by contributing to the maintenance of His house.
The delay in collecting the tax suggests a lack of urgency or commitment from the Levites, which reflects a deeper issue of spiritual complacency. In the same way, when we delay in fulfilling what God has called us to do, we demonstrate a lack of faithfulness and dedication to His purposes.
Additionally, the verse points to the idea of restoration. Joash’s commitment to restoring the temple shows that physical spaces dedicated to God are important because they represent His presence among His people. In a broader sense, this reminds us that God calls us to restore and renew what has been broken or neglected, whether that’s a physical space, a relationship, or our spiritual lives.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses direct speech to capture the urgency and frustration in Joash’s tone. His question to Jehoiada is not a simple inquiry; it’s a rebuke. The phrase “Why haven’t you” signals a disappointment in the lack of action from the Levites and highlights Joash’s expectation of immediate obedience to the command.
By referencing Moses, the verse also creates a link between the current situation and the past, showing continuity between what Moses established in the wilderness and what Joash is trying to restore. This literary device serves to remind the reader that Joash’s actions are not new innovations but part of a long-standing tradition of honoring God through the care of sacred spaces.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 30:11-16 – This passage details the collection of a tax from the people to support the tabernacle’s maintenance. Joash’s reference to this tax shows his desire to follow the biblical precedent established by Moses.
- 2 Kings 12:4-5 – A parallel account of Joash’s efforts to repair the temple, showing that this was a central concern of his reign.
- Leviticus 27:30 – This verse speaks about the importance of giving to the Lord, particularly in the context of tithes and offerings, which are used to support the work of worship.
- Nehemiah 10:32-33 – This passage describes the reestablishment of a temple tax during the time of Nehemiah, demonstrating the ongoing need for God’s people to support the worship of God and the care of sacred spaces.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that we are called to be good stewards of the resources God has given us. Joash’s frustration with the delay in collecting the temple tax points to the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities promptly and with a sense of commitment. Whether it’s our time, talents, or financial resources, God expects us to use what He has given us to support His work and further His kingdom.
This verse also challenges us to reflect on areas where we might be slow to act in obedience to God. Just as the Levites delayed in carrying out Joash’s command, we can sometimes hesitate or procrastinate in fulfilling what God has called us to do. This passage reminds us that delayed obedience is disobedience, and we need to act with urgency when it comes to the things of God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is reflected in His desire for His people to worship Him properly and to take care of the places where His presence is honored. The temple was the physical symbol of God’s dwelling among His people, and by restoring it, Joash was helping to bring the people back into a right relationship with God. God’s love is shown in His patience, as He gives His people the opportunity to correct what has been neglected and to restore their worship of Him.
This verse also shows God’s love in the way He provides leaders like Joash, who are committed to following His commands and leading His people back to faithful worship. God cares about the spiritual health of His people, and He uses leaders to guide them toward obedience and renewal.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The restoration of the temple under Joash points forward to the ultimate restoration brought by Jesus Christ. While Joash was focused on restoring the physical temple, Jesus came to restore the spiritual relationship between God and humanity. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to His body as the true temple (John 2:19-21), indicating that He is the ultimate meeting place between God and His people.
Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are no longer dependent on a physical temple to worship God. Instead, we become the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and our lives are now the place where God’s presence dwells. Just as Joash sought to restore the temple, Jesus restores us spiritually so that we can be in a right relationship with God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where God has called you to act, but you’ve been slow to respond? How can you take steps toward obedience today?
- How does Joash’s desire to restore the temple challenge you to prioritize the things of God in your life, whether that’s through your time, resources, or energy?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of stewardship and taking care of what God has entrusted to us, especially in the context of worship and service?
- How does the restoration of the temple under Joash point to the greater restoration that Jesus brings through His life, death, and resurrection?
- In what ways can you be more intentional about supporting the work of God’s kingdom, both in your local church and in the broader community?
This verse calls us to reflect on our obedience to God and our commitment to supporting His work. It reminds us that delayed action can hinder God’s plans, and we are called to respond promptly and faithfully when He directs us. It also points us to the ultimate restoration we experience in Jesus Christ, who makes a way for us to be in right relationship with God, not through a physical temple but through His own sacrifice. Through Joash’s example, we are encouraged to be diligent in our worship and stewardship of what God has given us.