2 Chronicles 24:6
So the king summoned Jehoiada the chief and said to him, “Why have you not required the Levites to bring in from Judah and Jerusalem the tax levied by Moses, the servant of the LORD, and the congregation of Israel for the tent of testimony?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to overlook the specific tax mentioned here – it wasn't just any old assessment, but the one God personally ordained through Moses for the upkeep of the sacred Tent of Meeting. This highlights how even the "religious" duties of the people and leaders were meant to be a direct, communal response to God's established covenant and presence among them.
King Joash and Jehoiada the priest are grappling with the decaying state of the Temple, which has fallen into disrepair due to neglect. This verse marks the beginning of their plan to fund necessary renovations, as Joash questions why the promised contributions for the Temple haven't been collected as instructed by Moses. The subsequent verses detail how they successfully gathered the funds and carried out the repairs, restoring the Temple's glory.
King Joash noticed something was wrong. The beautiful house of God was falling into disrepair, and a crucial task had been ignored. This isn't just about buildings; it's about our commitment to what's sacred.
The King's Concern
King Joash, though young, shows a keen awareness of his responsibilities. He calls out Jehoiada, the high priest, for a serious oversight: the collection of the 'tax' or 'assessment' meant for the Tabernacle (later the Temple).
What Was This Tax?
This wasn't a tax for the king's personal wealth, but a divinely appointed contribution from all Israel. Moses himself instituted it for the upkeep and service of the Tent of Testimony – God's dwelling place among His people. It was a tangible way for everyone, from every tribe, to participate in caring for God’s presence.
The Problem of Neglect
Jehoiada's failure to enforce this collection meant the Temple's maintenance was likely suffering. It highlights how even essential spiritual duties can be neglected when leaders aren't vigilant. This tax was a covenantal responsibility, linking the people's generosity directly to the dwelling of God.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 2 Chronicles 24:6 is available in the Sola app.
The Bible mentions a specific 'tax' for God's house. What was it, and why was it so important that even a king felt compelled to question its absence decades later?
The Assessment for God's Dwelling
The 'tax' mentioned here is often referred to as the census tax or atonement money, first commanded by God through Moses in Exodus 30.
Divine Mandate, Not Royal Decree
It's crucial to understand this wasn't just any king's levy. This was a divine ordinance: 'the tax levied by Moses, the servant of the LORD.' It was a one-time half-shekel payment required from every man of twenty years old or above when counted in a census. Its purpose was twofold:
A Covenantal Connection
This assessment was a tangible expression of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It signified their collective ownership and responsibility for the sanctuary where God met His people. When Joash questions Jehoiada, he's not just asking about money; he's questioning why this vital link to God's presence and covenant was being neglected.
Understand the original words
rosh · Hebrew Noun
The title "chief" or "head" refers to one who holds authority over others, often used for priests or civil leaders. In this context, it refers to Jehoiada’s preeminent role in the priesthood.
massa · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the census tax commanded in Exodus 30:11-16, where every Israelite was to give half a shekel to the Lord as a ransom for their lives to be used for the service of the tabernacle.
ebed YHWH · Hebrew Noun
A title of great honor in the Old Testament, used for leaders like Moses who acted as God's representative and mediator. It emphasizes total submission and obedience to God's will.
edah · Hebrew Noun
The primary designation for the gathering of God's covenant people. It highlights the corporate identity of the Israelites as a holy nation set apart to God.
edut · Hebrew Noun
Usually refers to the tabernacle or the contents within the Holy of Holies (the ark of the covenant). It signifies the place where God’s law was kept and where He bore witness to His covenant with His people.
This verse highlights a critical failure in religious duty during King Joash's minority and early reign, a direct consequence of the turbulent period following Athaliah's coup and the subsequent restoration led by Jehoiada.
c. 970 BC
Death of King Solomon
Solomon's reign ended, and his son Rehoboam succeeded him. The kingdom soon divided.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
After Solomon's death, the united kingdom split into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah.
c. 870 BC
Athaliah's Usurpation
Queen Athaliah, mother of King Ahaziah of Judah, seized the throne and reigned for six years, promoting Baal worship.
c. 864 BC— this verse
Restoration of Davidic Line
Jehoiada the priest led a rebellion, overthrowing Athaliah and installing Joash (Jehoiada's nephew) as king at age seven. This preserved the royal line.
c. 835 BC
Joash's Reign and Temple Neglect
During Joash's long reign, the priests and Levites failed to collect the required Temple tax, leading to the neglect of the house of the LORD.
This passage details the census tax that Moses was commanded to collect from the Israelites for the upkeep of the tabernacle, directly paralleling the tax mentioned in 2 Chronicles 24:6.
1 Chronicles 26:20-27This text describes the Levites' extensive responsibilities in managing the temple's treasures and contributions, showing the broader context of their role in collecting and safeguarding resources for worship.
Nehemiah 10:32-39This passage records the Israelites' renewed commitment to supporting the temple through tithes and offerings, highlighting the ongoing importance of financial stewardship for worship and service, even centuries later.
Jesus addresses the temple tax (a similar concept) by paying it, demonstrating its significance within the religious system, while also subtly pointing to a higher authority.
It's easy to overlook the specific tax mentioned here – it wasn't just any old assessment, but the one God personally ordained through Moses for the upkeep of the sacred Tent of Meeting. This highlights how even the "religious" duties of the people and leaders were meant to be a direct, communal response to God's established covenant and presence among them.
King Joash and Jehoiada the priest are grappling with the decaying state of the Temple, which has fallen into disrepair due to neglect. This verse marks the beginning of their plan to fund necessary renovations, as Joash questions why the promised contributions for the Temple haven't been collected as instructed by Moses. The subsequent verses detail how they successfully gathered the funds and carried out the repairs, restoring the Temple's glory.
King Joash and Jehoiada the priest are grappling with the decaying state of the Temple, which has fallen into disrepair due to neglect. This verse marks the beginning of their plan to fund necessary renovations, as Joash questions why the promised contributions for the Temple haven't been collected as instructed by Moses. The subsequent verses detail how they successfully gathered the funds and carried out the repairs, restoring the Temple's glory.
"So the king summoned Jehoiada the chief and said to him, “Why have you not required the Levites to bring in from Judah and Jerusalem the tax levied by Moses, the servant of the LORD, and the congregation of Israel for the tent of testimony…" — It's easy to overlook the specific tax mentioned here – it wasn't just any old assessment, but the one God personally ordained through Moses for the upkeep of the sacred Tent of Meeting. This hig…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
