2 Kings 12:10

Authorized King James Version

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And it was so, when they saw that there was much money in the chest, that the king's scribe and the high priest came up, and they put up in bags, and told the money that was found in the house of the LORD.

Original Language Analysis

וַֽיְהִי֙ H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּרְאוֹתָ֔ם And it was so when they saw H7200
כִּרְאוֹתָ֔ם And it was so when they saw
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 2 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּי H3588
כִּי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 3 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רַ֥ב that there was much H7227
רַ֥ב that there was much
Strong's: H7227
Word #: 4 of 18
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
הַכֶּ֖סֶף money H3701
הַכֶּ֖סֶף money
Strong's: H3701
Word #: 5 of 18
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
בָּֽאָר֑וֹן in the chest H727
בָּֽאָר֑וֹן in the chest
Strong's: H727
Word #: 6 of 18
a box
וַיַּ֨עַל came up H5927
וַיַּ֨עַל came up
Strong's: H5927
Word #: 7 of 18
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
סֹפֵ֤ר scribe H5608
סֹפֵ֤ר scribe
Strong's: H5608
Word #: 8 of 18
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ that the king's H4428
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ that the king's
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 9 of 18
a king
וְהַכֹּהֵ֣ן priest H3548
וְהַכֹּהֵ֣ן priest
Strong's: H3548
Word #: 10 of 18
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
הַגָּד֔וֹל and the high H1419
הַגָּד֔וֹל and the high
Strong's: H1419
Word #: 11 of 18
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
וַיָּצֻ֙רוּ֙ and they put up in bags H6696
וַיָּצֻ֙רוּ֙ and they put up in bags
Strong's: H6696
Word #: 12 of 18
to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)
וַיִּמְנ֔וּ and told H4487
וַיִּמְנ֔וּ and told
Strong's: H4487
Word #: 13 of 18
properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 14 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכֶּ֖סֶף money H3701
הַכֶּ֖סֶף money
Strong's: H3701
Word #: 15 of 18
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
הַנִּמְצָ֥א that was found H4672
הַנִּמְצָ֥א that was found
Strong's: H4672
Word #: 16 of 18
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
בֵית in the house H1004
בֵית in the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 17 of 18
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָֽה׃ of the LORD H3068
יְהוָֽה׃ of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 18 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis & Commentary

And it was so, when they saw that there was much money in the chest, that the king's scribe and the high priest came up, and they put up in bags, and told the money that was found in the house of the LORD.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 12: Religious reform and temple restoration. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

Historical Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 12 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Joash Repairs the Temple) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Questions for Reflection

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