2 Kings Chapter 12 · Verse 16
The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the LORD: it was the priests'.
Original Language Analysis
אָשָׁם֙
The trespass
H817
אָשָׁם֙
The trespass
Strong's:
H817
Word #:
2 of 10
guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering
חַטָּא֔וֹת
and sin
H2403
חַטָּא֔וֹת
and sin
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
4 of 10
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יוּבָ֖א
was not brought
H935
יוּבָ֖א
was not brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
6 of 10
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בֵּ֣ית
into the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
into the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
7 of 10
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Leviticus 7:7As the sin offering is, so is the trespass offering: there is one law for them: the priest that maketh atonement therewith shall have it.Leviticus 4:29And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay the sin offering in the place of the burnt offering.Leviticus 4:24And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the goat, and kill it in the place where they kill the burnt offering before the LORD: it is a sin offering.
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
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 12 regarding religious reform and temple restoration?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the LORD: it was the priests'.
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. 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.