2 Chronicles 24:6

So the king called Jehoiada the high priest and said, "Why have you not required the Levites to bring 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 Testimony?"

Study Bible

So the king called Jehoiada the high priest and said,
King Joash, who reigned in Judah, is addressing Jehoiada, the high priest. Jehoiada played a crucial role in Joash's rise to power, having protected him as a child and orchestrated his coronation. This relationship underscores the king's reliance on Jehoiada for spiritual and religious guidance. The high priest held significant influence in religious and political matters, reflecting the theocratic nature of Israelite society where religious leaders often guided kings.

“Why have you not required the Levites to bring from Judah and Jerusalem
The Levites were the tribe set apart for religious duties, including the care of the temple and conducting sacrifices. They were responsible for collecting offerings and tithes from the people. Judah and Jerusalem, being the southern kingdom and its capital, were central to the religious life of the Israelites. The king's question implies a lapse in religious duties, highlighting the importance of maintaining temple worship and the support of the Levites, which was essential for the spiritual health of the nation.

the tax imposed by Moses the servant of the LORD
This refers to the half-shekel tax instituted by Moses in Exodus 30:11-16, intended for the maintenance of the Tabernacle, which later applied to the Temple. Moses, as the servant of the LORD, established laws that were foundational for Israelite worship and community life. This tax was a means of ensuring that the worship of God remained central and that the physical structure of worship was maintained. It also served as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

and by the assembly of Israel
The assembly of Israel refers to the collective decision-making body of the Israelites, often involving elders and leaders. This indicates that the tax was not only a divine command but also had communal approval and support. It reflects the cooperative nature of Israelite society in matters of worship and religious duty, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the people to uphold God's commands.

for the Tent of the Testimony?”
The Tent of the Testimony, or the Tabernacle, was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites before the construction of the Temple. It housed the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets of the Law. The reference to the Tent of the Testimony connects the current temple practices back to the wilderness period, emphasizing continuity in worship and the enduring presence of God with His people. It also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with humanity through Jesus Christ, who is seen as the true Tabernacle (John 1:14).

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Joash
The king of Judah who initiated the restoration of the temple. He was concerned about the neglect of the temple tax.

2. Jehoiada the Chief Priest
A faithful priest who played a significant role in Joash's early reign and was responsible for the spiritual oversight of the temple.

3. Levites
The tribe assigned to religious duties, including the collection of the temple tax.

4. Judah and Jerusalem
The southern kingdom and its capital, where the temple was located and the tax was to be collected.

5. Moses and the Assembly of Israel
Refers to the historical precedent set by Moses for the collection of a tax for the maintenance of the Tent of the Testimony, which was the precursor to the temple.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
Spiritual leaders, like Jehoiada, have a responsibility to ensure that God's commands are followed. This includes practical aspects like financial stewardship for religious purposes.

The Role of Accountability
Joash's questioning of Jehoiada highlights the need for accountability in leadership. Leaders must be held accountable to ensure that God's work is prioritized and maintained.

The Principle of Giving
The temple tax represents a broader biblical principle of giving to support God's work. Believers today are called to contribute to their local church and ministries.

Historical Precedent and Continuity
The reference to Moses and the assembly of Israel underscores the continuity of God's commands across generations. It reminds us of the importance of adhering to biblical principles established in the past.

Revival and Restoration
Joash's actions reflect a desire for spiritual revival and restoration. Believers are encouraged to seek renewal in their personal and communal worship practices.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Jehoiada as a spiritual leader inform our understanding of leadership responsibilities in the church today?

2. In what ways can we ensure accountability within our church or ministry settings, similar to Joash's approach with Jehoiada?

3. How does the principle of giving, as seen in the temple tax, apply to our financial stewardship and support of the church today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the historical continuity of God's commands, as seen in the reference to Moses and the assembly of Israel?

5. How can we actively participate in the revival and restoration of our personal and communal worship practices, following the example of Joash's reforms?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30:11-16
This passage outlines the original command given to Moses regarding the collection of a census tax for the maintenance of the Tent of Meeting, which parallels the tax mentioned in 2 Chronicles 24:6.

2 Kings 12:4-16
Provides a parallel account of Joash's efforts to repair the temple, offering additional context to the events in 2 Chronicles 24.

Nehemiah 10:32-33
Describes a later commitment by the Israelites to continue the practice of temple support, showing the ongoing importance of this principle.