Chest for Money
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Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, a "chest for money" refers to a container used for collecting and storing monetary contributions, often for the purpose of temple maintenance or religious offerings. This concept is most notably illustrated in the account of King Joash of Judah, as recorded in the Old Testament.

Biblical Account:

The primary reference to a chest for money is found in 2 Kings 12:9-10 , where King Joash initiated a collection to repair the temple of the LORD. The passage states: "Then Jehoiada the priest took a chest, bored a hole in its lid, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one enters the house of the LORD. And the priests who guarded the threshold put into the chest all the money that was brought into the house of the LORD. Whenever they saw that there was a large amount of money in the chest, the royal scribe and the high priest would come up, put the money in bags, and count it."

This initiative was a response to the neglect and disrepair of the temple, which had suffered under previous reigns. The chest served as a practical solution to gather funds from the people, ensuring that the temple could be restored to its former glory.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The use of a chest for collecting money highlights the communal responsibility and participation in the upkeep of the temple, which was central to the religious life of Israel. The temple was not only a place of worship but also a symbol of God's presence among His people. The collection of funds through a chest underscores the importance of stewardship and the collective effort required to maintain the sanctity and functionality of the temple.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the chest for money represents the principle of giving as an act of worship and devotion. It reflects the biblical teaching that God's people are called to support the work of the ministry and the maintenance of places dedicated to His service. This practice is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to give generously and cheerfully to support the church and its mission (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Application in Worship:

The concept of a chest for money can be seen as a precursor to modern practices of tithing and offering collections within Christian communities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of contributing to the needs of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom on earth. The act of giving, whether through a physical chest or other means, is an expression of faith and commitment to God's work.

In summary, the chest for money in the biblical narrative of King Joash illustrates a practical and spiritual approach to funding religious endeavors, emphasizing the role of the community in supporting the house of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Kings 12:9
But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one comes into the house of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money that was brought into the house of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 24:8-11
And at the king's commandment they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
1101. glossokomon -- a case, a box
... word), bag, purse; some prefer to take as: box, chest. Word Origin from glossa and
the same as komizo Definition a case, a box NASB Word Usage money box (2). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1101.htm - 6k
Library

Methodical Liberality
... 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 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/methodical liberality.htm

Glad Givers and Faithful Workers
... by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there was much money, the king's
scribe and the high priest's officer came and emptied the chest, and took it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/glad givers and faithful workers.htm

Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ...
... large quantities of silver and gold; and when the scribe and the priest that were
over the treasuries had emptied the chest, and counted the money in the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 hazael makes an.htm

The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the ...
... but to have thrown them down before him who opened the Temple-Chest, [3748] when ...
that, although the Jews in Palestine had to pay the tribute-money before the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the last events.htm

The Use of Money
... You may as well throw your money into the sea, as bury it in the earth. And you
may as well bury it in the earth, as in your chest, or in the Bank of England. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 50 the use of.htm

Dr. Martin Luther Concerning Penitence and Indulgences.
... 27. They preach man, who say that the soul flies out of purgatory as soon
as the money thrown into the chest rattles. 28. It is ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/disputation of dr martin luther.htm

Zeal.
... the field, and he finds under them an iron chest, and this chest he believes ... he sells
his house, and garden, and everything he can turn into money, and gives ...
/.../baring-gould/the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/l zeal.htm

Profit and Loss
... You have heard of a sailor, who, when the ship was sinking, rushed into the cabin,
broke open the captain's chest, extracted all the money he could"tied it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/profit and loss.htm

Good or Bad Spirits?
... a person who told them there was a large treasure hid in such a spot, three miles
from Norwich, consisting of money and plate, buried in a chest, between six ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/good or bad spirits.htm

The Story of one Furlough (1908-1910)
... In less than two weeks I received the money needed, and of course got the coat ... Toronto
to Winnipeg I caught a severe cold, which settled in my throat and chest. ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/vii the story of one.htm

Resources
What is the ark of the testimony? | GotQuestions.org

What is the mercy seat? | GotQuestions.org

Does the Bible mention Alexander the Great? | GotQuestions.org

Chest: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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