The Heart of Giving: Lessons from Jehoash
"¶ And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD," - 2 Kings 12:4
In 2 Kings 12:4, we find King Jehoash making a profound declaration that reveals his vision for the temple of the Lord: "And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man’s heart to bring into the house of the LORD." This passage is a powerful reminder of the importance of generosity, community engagement, and the centrality of the house of God in the lives of His people.
As we explore this verse, we start by acknowledging the scene set before us. Jehoash, having ascended to the throne at a young age, is filled with a desire to restore the temple to its former glory. The temple, representing more than just a building, was the very embodiment of God's dwelling among His people, a symbol of His presence, and a place of worship. Jehoash recognized that the temple needed resources—financial contributions and voluntary offerings could help fund necessary repairs and maintenance. His statement reflects a call to collective responsibility among the people of Judah.
What strikes us in this verse is the comprehensive nature of Jehoash’s directive towards giving. He speaks of "the money of dedicated things," which refers to funds specifically set apart for God’s purposes, as well as "the money that every man is set at," suggesting an accounting of tribute and offerings based on individual abilities. Further, he mentions "all the money that cometh into any man’s heart to bring to the house of the LORD," emphasizing the idea that giving should not be constrained by obligation alone but should also spring from a willing heart.
This passage teaches us essential principles about giving that remain relevant for us today. Firstly, it emphasizes the idea of dedication. Whatever we give to God, whether it be our time, talents, or treasures, should be given with intent and purpose. Our offerings should reflect a commitment to God’s work within the church and our communities. As Romans 12:1 exhorts us, we are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service.
Secondly, we learn about the personal aspect of giving. Jehoash recognizes that giving is an individual act that reflects our relationship with God. The phrase "the money that cometh into any man's heart" reveals that God looks upon the heart of the giver. In light of this, we are reminded that our motives in giving are essential. Are we generous solely to gain recognition or favor, or is our giving an authentic reflection of our gratitude and love for God? This verse invites us to search our hearts, ensuring that we give joyfully and willingly as an expression of our faith.
Moreover, Jehoash’s appeal for contributions underlines the significance of communal participation in God’s work. When we unite as a body of believers, pooling our resources for the Lord's vision, we not only empower the church but also foster a spirit of unity. Acts 4:32 describes how the early church shared everything in common, ensuring that no one among them had need. This early model of collaborative generosity shines a light on how we can support one another in our faith journeys today.
In conclusion, as we reflect on this pivotal moment in 2 Kings, let us remember the call to recognize the importance of God’s house and the responsibility we all share in its upkeep and its mission. Let’s examine our own hearts—are we taking tangible steps to contribute to the work of the Lord? Are our hearts in the right place when we give? As we respond to Jehoash's challenge, let us strive to give not out of compulsion but out of love and joyful gratitude, trusting that our contributions will make a lasting impact in the kingdom of God.
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2 Kings 12:4 - "¶ And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD,"
"¶ And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD," - 2 Kings 12:4
2 Kings 4:12 - "And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him."
2 Kings 4:4-5
2 Kings 12:19 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Corinthians 12:2-4 – Paul’s vision of the third heaven.
2 Kings 12:14 - "But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 25:12 - "But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen."
2 Kings 12:16 - "The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the LORD: it was the priests'."
Lamentations 4:12 - "The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem."
2 Kings 12:12 - "And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it."
2 Kings 10:4 - "But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?"
2 Kings 12:2 - "And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him."
2 Kings 10:12 - "¶ And he arose and departed, and came to Samaria. And as he was at the shearing house in the way,"
2 Kings 13:12 - "And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might wherewith he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 14:12 - "And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents."
2 Kings 12:6 - "But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house."
2 Timothy 4:12 - "And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus."
2 Kings 12:8 - "And the priests consented to receive no more money of the people, neither to repair the breaches of the house."
2 Kings 16:12 - "And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon."
2 Corinthians 4:12 - "So then death worketh in us, but life in you."
1 Kings 2:12 - "¶ Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly."
2 Kings 12:15 - "Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully."
"And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him." - 2 Kings 4:12
2 kings 2:12 in which elisha is kneeling down while receiving brown old cloak
2 Kings 3:12 - "And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the LORD is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him."
2 Kings 4:11 - "And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there."
2 Kings 12:3 - "But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places."
2 Kings 17:12 - "For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing."
1 Kings 4:2 - "And these were the princes which he had; Azariah the son of Zadok the priest,"