2 Chronicles 24:5 Meaning and Explanation
“And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened it not.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Joash instructed priests and Levites to collect funds throughout Judah, but they delayed.
The Context of 2 Chronicles 24:5
Joash delegates collection efforts but encounters resistance from religious officials.
What Does 2 Chronicles 24:5 Mean?
Joash implemented a systematic collection process, establishing an ongoing annual tax for temple repairs. His command demonstrates authority and administrative competence. However, the Levites' slowness to respond reveals reluctance or bureaucratic resistance—perhaps from those who lacked investment in the project or resisted royal authority in religious matters.
The phrase 'hasten the matter' shows Joash's urgency and frustration with the pace. This delay forced him to devise an alternative method (the collection chest in verse 8) to ensure funds reached the project. The Levites' resistance would later parallel Joash's own resistance to divine guidance after Jehoiada's influence waned.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Chronicles 24:5
What does 2 Chronicles 24:5 mean?
Joash instructed priests and Levites to collect funds throughout Judah, but they delayed.
What is the context of 2 Chronicles 24:5?
Joash delegates collection efforts but encounters resistance from religious officials.