2 Chronicles 34:10
They put it into the hands of the supervisors of those doing the work of the house of the LORD, who in turn gave it to the workmen restoring and repairing the house of the LORD.
Then they gave it
This phrase marks a pivotal moment of action and obedience. The Hebrew root for "gave" is "נָתַן" (natan), which means to give, put, or set. This act of giving signifies a transfer of responsibility and resources, reflecting a heart of stewardship and faithfulness. In the context of the temple restoration, it underscores the importance of using God-given resources for His glory and purposes.

to the foremen
The term "foremen" refers to those who were in charge of overseeing the work. The Hebrew word used here is "סַפָּר" (sapar), which can mean scribe or overseer. These individuals were entrusted with leadership and accountability, highlighting the biblical principle of wise and diligent oversight in the work of the Lord. Their role was crucial in ensuring that the work was done according to God's standards.

who were appointed
The phrase "who were appointed" indicates a deliberate and purposeful selection. The Hebrew root "עָמַד" (amad) means to stand, remain, or be appointed. This suggests that these foremen were chosen based on their qualifications and faithfulness. It reflects the biblical theme of God appointing individuals for specific tasks, emphasizing the importance of divine calling and human responsibility.

over the house of the LORD
This phrase refers to the temple, the sacred place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The Hebrew word for "house" is "בַּיִת" (bayit), which can mean house, temple, or household. The temple was central to Israel's religious life, symbolizing God's covenant relationship with His people. The restoration of the temple signifies a renewal of worship and commitment to God.

and they in turn gave it
This phrase shows a chain of responsibility and trust. The foremen, having received the resources, passed them on to the workmen. This act of giving reflects a community working together in unity and purpose. It highlights the biblical principle of collaboration and the importance of each member playing their part in the body of Christ.

to the workmen
The "workmen" were the skilled laborers tasked with the physical restoration of the temple. The Hebrew word "עָשָׂה" (asah) means to do, make, or accomplish. These individuals used their God-given talents to restore the temple, illustrating the value of craftsmanship and the dignity of labor in God's work.

who were restoring and repairing
This phrase captures the essence of the work being done. The Hebrew root for "restoring" is "חָזַק" (chazaq), meaning to strengthen or repair, and for "repairing" is "בָּדַל" (badal), meaning to separate or mend. Together, they convey a sense of renewal and healing. This work symbolizes spiritual renewal and the restoration of true worship, pointing to the transformative power of God's presence.

the house of the LORD
Reiterating the sacredness of the temple, this phrase emphasizes the ultimate purpose of the restoration work. The temple was not just a physical structure but a symbol of God's covenant and His desire to dwell among His people. The restoration of the temple serves as a reminder of the need to prioritize God's presence and worship in our lives, calling believers to be living temples of the Holy Spirit.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Foremen
These were the supervisors or overseers responsible for managing the work on the temple. They played a crucial role in ensuring that the repairs were carried out efficiently and according to plan.

2. Workmen
Skilled laborers who were tasked with the actual restoration and repair work on the temple. Their craftsmanship was essential for the successful completion of the project.

3. House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was the central place of worship for the Israelites. It was a symbol of God's presence among His people.

4. Restoration and Repair
This event marks a significant period of religious reform under King Josiah, where the temple, which had fallen into disrepair, was being restored to its former glory.

5. King Josiah
Although not mentioned directly in this verse, he was the king of Judah who initiated the temple repairs as part of his broader religious reforms.
Teaching Points
Stewardship and Responsibility
The foremen and workmen exemplify the importance of stewardship and responsibility in God's work. We are called to use our skills and resources to maintain and build up the church, both physically and spiritually.

The Importance of God's House
The restoration of the temple underscores the significance of having a dedicated place for worship and community. It challenges us to prioritize the upkeep and reverence of our places of worship.

Leadership in Reformation
King Josiah's initiative in restoring the temple serves as a model for godly leadership. Leaders are called to guide their communities back to faithfulness and reverence for God.

Obedience and Blessing
The act of repairing the temple was an act of obedience to God, which brought about spiritual renewal. Our obedience to God's commands can lead to personal and communal blessings.
Bible Study Questions
1. What roles do the foremen and workmen play in the restoration of the temple, and how can we apply their example of diligence and skill in our own service to the church?

2. How does the restoration of the temple under King Josiah compare to other biblical accounts of temple rebuilding, such as in Ezra or Haggai?

3. In what ways can we prioritize the "house of the LORD" in our own lives, both in terms of physical church buildings and our spiritual lives?

4. How does King Josiah's leadership in this passage inspire us to take initiative in our own communities for spiritual renewal and reform?

5. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our places of worship remain centers of spiritual growth and community engagement?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 22
This chapter provides a parallel account of the temple repairs under King Josiah, offering additional details about the process and the discovery of the Book of the Law.

Ezra 3:7
This verse describes a similar situation where resources were allocated for the rebuilding of the temple, highlighting the importance of restoring the house of God.

Haggai 1:4-8
These verses emphasize the priority of rebuilding the temple and the blessings that follow obedience to God's command to restore His house.
The Repairing of the Temple by JosiahT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 34:8-13
People
Abdon, Ahikam, Asaiah, Azaliah, Benjamin, David, Hasrah, Hilkiah, Huldah, Israelites, Jahath, Joah, Joahaz, Job, Josiah, Kohath, Kohathites, Levites, Maaseiah, Manasseh, Merari, Meshullam, Micah, Naphtali, Obadiah, Shallum, Shaphan, Simeon, Tikvath, Zechariah
Places
Jerusalem, Second Quarter
Topics
Amend, Appointed, Building, Damaged, Delivered, Hands, Labored, Lord's, Making, Mend, Overseers, Oversight, Paid, Reinstate, Repair, Repaired, Repairing, Restore, Restored, Restoring, Strengthen, Supervise, Temple, Workers, Working, Workmen, Wrought
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 34:1-13

     7245   Judah, kingdom of

2 Chronicles 34:3-13

     8466   reformation

2 Chronicles 34:8-11

     4366   stones
     5603   wages
     7467   temple, Solomon's

2 Chronicles 34:8-13

     5508   ruins

2 Chronicles 34:9-11

     5415   money, uses of
     7402   offerings

2 Chronicles 34:10-12

     8251   faithfulness, to God
     8354   trustworthiness

Library
Josiah
'Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years. 2. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left. 3. For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Josiah and the Newly Found Law
'And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the Lord given by Moses. 15. And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan. 16 And Shaphan carried the book to the king, and brought the king word back again, saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they do it. 17. And they have gathered together the money
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times,
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
"Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before Me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place."--2 Kings
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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