1. Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah from Bozkath.
2. He did what was pleasing in the lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right.
3. In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah sent Shaphan son of Azaliah and grandson of Meshullam, the court secretary, to the Temple of the lord. He told him,
4. “Go to Hilkiah the high priest and have him count the money the gatekeepers have collected from the people at the lord’s Temple.
5. Entrust this money to the men assigned to supervise the restoration of the lord’s Temple. Then they can use it to pay workers to repair the Temple.
6. They will need to hire carpenters, builders, and masons. Also have them buy the timber and the finished stone needed to repair the Temple.
7. But don’t require the construction supervisors to keep account of the money they receive, for they are honest and trustworthy men.”