2 Kings 22:4

Go up to Hilkiah the high priest.

He is principally known for his part in the noteworthy event that our lesson records. His grandson, Seraiah, was high priest at the time of the Captivity.

That he may sum up the silver.

The temple, neglected and desecrated in the times of Manasseh and Amon, was sadly in need of repairs. For some time, probably since Josiah assumed charge of the government, six years before (2 Chronicles 34:3), the offerings of the people had been gathered for this purpose at the door of the temple. This collection had now gone on for six years, and no reckoning had been taken of the amount. The king now asks that the accumulated treasure be counted, and that the work of restoration be begun.. revival of religion always shows itself in increased liberality, in zeal for the Lord's house, and in efforts to build or restore his holy temple.