דברי הימים ב, פרק ל״ד, פסוק ט׳

A special delegation arrives before the High Priest, carrying funds gathered from all corners of the land for the Temple. This collection of resources marks a profound spiritual awakening and a rare moment of unity, bringing together the tribes of Judah and Benjamin with the surviving remnants of the Ten Tribes.

Entrusted with this wealth are the Levites who serve as the keepers of the threshold, guarding the very doors and entrances of the Temple [מצודת ציון]. Their primary responsibility is to protect the holy vessels and the newly gathered funds stored within the sacred grounds [רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The money brought to the Temple is understood to be the traditional half-shekel, collected from every Israelite man as commanded by the Torah [רלב״ג]. These contributions are dedicated entirely to the physical needs and maintenance of the Temple, with no portion taken for the personal use of the priests or Levites [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The effort to gather these funds is remarkably thorough. The Levites travel extensively through the cities to purify the land, collecting the Temple contributions along the way [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. They seek out these offerings everywhere, gathering support even from the ruins and devastated areas scattered throughout the region [רש״י]. The eager participation of Manasseh, Ephraim, and the rest of the surviving Israelites highlights a deep spiritual shift. By willingly offering their support, these remnants of the Ten Tribes show that they have completely humbled themselves before God [רלב״ג]. After completing their long journey of purification and collection, the Levites return to Jerusalem to safely deliver the offerings [מנחת שי, ביאור שטיינזלץ].