מלכים ב, פרק י״ב, פסוק י׳

To prevent delays and protect dedicated funds from embezzlement, a new and highly secure collection system is established for Temple repairs. Jehoiada the priest takes a single chest to serve as a collection box. There are different views regarding the origin and specific role of this chest. It may have originally belonged to a private individual [רד״ק]. Alternatively, it was a box designated exclusively for fresh donations and placed inside the Temple, distinguishing it from another box kept outside for collecting past debts [מלבי״ם].

To guarantee the security of the funds, Jehoiada implements a simple but clever solution by drilling a narrow hole into the lid of the chest. This allows the priests to drop the donations inside the moment they receive them from the people, ensuring that no one can remove any money without completely opening the lid [רלב״ג, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. The chest is then positioned in a highly visible and central location within the Temple courtyard, right next to the altar [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Specifically, it is placed on the right side of anyone entering the building, rather than on the right side of those leaving [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מנחת שי].

The vital task of receiving the money and depositing it into the chest is given to specific guards. There are two primary ways to understand their role. One approach suggests they are the priests responsible for the keys to the courtyard entrances, acting as the seven senior treasurers in charge of the gates [רש״י, מצודת ציון]. Another view identifies them as the keepers of the Temple vessels, serving as high-ranking treasurers who oversee subordinate officials [רלב״ג, רד״ק]. Regardless of their exact title, these guards take all the incoming funds and immediately deposit them into the secure chest. Once the box is full, the silver is gathered, sorted, melted down, and minted into proper coins to pay the craftsmen working to restore the Temple [צאינה וראינה, ביאור שטיינזלץ].