1 In the seventh year of Jehu, Jehoash began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zibiah of Beersheba.
2 And Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all his days, because Jehoiada the priest instructed him.
3 But the high places were not taken away; the people continued to sacrifice and make offerings on the high places.
4 Jehoash said to the priests, “All the money of the holy things that is brought into the house of the Lord, the money for which each man is assessed—the money from the assessment of persons—and the money that a man’s heart prompts him to bring into the house of the Lord,
5 let the priests take it for themselves, each from his donor, and let them repair the house wherever any need of repairs is discovered.”
6 But by the twenty-third year of King Joash, the priests had made no repairs on the house.
7 So King Joash called Jehoiada the priest and the other priests and said to them, “Why are you not repairing the house? Now therefore take no more money from your donors, but hand it over for the repair of the house.”
8 And the priests agreed that they should take the money to repair the house, each from his donor, and that they should repair the house of the Lord.
9 Then Jehoiada the priest took a chest and bore a hole in its lid and set it beside the altar on the right side as one entered the house of the Lord. And the priests who guarded the threshold put in it all the money that was brought into the house of the Lord.
10 And whenever they saw that there was much money in the chest, the king’s secretary and the high priest came up and they bagged and counted the money that was found in the house of the Lord.
11 Then they would give the money that was weighed out into the hands of the workmen who had the oversight of the house of the Lord. And they paid it out to the carpenters and the builders who worked on the house of the Lord,
12 The money from the guilt offerings and the money from the sin offerings was not brought into the house of the Lord; it belonged to the priests.
13 But there were not made for the house of the Lord basins of silver, snuffers, bowls, trumpets, or any vessels of gold, or of silver, from the money that was brought into the house of the Lord,
14 But they did not ask an accounting from the men into whose hand they delivered the money to pay out to the workmen, for they dealt honestly.
15 And they did not ask an accounting from the men into whose hand they delivered the money to pay out to the workmen, for they dealt honestly.
16 The money from the guilt offerings and the money from the sin offerings was not brought into the house of the Lord; it belonged to the priests.
17 At that time Hazael king of Syria went up and fought against Gath and took it. Then Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.
18 Jehoash king of Judah took all the sacred gifts that Jehoshaphat and Jehoram and Ahaziah, his fathers, the kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own sacred gifts, and all the gold that was found in the treasuries of the house of the Lord and of the king’s house, and sent these to Hazael king of Syria. Then Hazael went away from Jerusalem.
19 Now the rest of the acts of Joash and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?
20 His servants arose and made a conspiracy and struck down Joash in the house of Millo, on the way that goes down to Silla.
21 And Jozacar the son of Shimeath and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, struck him down, and he died. And they buried him with his fathers in the city of David, and Amaziah his son reigned in his place.
The True Meaning of 2 Kings 12
The Book of 2 Kings was written by an anonymous author, likely a prophet or scribe, who chronicled the history of the Kingdom of Israel and Judah after the reign of King David. This particular chapter focuses on the reign of King Joash, also known as Jehoash, who ascended to the throne of Judah at a young age. King Joash makes efforts to restore the temple in Jerusalem, which had fallen into disrepair during the previous reign. The king’s commitment to this task is commendable, as he recognizes the importance of maintaining the house of the Lord. However, as the chapter unfolds, we also see the challenges he faces, including the resistance of the priests and the temptation of foreign alliances.
The events in this chapter echo the warnings found in Deuteronomy 12, where the Israelites are instructed to keep the Lord’s sanctuary pure and to avoid the influence of other gods. The chapter also foreshadows the eventual downfall of the kingdom, as we see the seeds of corruption and idolatry beginning to take root.
2 Kings 12:1-3
King Joash of Judah’s reign is depicted in a snapshot in 2 Kings 12:1-3. The passage begins by highlighting Joash’s ascension to the throne at the young age of seven. The fact that Joash became king at such a tender age suggests a vulnerability and potential instability in the kingdom at that time. However, it is noted that Joash reigned for a substantial forty years in Jerusalem, indicating a lengthy period of stability and leadership under his rule.
Joash’s reign was a mix of positive and negative aspects. The verse mentions that Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest. Jehoiada served as a spiritual guide and mentor to Joash, steering him in the ways of the Lord. It is crucial to recognize the importance of having wise and godly mentors in our lives, as they can impact our decisions and actions significantly. This underscores the significance of guidance and accountability in walking faithfully with God.
The mention of the high places not being removed during Joash’s reign raises a concern. Despite Joash’s overall positive record, he did not take action to eliminate the high places where the people offered sacrifices. These high places were sites of pagan worship and were contrary to God’s command to worship Him alone. This failure to address the issue of idolatry reveals a weakness in Joash’s leadership and a compromise in fully following God’s commands. It serves as a cautionary tale about the danger of allowing compromises in our faith that can lead us away from God.
Reflecting on this passage reminds us of the importance of seeking godly counsel, especially in times of leadership and decision-making. The influence of mentors and spiritual leaders can shape our choices and impact the trajectory of our lives. Additionally, it warns us about the dangers of compromising our faith and failing to address sin in our lives. We are called to wholeheartedly follow God’s commands and continually seek His guidance to lead lives that honor Him.
2 Kings 12:4-8
King Jehoash of Judah outlines the restoration of the temple of the Lord in 2 Kings 12:4-8. Let’s break down this verse into important sections for a detailed commentary:
-
“Jehoash said to the priests, ‘Collect all the money that is brought as sacred offerings to the temple of the Lord—the money collected in the census, the money received from personal vows and the money brought voluntarily to the temple.’” – Here, King Jehoash commands the priests to gather all the money brought as sacred offerings to the temple. This act demonstrates a rekindling of reverence for the temple and a commitment to its restoration. It also indicates a focus on the importance of financial support for the upkeep of sacred places. The dedication to collecting these funds shows a shift towards prioritizing the spiritual and physical well-being of the temple.
-
“Let the priests receive the money from their treasurers and repair the temple wherever a need is found.” – King Jehoash instructs the priests to handle the collected funds and use them for the repair of the temple wherever necessary. This directive highlights the importance of trust and accountability in handling religious offerings. It also illustrates the collaboration between the secular authority of the king and the spiritual authority of the priests in the restoration of the temple, emphasizing the unity required in the service of God.
-
“But by the twenty-third year of King Jehoash, the priests still had not repaired the temple.” – Despite King Jehoash’s initial instructions and the availability of funds, the priests had not carried out the repairs on the temple even by the twenty-third year of his reign. This delay reflects a failure on the part of the priests to fulfill their duties promptly and highlights the importance of diligence and accountability in carrying out God’s work. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of procrastination and neglecting responsibilities, especially in matters related to worship and service to God.
-
“Therefore King Jehoash summoned Jehoiada the priest and the other priests and asked them, ‘Why aren’t you repairing the damage done to the temple? Take no more money from your treasurers, but hand it over for repairing the temple.’” – King Jehoash confronts the priests, particularly Jehoiada the priest, about their failure to repair the temple despite having the necessary funds. This interaction underscores the king’s righteous zeal for the restoration of the temple and his expectation of accountability from the religious leaders. It also demonstrates the importance of leadership and oversight in ensuring the fulfillment of God’s purposes, as seen through the intervention of King Jehoash in rectifying the situation. This passage from 2 Kings 12:4-8 emphasizes the themes of stewardship, accountability, diligence, and leadership in the context of religious responsibilities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of actively upholding and preserving sacred spaces and practices, as well as the necessity of cooperation between secular and spiritual authorities in fulfilling God’s work. The narrative of King Jehoash and the priests also highlights the consequences of neglect and the need for timely and faithful execution of divine mandates. This story prompts readers to reflect on their own commitment to the upkeep of spiritual matters and the importance of fulfilling duties with sincerity and urgency, as directed by God.
2 Kings 12:9-16
King Joash of Judah experiences a crucial moment in his reign in 2 Kings 12:9-16. Here, the verse describes how Joash ordered that a chest be made and placed at the entrance of the temple to collect offerings from the people. The collection of these offerings was meant to finance the ongoing repairs and maintenance of the temple.
This section of the verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining and caring for the sacred place of worship. The temple symbolized the presence of God among His people and was a central place for their spiritual activities. King Joash demonstrated his commitment to restoring and preserving their place of worship by instituting a system of offerings for the upkeep of the temple. This act also showed the people the significance of supporting the house of God and ensuring its proper functioning.
Furthermore, this passage also highlights the responsibility of the community to contribute towards the upkeep of their religious institutions. Involving the people in the process of maintaining the temple created a sense of ownership and participation in the spiritual life of the nation. It encouraged the people to take an active role in caring for the things of God and also promoted a culture of generosity and stewardship. King Joash oversaw the repairs of the temple as a continuation of the efforts initiated by King Jehoash of Israel in 2 Kings 12. Jehoash sought advice from the prophet Elisha in that chapter and was instructed to strike the ground with arrows to symbolize victory over his enemies. This story illustrates the importance of seeking divine guidance and following God’s instructions, which can lead to success and prosperity. The narrative in 2 Kings 12:9-16 serves as a reminder of the significance of maintaining sacred spaces, the importance of communal involvement in supporting religious institutions, and the value of seeking God’s guidance in all endeavors. Through these actions, individuals and communities can honor God, strengthen their faith, and foster a spirit of unity and cooperation in serving Him.
2 Kings 12:17-18
Hazael king of Aram went up and attacked Gath and captured it around that time, as stated in 2 Kings 12:17-18. Then he turned to attack Jerusalem, but Joash king of Judah took all the sacred objects dedicated by his predecessors—Jehoshaphat, Jehoram and Ahaziah, the kings of Judah—and the gifts he himself had dedicated and all the gold found in the treasuries of the temple of the Lord and of the royal palace, and he sent them to Hazael king of Aram, who then withdrew from Jerusalem. We see the unfolding of a significant event in the reign of King Joash of Judah in this passage. Hazael, the king of Aram, launched an attack against Gath and succeeded in capturing it. Subsequently, he set his sights on Jerusalem, the capital of Judah. Faced with this impending threat, Joash took decisive action to avert the attack. He gathered all the sacred objects and treasures that had been dedicated to the Lord by his predecessors and himself, and sent them to Hazael as a form of tribute, essentially buying peace and persuading Hazael to withdraw his forces from Jerusalem.
This episode showcases the political and military challenges faced by the kings of Judah during this period. King Joash’s actions reveal his strategic thinking and willingness to resort to diplomacy to protect his kingdom and people. Joash demonstrated his commitment to preserving the safety of Jerusalem and its inhabitants by sacrificing the treasures of the temple and palace. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and trust in God during times of crisis in a broader sense. While Joash took practical steps to deal with the threat posed by Hazael, he also recognized the need to depend on God’s guidance and deliverance. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds believers to trust in the Lord with all their hearts and lean not on their own understanding, acknowledging Him in all their ways, and He will direct their paths. Previous kings highlighted the significance of honoring and respecting God through offerings and dedications by mentioning the sacred objects and treasures dedicated to the Lord. People in the Bible present gifts and sacrifices to God as a form of worship and gratitude. For instance, King Solomon’s dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8 demonstrates the importance of acknowledging God’s presence and blessings through offerings and prayers. The narrative in 2 Kings 12:17-18 underscores the themes of faith, diplomacy, and stewardship. It illustrates the complex interplay between political maneuvering and divine intervention, emphasizing the need for leaders to balance practical strategies with spiritual reliance on God. The passage ultimately conveys a timeless message about the sovereignty of God in the face of external threats and the importance of upholding faith and obedience in all circumstances.
2 Kings 12:19-21
Three main sections can be distinguished in 2 Kings 12:19-21. The capture and assassination of King Joash.
2. His successors to the throne.
3. The sins of the people.
Starting with the capture and assassination of King Joash, this passage describes how his own officials conspired against him because of the murder of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada the priest. King Joash was known for his initial good reign when he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord as long as Jehoiada the priest was alive to guide him (2 Kings 12:2). However, once Jehoiada died, Joash turned away from the Lord and even ordered the stoning of Zechariah, Jehoiada’s son, who had boldly condemned the people for their disobedience. This event marked a turning point in Joash’s reign, leading to his downfall at the hands of his own officials. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God’s ways and the importance of staying faithful in all circumstances.
Moving on to the succession of the throne, after Joash’s assassination, his son Amaziah succeeded him as king of Judah. Amaziah continued the pattern of his father in some ways, doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord but not wholeheartedly. This highlights the recurring theme in the Bible of the importance of genuine faith and obedience to God. Half-hearted devotion often leads to compromise and eventual downfall, as seen in both Joash and Amaziah’s reigns. God desires our wholehearted commitment and obedience, as emphasized in verses like Deuteronomy 6:5, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
Lastly, the mention of the sins of the people in the conclusion of this passage underscores the pervasive nature of disobedience and idolatry among the Israelites. Despite occasional periods of revival under faithful leaders, such as King Joash under Jehoiada’s influence, the people of Judah and Israel continued to turn away from God, leading to His judgment and discipline. This serves as a sobering warning for us today to guard against the influence of sin and idols in our lives, as reiterated in 1 John 2:15-17, warning against the love of the world and its desires. Lessons about the consequences of unfaithfulness, the importance of wholehearted devotion to God, and the need to guard against sin and idols are contained in the episode of King Joash in 2 Kings 12:19-21. It serves as a poignant reminder to remain steadfast in our faith and obedience to God, seeking Him wholeheartedly and turning away from anything that may lead us astray.
After 2 Kings 12
The people of Judah had turned away from the Lord, and the temple had fallen into disrepair. But King Joash took action, calling the priests to collect funds for the restoration of God’s house. With the people’s generosity, the temple was repaired, and the worship of the Lord was restored. Yet, even as the kingdom experienced this spiritual renewal, the seeds of its downfall had already been sown. For as the chapter draws to a close, we see the troubling signs of Joash’s own moral decline, a warning that the true test of a leader’s faith lies not only in their initial zeal, but in their ability to remain steadfast in the face of temptation and adversity. We shall witness the consequences of Joash’s wavering devotion in the chapter to come, and the profound impact it would have on the fate of Judah.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.