2 Kings 12
BSB1 In the seventh year of Jehu, Joash became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem forty years. His mother’s name was Zibiah; she was from Beersheba. 2 And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days he was instructed by Jehoiada the priest. 3 Nevertheless, the high places were not removed; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there. 4 Then Joash said to the priests, “Collect all the money brought as sacred gifts into the house of the LORD—the census money, the money from vows, and the money brought voluntarily into the house of the LORD. 5 Let every priest receive it from his constituency, and let it be used to repair any damage found in the temple." 6 By the twenty-third year of the reign of Joash, however, the priests had not yet repaired the damage to the temple. 7 So King Joash called Jehoiada and the other priests and said, “Why have you not repaired the damage to the temple? Now, therefore, take no more money from your constituency, but hand it over for the repair of the temple." 8 So the priests agreed that they would not receive money from the people and that they would not repair the temple themselves. 9 Then Jehoiada the priest took a chest, bored a hole in its lid, and set it beside the altar on the right side as one enters the house of the LORD. There the priests who guarded the threshold put all the money brought into the house of the LORD. 10 Whenever they saw that there was a large amount of money in the chest, the royal scribe and the high priest would go up, count the money brought into the house of the LORD, and tie it up in bags. 11 Then they would put the counted money into the hands of those who supervised the work on the house of the LORD, who in turn would pay those doing the work—the carpenters, builders, 12 masons, and stonecutters. They also purchased timber and dressed stone to repair the damage to the house of the LORD, and they paid the other expenses of the temple repairs. 13 However, the money brought into the house of the LORD was not used for making silver basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, trumpets, or any articles of gold or silver for the house of the LORD. 14 Instead, it was paid to those doing the work, and with it they repaired the house of the LORD. 15 No accounting was required from the men who received the money to pay the workmen, because they acted with integrity. 16 The money from the guilt offerings and sin offerings was not brought into the house of the LORD; it belonged to the priests. 17 At that time Hazael king of Aram marched up and fought against Gath and captured it. Then he decided to attack Jerusalem. 18 So King Joash of Judah took all the sacred objects dedicated by his fathers—Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah, the kings of Judah—along with his own consecrated items and all the gold found in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he sent them to Hazael king of Aram. So Hazael withdrew from Jerusalem. 19 As for the rest of the acts of Joash, along with all his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 20 And the servants of Joash rose up and formed a conspiracy and killed him at Beth-millo, on the road down to Silla. 21 His servants Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer struck him down, and he died. And they buried him with his fathers in the City of David, and his son Amaziah reigned in his place.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 12
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Kings 12
- Themes from 2 Kings 12
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Kings 12
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
2 Kings 12 begins with the introduction of King Jehoash, who became king at the age of seven after the death of his father, Ahaziah. The high priest Jehoiada played a significant role in Jehoash's early reign, helping him to destroy the idols and restore the Temple. The chapter also describes the collection of money for the Temple's repair and the eventual completion of the project. Additionally, 2 Kings 12 notes the invasion of Judah by King Hazael of Aram and the subsequent death of King Jehoash. Key verses, such as 2 Kings 12:2-3, emphasize the importance of following God's commands and trusting in His provision.
Context for the Chapter
2 Kings 12 is part of the larger narrative of the kings of Judah and Israel, which is recorded in 1 and 2 Kings. The chapter follows the reign of King Ahaziah and precedes the reign of King Amaziah, highlighting the ongoing struggle between faithfulness and disobedience in the kingdom of Judah. The chapter also points to the ultimate redemption that would come through Jesus Christ, who would fulfill the roles of both king and high priest.
Heart Application
As we reflect on 2 Kings 12, we are reminded of the importance of prioritizing God's work and trusting in His provision. We are also encouraged to seek out spiritual leadership and guidance, that we might live a life that is pleasing to God. May we learn from the example of King Jehoash and the high priest Jehoiada, and may we strive to be faithful to God's commands in all aspects of our lives.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
2 Kings 12 tells the story of King Jehoash, who became king at a young age and worked to restore the Temple in Jerusalem. With the help of the high priest Jehoiada, King Jehoash was able to destroy the idols and restore the Temple, highlighting the importance of faithfulness to God's commands. As seen in 2 Kings 12:2-3, the king's faithfulness was a result of Jehoiada's instruction, demonstrating the significance of spiritual leadership and guidance.
Voices from the Church
“The restoration of the Temple is a picture of the restoration of the human heart, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. May we seek to restore our hearts to God, that we might be a holy and pleasing temple for His dwelling.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The example of King Jehoash and the high priest Jehoiada teaches us the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance in helping individuals to live a life that is pleasing to God. May we seek out such leadership and guidance in our own lives.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to King Jehoash (2 Kings 12:1-3) — The chapter introduces King Jehoash, who became king at the age of seven, and notes his faithfulness to God's commands due to the instruction of the high priest Jehoiada.
- The Restoration of the Temple (2 Kings 12:4-16) — The chapter describes the collection of money for the Temple's repair and the eventual completion of the project, highlighting the importance of prioritizing God's work.
- The Invasion of Judah by King Hazael (2 Kings 12:17-18) — The chapter notes the invasion of Judah by King Hazael of Aram, which serves as a warning to God's people to remain faithful to His commands.
- The Death of King Jehoash (2 Kings 12:19-21) — The chapter concludes with the death of King Jehoash, who was succeeded by his son Amaziah.
- Conclusion (2 Kings 12:22) — The chapter ends with a note about the ongoing struggle between faithfulness and disobedience in the kingdom of Judah, pointing to the ultimate redemption that would come through Jesus Christ.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
- 2 Kings 12 highlights the significant role that spiritual leaders, such as Jehoiada, play in helping individuals to live a life that is pleasing to God. This doctrine is seen in 2 Kings 12:2-3, where Jehoiada's instruction helps King Jehoash to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord.
- The Need for Restoration
- The chapter emphasizes the need for restoration and reform, both in the physical Temple and in the hearts of God's people. This doctrine is seen in 2 Kings 12:4-5, where the Temple's restoration is described.
- The Consequences of Disobedience
- The chapter notes the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the invasion of Judah by King Hazael of Aram. This doctrine serves as a warning to God's people to remain faithful to His commands.
- The Ultimate Redemption in Christ
- The chapter points to the ultimate redemption that would come through Jesus Christ, who would fulfill the roles of both king and high priest. This doctrine is seen in the chapter's emphasis on the temporary nature of the Temple's restoration, which foreshadows the eternal redemption that would come through Christ.
Lessons from 2 Kings 12
- The Importance of Spiritual Leadership — The chapter highlights the significant role that spiritual leaders, such as Jehoiada, play in helping individuals to live a life that is pleasing to God. May we seek out such leadership and guidance in our own lives.
- The Need for Restoration — The chapter emphasizes the need for restoration and reform, both in the physical Temple and in the hearts of God's people. May we strive to prioritize God's work and trust in His provision.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter notes the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the invasion of Judah by King Hazael of Aram. May we remain faithful to God's commands and avoid the consequences of disobedience.
- The Ultimate Redemption in Christ — The chapter points to the ultimate redemption that would come through Jesus Christ, who would fulfill the roles of both king and high priest. May we trust in Christ and seek to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
- The Significance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands, as seen in the example of King Jehoash. May we strive to be faithful to God's commands in all aspects of our lives.
Themes from 2 Kings 12
- Restoration and Reform — The chapter highlights the need for restoration and reform, both in the physical Temple and in the hearts of God's people. May we prioritize God's work and trust in His provision.
- The Importance of Spiritual Leadership — The chapter emphasizes the significant role that spiritual leaders, such as Jehoiada, play in helping individuals to live a life that is pleasing to God. May we seek out such leadership and guidance in our own lives.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter notes the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the invasion of Judah by King Hazael of Aram. May we remain faithful to God's commands and avoid the consequences of disobedience.
- The Ultimate Redemption in Christ — The chapter points to the ultimate redemption that would come through Jesus Christ, who would fulfill the roles of both king and high priest. May we trust in Christ and seek to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
- The Significance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands, as seen in the example of King Jehoash. May we strive to be faithful to God's commands in all aspects of our lives.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from the example of King Jehoash and the high priest Jehoiada about the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance?
- How does the restoration of the Temple in 2 Kings 12 point to the ultimate redemption that would come through Jesus Christ?
- What are some ways that we can prioritize God's work and trust in His provision, as seen in the example of King Jehoash?
- How does the invasion of Judah by King Hazael of Aram serve as a warning to God's people to remain faithful to His commands?
- What are some ways that we can seek to restore our hearts to God, that we might be a holy and pleasing temple for His dwelling?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to King Jehoash (2 Kings 12:1-3)
| 12:1 | King Jehoash became king at the age of seven, after the death of his father Ahaziah. |
| 12:2 | Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all his days, because Jehoiada the priest instructed him. |
| 12:3 | Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. |
2. The Restoration of the Temple (2 Kings 12:4-16)
| 12:4 | Jehoash said to the priests, 'All the money of the dedicated gifts that is brought into the house of the Lord, the money for which each man is assessed, and all the money that it comes into the mind of any man's heart to bring into the house of the Lord.' |
| 12:5 | Let the priests take it for themselves, each from his donor, and let them repair the damages of the house, wherever any damage is found.' |
| 12:6 | But by the twenty-third year of King Jehoash, the priests had not repaired the damages of the house. |
| 12:7 | Therefore King Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest and the other priests and said to them, 'Why are you not repairing the damages of the house?' |
| 12:8 | Then the priests agreed that they should take no more money from the people, and that they should not repair the damages of the house. |
| 12:9 | But Jehoiada the priest took a chest and bored 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 into it all the money that was brought into the house of the Lord. |
| 12:10 | And whenever they saw that there was much money in the chest, the king's secretary and the high priest came and they tied up in bags and counted the money that was found in the house of the Lord. |
| 12:11 | Then they would give the money, counted and tied up, into the hands of those who were doing the work, who had the oversight of the house of the Lord; and they paid it out to the carpenters and the builders who were working on the house of the Lord. |
| 12:12 | And to the masons and the stonecutters and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the damages of the house of the Lord, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it. |
| 12:13 | 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. |
| 12:14 | For they gave it to the workmen, and they repaired therewith the house of the Lord. |
| 12:15 | Moreover, they did not require an accounting from the men into whose hand they delivered the money to give to the workmen, for they dealt faithfully. |
| 12:16 | 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. |
3. The Invasion of Judah by King Hazael (2 Kings 12:17-18)
| 12:17 | Then Hazael king of Aram went up and fought against Gath and took it, and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem. |
| 12:18 | And Jehoash king of Judah took all the sacred things that Jehoshaphat and Jehoram and Ahaziah his fathers, the kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own sacred things, and all the gold that was found in the treasuries of the house of the Lord and of the king's house, and sent them to Hazael king of Aram. Then he went away from Jerusalem. |
4. The Death of King Jehoash (2 Kings 12:19-21)
| 12:19 | Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? |
| 12:20 | And his servants arose and formed a conspiracy and struck down Jehoash in the house of Millo, on the way that goes down to Silla. |
| 12:21 | For 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the restoration of the Temple in 2 Kings 12?
The restoration of the Temple was a key aspect of King Jehoash's reign, highlighting the importance of prioritizing God's work and trusting in His provision. As seen in 2 Kings 12:4-5, the restoration of the Temple was a temporary solution, foreshadowing the eternal redemption that would come through Jesus Christ.
Who was Jehoiada and what was his role in the reign of King Jehoash?
Jehoiada was the high priest who played a significant role in King Jehoash's early reign, helping him to destroy the idols and restore the Temple. As seen in 2 Kings 12:2-3, Jehoiada's instruction helped King Jehoash to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord.
What were the consequences of the invasion of Judah by King Hazael of Aram?
The invasion of Judah by King Hazael of Aram resulted in the king of Judah, Jehoash, giving Hazael the treasures of the Temple and the king's house. This event serves as a warning to God's people to remain faithful to His commands and avoid the consequences of disobedience.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 12:1 → 2 Chronicles 24:1 | The introduction to King Jehoash in 2 Kings 12:1 is also found in 2 Chronicles 24:1, which provides additional details about the king's reign. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 12:2-3 → Proverbs 22:6 | The instruction of Jehoiada to King Jehoash in 2 Kings 12:2-3 is similar to the principle found in Proverbs 22:6, which emphasizes the importance of training children in the way they should go. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 12:4-5 → Haggai 1:1-15 | The restoration of the Temple in 2 Kings 12:4-5 is similar to the restoration of the Temple in Haggai 1:1-15, which emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's work. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 12:6-7 → Matthew 25:14-30 | The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 is similar to the situation in 2 Kings 12:6-7, where the priests are given the responsibility to repair the Temple. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 12:8-9 → 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 | The collection of money for the Temple's repair in 2 Kings 12:8-9 is similar to the collection for the saints in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, which emphasizes the importance of generous giving. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 12:10-11 → 1 Timothy 3:1-13 | The role of the priests in 2 Kings 12:10-11 is similar to the role of church leaders in 1 Timothy 3:1-13, which emphasizes the importance of faithful stewardship. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 12:12-13 → Exodus 35:4-36:7 | The restoration of the Temple in 2 Kings 12:12-13 is similar to the original construction of the Tabernacle in Exodus 35:4-36:7, which emphasizes the importance of careful planning and execution. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 12:14-15 → Malachi 3:8-12 | The faithfulness of the priests in 2 Kings 12:14-15 is similar to the principle found in Malachi 3:8-12, which emphasizes the importance of tithing and generous giving. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 12:16-17 → John 1:1-14 | The invasion of Judah by King Hazael of Aram in 2 Kings 12:16-17 is similar to the principle found in John 1:1-14, which emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's provision and protection. |
| 10 | 2 Kings 12:19-21 → Psalm 37:1-40 | The death of King Jehoash in 2 Kings 12:19-21 is similar to the principle found in Psalm 37:1-40, which emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision. |
Sermons on 2 Kings 12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Money That Cometh Into Any Man's Heart To by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of allowing the thought of giving to God to dominate our hearts, as it leads to obedience and blessings. He contrasts the obligatory tribute mo |
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From the Death of Ahab to the Captivity of the Ten Tribes by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the reigns of various kings in Israel and Judah, highlighting the righteous actions of some, like Jehoiada and Jehoash, and the wickedness of others, like |
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Joash Repairs the Temple by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield preaches on the failure of the priests to use temple funds for repairs and the subsequent restoration of the temple under Jehoiada's wise leadership. The sermon empha |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Kings 12
In 2 Kings 12, we see the restoration of the Temple under the reign of King Jehoash, who was instructed by the high priest Jehoiada. This chapter emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's work and trusting in His provision, as well as the significance of spiritual leadership and guidance. As Matthew Henry notes, the restoration of the Temple was a temporary solution, foreshadowing the eternal redemption that would come through Jesus Christ. May we learn from the example of King Jehoash and the high priest Jehoiada, and may we strive to be faithful to God's commands in all aspects of our lives. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
The chapter highlights the significant role that spiritual leaders, such as Jehoiada, play in helping individuals to live a life that is pleasing to God. This is evident in 2 Kings 12:2-3, where Jehoiada's instruction helps King Jehoash to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord.
The Need for Restoration
The chapter emphasizes the need for restoration and reform, both in the physical Temple and in the hearts of God's people. This is seen in 2 Kings 12:4-5, where the Temple's restoration is described.
The Consequences of Disobedience
The chapter notes the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the invasion of Judah by King Hazael of Aram. This serves as a warning to God's people to remain faithful to His commands.