2 Kings 12:20
2 Kings 12:20 in Multiple Translations
And the servants of Joash rose up and formed a conspiracy and killed him at Beth-millo, on the road down to Silla.
And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla.
And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and smote Joash at the house of Millo, on the way that goeth down to Silla.
And his servants made a secret design and put Joash to death at the house of Millo on the way down to Silla.
His officials plotted against him and murdered him at Beth Millo, on the road that goes down to Silla.
And his seruants arose and wrought treason, and slewe Ioash in the house of Millo, when he came downe to Silla:
And his servants rise, and make a conspiracy, and smite Joash in the house of Millo, that is going down to Silla:
His servants arose and made a conspiracy, and struck Joash at the house of Millo, on the way that goes down to Silla.
And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla.
And his servants arose, and conspired among themselves, and slew Joas in the house of Mello in the descent of Sella.
Joash’s officials plotted against him, and two of them killed Joash on the road that goes down to the Silla district. The two men who did that were Jozabad, the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad, the son of Shomer. Joash was buried in the place where his ancestors were buried, in the part of Jerusalem called ‘The City of David’. Then Joash’s son Amaziah became the king of Judah.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 12:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 12:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/יֶ֛תֶר
דִּבְרֵ֥י
יוֹאָ֖שׁ
וְ/כָל
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
עָשָׂ֑ה
הֲ/לוֹא
הֵ֣ם
כְּתוּבִ֗ים
עַל
סֵ֛פֶר
דִּבְרֵ֥י
הַ/יָּמִ֖ים
לְ/מַלְכֵ֥י
יְהוּדָֽה
וְ/יֶ֛תֶר
yether
H3499
remainder
Conj | N-ms
דִּבְרֵ֥י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
יוֹאָ֖שׁ
Yôwʼâsh
H3101
Joash
N-proper
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָשָׂ֑ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הֲ/לוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
הֵ֣ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
כְּתוּבִ֗ים
kâthab
H3789
to write
V-Qal-Inf-c
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
סֵ֛פֶר
çêpher
H5612
scroll
N-ms
דִּבְרֵ֥י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
הַ/יָּמִ֖ים
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-mp
לְ/מַלְכֵ֥י
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-mp
יְהוּדָֽה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 12:20
וְ/יֶ֛תֶר
yether
H3499
"remainder"
Conj | N-ms
A cord or rope, also meaning excess or remainder, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of leftovers or abundant resources.
Definition: 1) remainder, excess, rest, remnant, excellence 1a) remainder, remnant 1b) remainder, rest, other part 1c) excess 1d) abundantly (adv) 1e) abundance, affluence 1f) superiority, excellency
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundant, cord, exceeding, excellancy(-ent), what they leave, that hath left, plentifully, remnant, residue, rest, string, with. See also: Genesis 49:3; 2 Kings 15:26; Psalms 11:2.
דִּבְרֵ֥י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יוֹאָ֖שׁ
Yôwʼâsh
H3101
"Joash"
N-proper
Joash means given by the Lord, the name of several Israelites, including a king of Judah and a king of Israel, mentioned in 1 Chronicles and other books.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.12.3; son of: Shemaah (H8094); brother of: Ahiezer (H0295H) § Joash = "given by the Lord" 1) son of king Ahaziah and the 8th king of Judah 2) son of king Jehoahaz and the 12th king of the northern kingdom of Israel 3) father of Gideon 4) a son of king Ahab 5) a descendant of Shelah the son of Judah; either the son of Shelah or the son of Jokim 6) son of Shemaah of Gibeah who resorted to David at Ziklag
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: Joash. See also: Judges 6:11; 2 Kings 14:3; Amos 1:1.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָשָׂ֑ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
הֲ/לוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הֵ֣ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
כְּתוּבִ֗ים
kâthab
H3789
"to write"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
סֵ֛פֶר
çêpher
H5612
"scroll"
N-ms
This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.
Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.
דִּבְרֵ֥י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/יָּמִ֖ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
לְ/מַלְכֵ֥י
melek
H4428
"King's"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
יְהוּדָֽה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 12:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 12:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 12:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 12:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:20
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:20
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 12:20
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 12:20
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:20
Context — The Death of Joash
18So 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.
19As 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?
20And the servants of Joash rose up and formed a conspiracy and killed him at Beth-millo, on the road down to Silla.
21His 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 24:24–27 | Although the Aramean army had come with only a few men, the LORD delivered into their hand a very great army. Because Judah had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers, judgment was executed on Joash. And when the Arameans had withdrawn, they left Joash severely wounded. His own servants conspired against him for shedding the blood of the son of Jehoiada the priest, and they killed him on his bed. So he died and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings. Those who conspired against Joash were Zabad son of Shimeath the Ammonitess and Jehozabad son of Shimrith the Moabitess. The accounts of the sons of Joash, as well as the many pronouncements about him and about the restoration of the house of God, are indeed written in the Treatise of the Book of the Kings. And his son Amaziah reigned in his place. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 14:5 | As soon as the kingdom was firmly in his grasp, Amaziah executed the servants who had murdered his father the king. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 5:9 | So David took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built it up all the way around, from the supporting terraces inward. |
| 4 | Judges 9:6 | Then all the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo gathered beside the oak at the pillar in Shechem and proceeded to make Abimelech their king. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 11:27 | and this is the account of his rebellion against the king. Solomon had built the supporting terraces and repaired the gap in the wall of the city of his father David. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 33:24 | Then the servants of Amon conspired against him and killed him in his palace. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 25:27 | From the time that Amaziah turned from following the LORD, a conspiracy was formed against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish. But men were sent after him to Lachish, and they killed him there. |
2 Kings 12:20 Summary
This verse tells us that the servants of King Joash rose up against him and killed him because of his sinful actions. This event shows us that sin has consequences, and that those who reject God's ways will ultimately face judgment (Proverbs 10:9). Joash's story teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to God and obeying His commands, even when it's difficult (1 Samuel 15:22-23). By learning from Joash's example, we can cultivate greater humility and obedience in our own lives, and avoid the consequences of sin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the servants of Joash conspire against him and kill him?
The Bible does not explicitly state the motivations of the servants, but it can be inferred that their actions were a result of Joash's sinful actions, such as taking sacred objects from the house of the Lord and sending them to Hazael king of Aram, as seen in 2 Kings 12:18. This act may have been seen as a betrayal of God's trust and led to the servants' rebellion (Deuteronomy 17:2-5).
What is the significance of the location where Joash was killed, Beth-millo, on the road down to Silla?
The location of Joash's death, Beth-millo, is not a well-known location in scripture, but it is significant that it was on the road down to Silla, which may have been a secluded area, allowing the servants to carry out their conspiracy without immediate detection (2 Kings 12:20).
How does this event relate to the overall story of the kings of Judah?
The death of Joash is a significant event in the story of the kings of Judah, as it marks the end of his reign and the beginning of the reign of his son Amaziah, who would go on to have his own successes and failures as king (2 Kings 12:21, 2 Kings 14:1-4). This event also highlights the cyclical nature of sin and judgment in the history of Israel, as seen in the book of Judges and the kings of Israel and Judah (Judges 2:10-19, 1 Kings 11:1-13).
What can we learn from Joash's life and death about the consequences of sin?
Joash's life and death serve as a reminder that sin has consequences, and that those who reject God's ways will ultimately face judgment (Proverbs 10:9, Galatians 6:7-8). Despite his initial faithfulness to God, Joash's later actions led to his downfall, serving as a warning to us to remain faithful and obedient to God's commands (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be compromising my faith or disobeying God's commands, and what are the potential consequences of these actions?
- How can I remain faithful to God in the face of pressure or temptation to sin, and what role does accountability play in my spiritual life?
- In what ways can I learn from Joash's example, both positively and negatively, and apply these lessons to my own life and relationships?
- How does the event of Joash's death serve as a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience to God's will, and what are some areas in my life where I need to cultivate greater humility?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 12:20
And his servants arose,.... This was after he had slain Zechariah the son of Jehoiada, who reproved him for his idolatry; and after a second expedition of the king of Syria, who came to Jerusalem,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 12:20
And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:20
Made a conspiracy; of which see . In the house of Millo; either in that strong and famous place in Jerusalem called Millo; of which see ,24 11:27; into which he possibly retired for his security, being afraid even of his own subjects and servants; or in some other place called by the same name, for some resemblance it had with it. Which goeth down to Silla, i.e. which standeth upon the descent to Silla, or upon that descending causeway which leadeth from Millo to the king’ s house. Some refer this to Joash, and render the place thus, they slew him at or near the house of Millo, descending, or as he was going down to Silla, to escape their hands.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:20
2 Kings 12:20 And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla.Ver. 20. And slew Joash.] After that the Syrian rovers had first wounded him, and, perhaps by torturing him, left him under sore diseases, according to what holy Zechariah at his death had prayed and prophesied, The Lord look upon it (i.e., my death), and require it.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:20
(20) His servants.—His immediate attendants. (Comp. 2 Kings 8:15.) Arose—i.e., against him. In the house of Millo.—Or, at Beth-Millo. The precise locality cannot be determined. Thenius supposes that the sorely wounded (?) king had retired for greater safety into “the castle palace.” Ewald says the king was murdered while engaged in the fortress. For “the Millo,” see 2 Samuel 5:9; 1 Kings 9:15. The chronicler relates that Jehoash was murdered in his bed. Which goeth down to Silla.—These words convey no meaning to us, the name Silla being otherwise unknown. The text is probably corrupt, for Silla is almost exactly like Millo in Hebrew writing. (The Vatican LXX. omits “which goeth down.”)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:20
Verse 20. The house of Millo] Was a royal palace, built by David; (see 2 Samuel 5:9); and Silla is supposed to be the name of the road or causeway that led to it. Millo was situated between the old city of Jerusalem, and the city of David.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 12:20
20. And his servants arose] The Chronicler tells us that the Syrians left the king suffering from ‘great diseases’, perhaps from wounds received in some battle against the Syrians. He adds also that it was because of the blood ‘of the sons of Jehoiada’ that the conspiracy was formed against Joash. From which it would seem that not Zechariah only but the whole family of Jehoiada had been put to death by the ungrateful king. slew Joash in the house of Millo] R.V. smote Joash at &c. We see from 2 Chronicles that the king was lying sick at this place. So it probably was some royal residence, or some part thereof. On ‘Millo’, the name of some part of the fortifications of Jerusalem, cf. 1 Kings 9:15. Perhaps the place indicated in this verse may have been part of that fortress. The ‘house of Millo’ is mentioned before this, in Judges 9:6, but that passage has no connexion with this. The Hebrew ‘Beth-Millo’, translated ‘house of Millo’, may have been one proper name which we ought to retain without translation, as in so many other words formed with ‘Beth’ as a prefix. which goeth down to Silla] R.V. on the way that goeth down to Silla.
The LXX. and other versions take ‘Silla’ as a proper name, but we have no knowledge of it except from this place.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 12:20
A conspiracy - Compare the marginal reference Joash, either from a suspicion of intended treason, or from some other unknown cause, took up his abode in the fortress of Millo 1 Kings 9:24.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 12:20
20. House of Millo — The castle or citadel on Zion which David had fortified. 2 Samuel 5:9, note. Which goeth down to Silla — “What or where Silla was is entirely matter of conjecture.