2 Kings Chapter 12

Joash Repairs the Temple

(2 Chronicles 24:1-3)

1In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba. 2And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him. 3But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.

4And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD, 5Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.

6But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house. 7Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house? now therefore receive no more money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house. 8And the priests consented to receive no more money of the people, neither to repair the breaches of the house.

9But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money that was brought into the house of the LORD. 10And it was so, when they saw that there was much money in the chest, that the king's scribe and the high priest came up, and they put up in bags, and told the money that was found in the house of the LORD. 11And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD, 12And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it. 13Howbeit there were not made for the house of the LORD bowls of silver, snuffers, basons, trumpets, any vessels of gold, or vessels of silver, of the money that was brought into the house of the LORD: 14But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD. 15Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully. 16The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the LORD: it was the priests'.

The Reign of Joash Ends

(2 Chronicles 24:23-27)

17Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem. 18And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.

19And 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? 20And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla. 21For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Joash Repairs the Temple
(2 Chronicles 24:1–14)

1 In the seventh year of Jehu began Jehoash to reign; and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Zibiah of Beersheba. 2 Jehoash did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh all his days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him. 3 However the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.

4 Jehoash said to the priests, “All the money of the holy things that is brought into the house of Yahweh, in current money, the money of the persons for whom each man is rated, and all the money that it comes into any man’s heart to bring into the house of Yahweh, 5 let the priests take it to them, every man from his acquaintance; and they shall repair the breaches of the house, wherever any breach shall be found.”

6 But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house. 7 Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and for the other priests, and said to them, “Why don’t you repair the breaches of the house? Now therefore take no more money from your treasurers, but deliver it for the breaches of the house.” 8 The priests consented that they should take no more money from the people, neither repair the breaches of the house.

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 comes into the house of Yahweh: and the priests who kept the threshold put therein all the money that was brought into the house of Yahweh. 10 It was so, when they saw that there was much money in the chest, that the king’s scribe and the high priest came up, and they put up in bags and counted the money that was found in the house of Yahweh. 11 They gave the money that was weighed out into the hands of those who did the work, who had the oversight of the house of Yahweh: and they paid it out to the carpenters and the builders, who worked on the house of Yahweh, 12 and to the masons and the stone cutters, and for buying timber and cut stone to repair the breaches of the house of Yahweh, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it. 13 But there were not made for the house of Yahweh cups of silver, snuffers, basins, trumpets, any vessels of gold, or vessels of silver, of the money that was brought into the house of Yahweh; 14 for they gave that to those who did the work, and repaired therewith the house of Yahweh. 15 Moreover they didn’t demand an accounting from the men into whose hand they delivered the money to give to those who did the work; for they dealt faithfully. 16 The money for the trespass offerings, and the money for the sin offerings, was not brought into the house of Yahweh: it was the priests’.

The Death of Joash
(2 Chronicles 24:23–27)

17 Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it; and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem. 18 Jehoash king of Judah took all the holy things that Jehoshaphat and Jehoram and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own holy things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of Yahweh, and of the king’s house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.

19 Now the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 20 His servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and struck Joash at the house of Millo, on the way that goes down to Silla. 21 For Jozacar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, struck him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his place.

Joash Repairs the Temple
(2 Chronicles 24:1–14)

1 In the seventh year of Jehu, Joash a 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.

The Death of Joash
(2 Chronicles 24:23–27)

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 b son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer c 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.

Footnotes:

1 a Hebrew Jehoash , a variant of Joash  (son of Ahaziah); also in verses 2, 4, 6, 7, and 18; see 2 Kings 11:2.
21 b Hebrew; LXX and Syriac Jozacar
21 c Shomer  is a variant of Shimrith ; see 2 Chronicles 24:26

Joash Repairs the Temple

(2 Chronicles 24:1-3)

1In the seventh year of Jehu reigned hath Jehoash, and forty years he hath reigned in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother is Zibiah of Beer-Sheba, 2and Jehoash doth that which is right in the eyes of Jehovah all his days in which Jehoiada the priest directed him, 3only, the high places have not turned aside, still are the people sacrificing and making perfume in high places.

4And Jehoash saith unto the priests, 'All the money of the sanctified things that is brought in to the house of Jehovah, the money of him who is passing over, each the money of his valuation, all the money that it goeth up on the heart of a man to bring in to the house of Jehovah, 5do the priests take to them, each from his acquaintance, and they strengthen the breach of the house, in all places where there is found a breach.'

6And it cometh to pass, in the twenty and third year of king Jehoash, the priests have not strengthened the breach of the house, 7and king Jehoash calleth to Jehoiada the priest, and to the priests, and saith unto them, 'Wherefore are ye not strengthening the breach of the house? and now, receive no money from your acquaintances, but for the breach of the house give it.' 8And the priests consent not to receive money from the people, nor to strengthen the breach of the house,

9and Jehoiada the priest taketh a chest, and pierceth a hole in its lid, and putteth it near the altar, on the right side, as one cometh in to the house of Jehovah, and the priests keeping the threshold have put there all the money that is brought in to the house of Jehovah. 10And it cometh to pass, at their seeing that the money is abundant in the chest, that there goeth up a scribe of the king, and of the high priest, and they bind it up, and count the money that is found in the house of Jehovah, 11and have given the weighed money into the hands of those doing the work, those inspecting the house of Jehovah, and they bring it out to those working in the wood, and to builders who are working in the house of Jehovah, 12and to those repairing the wall, and to hewers of stone, and to buy wood and hewn stones to strengthen the breach of the house of Jehovah, and for all that goeth out on the house, to strengthen it. 13Only, there is not made for the house of Jehovah basins of silver, snuffers, bowls, trumpets, any vessel of gold, and vessel of silver, out of the money that is brought into the house of Jehovah; 14for to those doing the work they give it, and they have strengthened with it the house of Jehovah, 15and they do not reckon with the men into whose hand they give the money to give to those doing the work, for in faithfulness they are dealing. 16The money of a trespass-offering, and the money of sin-offerings is not brought in to the house of Jehovah -- for the priests it is.

The Reign of Joash Ends

(2 Chronicles 24:23-27)

17Then go up doth Hazael king of Aram, and fighteth against Gath, and captureth it, and Hazael setteth his face to go up against Jerusalem; 18and Jehoash king of Judah taketh all the sanctified things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had sanctified, and his own sanctified things, and all the gold that is found in the treasures of the house of Jehovah and of the house of the king, and sendeth to Hazael king of Aram, and he goeth up from off Jerusalem.

19And the rest of the matters of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written on the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Judah? 20And his servants rise, and make a conspiracy, and smite Joash in the house of Millo, that is going down to Silla: 21yea, Jozachar son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad son of Shemer, his servants, have smitten him, and he dieth, and they bury him with his fathers in the city of David, and reign doth Amaziah his son, in his stead.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of 2 Kings 12?

1.1Introduction to 2 Kings 12

1.2Context of 2 Kings 12

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.52 Kings 12 Unique Insights

1.62 Kings 12 Connections to Yeshua

1.72 Kings 12 Scriptural Echoes

1.82 Kings 12 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of 2 Kings 12?

Introduction to 2 Kings 12

The twelfth chapter of 2 Kings presents a compelling narrative of King Joash’s reign in Judah, particularly focusing on his efforts to repair the Temple of יהוה. This chapter serves as a powerful illustration of both spiritual reformation and the complexities of leadership in ancient Israel. The account provides crucial insights into Temple administration, the role of priests, and the importance of proper stewardship of sacred resources.

The chapter is especially significant as it demonstrates how even a king who began with righteous intentions could ultimately falter in his spiritual journey. This tension between initial zeal and later compromise offers valuable lessons for modern readers about the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity throughout one’s entire life journey.

Context of 2 Kings 12

The events of 2 Kings 12 take place during a pivotal period in Judah’s history, following the dramatic rescue of young Joash (also called Jehoash) from Athaliah’s murderous purge of the royal family. As the sole surviving heir of David’s line, Joash’s preservation and subsequent reign were crucial for maintaining the messianic lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come.

This chapter fits within the larger narrative of Kings by continuing the parallel histories of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. It demonstrates the pattern of reformation and decline that characterized much of Judah’s history. The account of Temple repairs reflects themes found throughout Scripture regarding proper worship, stewardship, and the role of leadership in maintaining spiritual integrity.

The chapter also serves as a bridge between the dramatic events of Athaliah’s overthrow and the eventual decline of Judah. It illustrates how even periods of revival and reform can be followed by spiritual compromise, a pattern that would ultimately lead to the Babylonian exile.

Ancient Key Word Study

יהוידע (Yehoiada) – The name means “יהוה knows” and carries deep significance as the priest who preserved both the Davidic line and proper Temple worship. His role exemplifies the critical partnership between priests and kings in maintaining spiritual fidelity.
בֵּית יְהוָה (Beth YHWH) – “House of יהוה,” refers to the Temple. The term emphasizes not just a building but the dwelling place of God’s presence among His people, making its repair more than mere construction work but an act of spiritual restoration.
קָדָשִׁים (Qadashim) – “Holy things” or “sacred donations,” referring to the monetary offerings brought to the Temple. The root קדש (qadash) conveys the concept of being set apart for divine service.
כֹּהֲנִים (Kohanim) – “Priests,” derives from a root meaning “to serve” or “to minister.” Their role in this chapter highlights both their privileges and responsibilities in Temple service.
בֶּדֶק הַבַּיִת (Bedeq HaBayit) – “Repair of the House,” literally means “breach of the house.” The term suggests not just physical damage but spiritual breach that needed mending.
חֲזַק (Chazaq) – “Strengthen” or “repair,” appears repeatedly in the context of Temple restoration. The word implies not just physical reinforcement but spiritual strengthening.
כֶּסֶף עוֹבֵר (Kesef Over) – “Money that passes,” referring to the Temple tax. The phrase suggests currency in active circulation, emphasizing the practical aspect of supporting Temple worship.
אֲרוֹן (Aron) – “Chest” or “ark,” specifically the collection box for Temple repairs. The same word is used for the Ark of the Covenant, suggesting sacred purpose.
אֱמוּנָה (Emunah) – “Faithfulness” or “trustworthiness,” used to describe the workers’ integrity in handling Temple funds. The concept encompasses both reliability and faith.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 2’s statement that “Jehoash did right in the sight of יהוה all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him” uses the specific phrase כָּל־יָמָיו אֲשֶׁר (kol-yamav asher), deliberately limiting the timeframe to while Jehoiada lived, rather than the more common “all his days” (כָּל־יָמָיו). This subtle qualification foreshadows Joash’s later spiritual decline.
The collection system described in verses 9-10 uses specific terminology for financial accountability (יִמְנוּ וַיָּצֻרוּ – “counted and bound up”) rather than general terms for gathering money, emphasizing the importance of precise stewardship.
Verse 13’s listing of Temple vessels uses the term כְּלִי־כֶסֶף (kli-kesef) rather than כְּלִי־זָהָב (kli-zahav), specifically mentioning silver vessels before gold, possibly indicating the priority of functionality over ostentation in Temple service.
The phrase “went up” (עָלָה) in verse 18 regarding Hazael’s military campaign employs the common Hebrew idiom for hostile military action, rather than neutral movement terminology, emphasizing the threatening nature of his approach.
The description of Joash’s assassination in verse 20 uses the term וַיִּקְשְׁרוּ־קֶשֶׁר (vayiqsheru-qesher), literally “conspired a conspiracy,” emphasizing the premeditated nature of the plot rather than spontaneous violence.

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2 Kings 12 Unique Insights

The chapter presents a fascinating interplay between physical and spiritual restoration. The detailed account of Temple repairs serves as a metaphor for spiritual renewal, with the physical restoration of God’s house paralleling the need for internal spiritual renovation. The Targum Jonathan adds an interesting insight, suggesting that the Temple’s deterioration occurred because previous kings had used its materials for idol worship, making the restoration not just repair work but a purification process.

The role of Jehoiada the priest provides a unique window into the ideal relationship between religious and civil authority in ancient Israel. The Talmud (Horayot 11b) discusses how Jehoiada’s influence represented a balance of powers that maintained spiritual integrity while respecting royal authority. This partnership model would later influence messianic expectations about the relationship between priestly and royal roles.

Early rabbinical sources note that the collection box (אֲרוֹן) placed by the altar had special significance beyond its practical use. Its position at the right side of the altar mirrors the placement of the Torah scroll in the Temple, suggesting that proper financial stewardship of sacred things stands alongside proper handling of God’s Word. This physical arrangement taught that integrity in material matters is inseparable from spiritual faithfulness.

The tragic end of Joash’s reign, following Jehoiada’s death, serves as a powerful warning about the danger of dependent rather than independent faith. The Jerusalem Talmud comments that Joash’s downfall came because he relied on Jehoiada’s righteousness rather than developing his own relationship with יהוה, prefiguring the necessity of personal faith that would be emphasized in Messianic Judaism.

2 Kings 12 Connections to Yeshua

The Temple repairs under Joash foreshadow the Messiah’s work in building His spiritual temple, the Body of believers (1 Peter 2:5). Just as the physical Temple required continuous maintenance and care, Yeshua continues His work of building and purifying His people through the Holy Spirit.

The role of Jehoiada as both priest and kingmaker points to Yeshua’s dual office as both High Priest and King. The Messiah perfectly fulfills both roles, providing both spiritual leadership and royal authority in a way that Joash’s reign only partially reflected. The New Testament letter to the Hebrews develops this theme extensively, showing how Yeshua’s priesthood surpasses and fulfills all that the Levitical priesthood represented.

2 Kings 12 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with several other biblical passages and themes. The Temple repairs echo Solomon’s original construction (1 Kings 6) and anticipate future restorations under Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29) and Josiah (2 Kings 22). Each of these restoration periods represents God’s faithfulness in maintaining worship despite human failure.

The theme of proper handling of Temple finances connects to New Testament teachings about stewarding God’s resources (2 Corinthians 8-9) and the importance of integrity in handling sacred things. The careful accounting procedures established here set a precedent for financial accountability in ministry that continues to be relevant.

The pattern of spiritual decline following Jehoiada’s death parallels similar patterns throughout Scripture, such as Israel’s apostasy after Joshua’s death (Judges 2:7-10). This recurring theme emphasizes the importance of personal faith and the danger of depending solely on human spiritual leaders.

2 Kings 12 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own commitment to maintaining God’s house, both physically and spiritually. Just as the Temple required regular maintenance and repair, our spiritual lives need constant attention and care. We must ask ourselves: Are we being faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us?

The story of Joash reminds us that starting well is not enough – we must continue in faith throughout our lives. His eventual departure from God’s ways after Jehoiada’s death warns us against building our faith on human intermediaries rather than developing our own relationship with God. How can we ensure our faith remains vital and personal rather than dependent on others?

The detailed attention to financial accountability in Temple repairs teaches us the importance of integrity in handling resources dedicated to God’s work. This challenges us to maintain the highest standards of honesty and transparency in all our dealings, recognizing that financial integrity is a spiritual issue.

Did You Know

The collection box (אֲרוֹן) mentioned in this chapter became a model for the charity boxes (tzedakah boxes) that became standard features in synagogues throughout Jewish history.
Archaeological evidence from the period shows that the Temple repairs described here coincided with a broader period of architectural renovation throughout Jerusalem.
The practice of having two officials present for counting Temple money (verse 10) established a principle of dual financial oversight that influenced both Jewish and Christian practices of handling sacred funds.
The assassination of Joash took place at Beth-millo, which archaeological evidence suggests was a significant administrative center in ancient Jerusalem.
The reforms described in this chapter occurred approximately 835 BCE, during a period of relative stability in the region before the rise of Assyrian dominance.
The name Joash (יוֹאָשׁ) means “יהוה has given,” reflecting his role as the preserved heir of David’s line through whom the messianic promise continued.
The term used for “repairs” (בֶּדֶק) in this chapter is the same word used to describe the “breach” in a ship’s hull, emphasizing the urgent nature of the Temple restoration.
Historical records from neighboring cultures confirm that the Syrian invasion mentioned at the end of the chapter was part of a larger campaign of expansion by Damascus during this period.

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