The Reign of Joash: Renewing the Temple and Our Hearts

Executive Summary

2 Kings 12 meticulously recounts the reign of Joash, king of Judah, focusing particularly on his dedication to repairing the dilapidated Temple in Jerusalem. Guided by the righteous priest Jehoiada, Joash initially oversees a successful project to collect funds and restore the Temple to its former glory. However, after Jehoiada’s death, Joash deviates from his pious path, succumbing to the influence of court officials and abandoning the worship of the Lord. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of unwavering faith, the impact of godly leadership, and the ever-present danger of spiritual decline. The account prompts profound reflection on the need to maintain our spiritual foundations and heed wise counsel, lest we too stray from the path of righteousness. This verse-by-verse analysis illuminates the significance of **temple repairs** in both ancient history and our modern spiritual lives.

This chapter of 2 Kings offers profound insights into the cyclical nature of faith and obedience. We see the initial zeal of Joash, driven by the righteous influence of Jehoiada, give way to spiritual apathy and idolatry after the priest’s death. This narrative serves as a potent warning against complacency and the dangers of surrounding ourselves with ungodly counsel. Join me as we delve into the details of 2 Kings 12, exploring its historical context, theological implications, and practical applications for our lives today, ultimately understanding the importance of **temple repairs**.

Commentary Sections

2 Kings 12:1 (KJV)

In the seventh year of Jehu Joash began to reign, and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Zibiah of Beersheba.

Joash’s reign begins under challenging circumstances. He ascended the throne as a young boy, rescued from Athaliah’s murderous plot (2 Kings 11). Forty years is a significant reign, offering ample opportunity for good or ill. Beersheba, mentioned as his mother’s origin, was a place of significance in Israelite history, linked to Abraham’s covenant with God (Genesis 21:31). This small detail anchors Joash’s story in the broader narrative of God’s promises and Israel’s faithfulness, or lack thereof. His lengthy reign also presents an opportunity for sustained spiritual growth, and unfortunately, decline.

Spiritual Application: We all begin our spiritual journeys at different points. Some, like Joash, face early adversity. Regardless of our starting point, we are called to remain steadfast in faith throughout our lives. Let’s strive to imitate the unwavering faith of the early fathers in the Church.

2 Kings 12:2 (KJV)

And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

This verse highlights the critical role of mentorship and guidance. Jehoiada’s influence was pivotal in shaping Joash’s early reign. The phrase “did that which was right in the sight of the Lord” suggests a period of genuine piety and obedience. This verse underscores the importance of surrounding ourselves with wise, God-fearing counsel. However, the caveat “all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him” foreshadows the problems to come.

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of good teachers, saying, “Οὐ γὰρ τοσοῦτον ἡ φύσις ὅσον ἡ τροφὴ διαπλάττει” (Ou gar tosouton hē physis hoson hē trophē diaplattei) – “For it is not so much nature as nurture that forms us” (Homilies on Timothy, Homily 4). This highlights the transformative power of godly instruction.

Spiritual Application: Seek out and cherish godly mentors. Be open to correction and guidance. Remember that even the most well-intentioned individuals can stray without wise counsel. Also, be a mentor yourself, guiding others in their spiritual journeys.

2 Kings 12:3 (KJV)

But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.

Even during Joash’s relatively righteous reign, a significant flaw persisted: the high places remained. These were pagan shrines, often located on hills, where Israelites offered sacrifices and incense to false gods. This lingering idolatry represents a compromise with sin and a failure to fully cleanse the land. It reveals a deeper issue: a superficial obedience that didn’t penetrate the hearts of the people. This is very similar to the Pharisees of the New Testament who were focused on outward obedience without internal transformation.

Historical Context: The “high places” were remnants of Canaanite religious practices that had infiltrated Israelite worship. Despite repeated commands to destroy them (Deuteronomy 12:2-3), they remained a persistent temptation and a source of syncretism.

Spiritual Application: What “high places” remain in our lives? What compromises are we making with sin? Are we content with a superficial faith, or are we striving for a complete transformation of heart and mind? We must demolish the idols in our hearts.

2 Kings 12:4-8 (KJV) – The Initial Plan for Temple Repairs

And Joash 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, Let 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. But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Joash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house. Then king Joash 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. And the priests consented to receive no more money of the people, neither to repair the breaches of the house.

Joash initiates a plan to repair the Temple, which had fallen into disrepair. He directs the priests to collect money and use it for the repairs. However, years pass, and the repairs are not completed. This reveals a potential issue of negligence or mismanagement. The King’s frustration leads to a revised plan, taking direct control of the funds to expedite the project. The initial reliance on the priests underscores the importance of accountability within leadership.

Spiritual Application: God calls us to be good stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us. Are we diligent in using our time, talents, and finances to further His kingdom? Are we taking responsibility for the tasks assigned to us? Sometimes we need to re-evaluate our plans and strategies to achieve our goals.

2 Kings 12:9-16 (KJV) – A New System for Funding the Repairs

But 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. And it was so, that when they saw that there was much money in the chest, the king’s scribe and the high priest came up, and they bound up and told the money that was found in the house of the Lord, and they put it in bags. And 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, And 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. Howbeit there were not reckoned with the workmen to whom the money was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully. The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the Lord: it was the priests’

Jehoiada implements a new system for collecting and managing the funds: a chest with a hole in the lid placed near the altar. This allowed the people to contribute freely. The money was then counted and given to those overseeing the repairs. This system highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in handling sacred funds. It also emphasizes the trust placed in the workers. The verse clarifies that “trespass money and sin money” were reserved for the priests, indicating different categories of offerings.

Spiritual Application: Transparency and accountability are essential in all aspects of life, especially when dealing with finances, whether personal or within a church setting. We should strive to be trustworthy in all our dealings, earning the respect and confidence of those around us. Giving to God should be done freely and willingly from the heart. Also, the mention of “trespass money” and “sin money” serves as a reminder of our need for repentance and reconciliation with God. Reflect on the spiritual treasures found at dohost

2 Kings 12:17-18 (KJV) – Hazael’s Threat and Joash’s Bribe

Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem. And Joash 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.

A crisis arises as Hazael, king of Syria, threatens Jerusalem. In a desperate attempt to avert war, Joash bribes Hazael with treasures from the Temple and the royal palace. This act reveals a lack of faith and a willingness to compromise sacred things for temporal security. This moment marks a significant departure from the piety that characterized his early reign. It’s a critical point of declension.

Historical Context: Hazael was a powerful Syrian king who posed a significant threat to both Israel and Judah. The city of Gath, mentioned here, was a Philistine city strategically located between the two kingdoms.

Spiritual Application: When faced with trials and temptations, do we trust in God or resort to worldly solutions? Are we willing to compromise our values and principles to avoid hardship? We must resist the temptation to sacrifice what is sacred for short-term gain. Our faith should be our primary defense against adversity.

2 Kings 12:19-21 (KJV) – Joash’s Assassination

And 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? And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla. For 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.

Joash’s reign ends tragically with his assassination by his own servants. This act is likely a consequence of his later unrighteousness, including his bribery of Hazael and his deviation from the worship of God. The assassination serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of abandoning faith and justice. The mention of the “house of Millo” and “Silla” provides geographical context to the event. It is also a very sobering and frightening reminder that what we sow, we reap.

Spiritual Application: Our actions have consequences, both in this life and in eternity. We must strive to live righteously, remaining faithful to God and just in our dealings with others. The story of Joash serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that even those who start well can fall if they abandon their principles.

Subtopic Sections

The Importance of Mentorship

Jehoiada’s influence on Joash’s early reign cannot be overstated. He provided guidance, instruction, and accountability. This highlights the vital role of mentorship in spiritual growth and leadership. Without guidance, we are prone to wander.

• Seek Wise Counsel: Actively seek out mentors who are grounded in faith and possess wisdom and experience.
• Be Teachable: Be open to correction and willing to learn from others.
• Value Accountability: Surround yourself with people who will hold you accountable to your values and principles.
• Become a Mentor: As you grow in your faith, consider mentoring others.
• Pray for Guidance: Always seek God’s guidance in choosing mentors and navigating life’s challenges.
• Remember Humility: Remain humble and recognize that you don’t have all the answers.

The Dangers of Complacency

Joash’s initial zeal for repairing the Temple eventually waned. This highlights the danger of complacency in our spiritual lives. We must constantly strive to grow in faith and avoid becoming lukewarm. Apathy is the enemy of spiritual vitality.

• Stay Vigilant: Be aware of the potential for spiritual decline.
• Cultivate Discipline: Practice spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fasting.
• Renew Your Mind: Continuously seek to renew your mind with God’s Word.
• Serve Others: Engage in acts of service to keep your heart focused on others.
• Seek Revival: Pray for revival in your own life and in the Church.
• Embrace Change: Be willing to adapt and grow in your faith journey.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why were the “high places” not removed despite Joash’s initial righteousness?

A: The persistence of the high places suggests a superficial reform that didn’t fully penetrate the hearts of the people. It could also indicate a lack of complete commitment on Joash’s part to fully eradicate idolatry. Removing the high places required immense power and a true desire from the heart to remove all idolatry.

Q: What is the significance of Joash bribing Hazael with Temple treasures?

A: This act demonstrates a lack of faith in God’s protection and a willingness to compromise sacred things for temporal security. It signifies a turning point in Joash’s reign, marking a departure from his earlier piety and setting him on a path of decline.

Q: What lessons can we learn from the story of Joash?

A: We can learn the importance of unwavering faith, the power of godly mentorship, the dangers of complacency, and the consequences of compromising our values. Joash’s life serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that even those who start well can fall if they abandon their principles.

Q: How can we apply the lessons of 2 Kings 12 to our lives today?

A: We can apply these lessons by actively seeking wise counsel, diligently pursuing spiritual growth, resisting the temptation to compromise our values, and trusting in God’s provision and protection in all circumstances. We must also ensure that we are always working on our own **temple repairs**, fixing the areas of our lives that are in need of God’s attention and healing.

Conclusion

The story of Joash in 2 Kings 12 is a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of faith and obedience. We witness his initial zeal for God, fueled by the righteous influence of Jehoiada, followed by a gradual decline into spiritual apathy and ultimately, assassination. This narrative serves as a powerful warning against complacency and the dangers of surrounding ourselves with ungodly counsel. We must be diligent in maintaining our spiritual foundations, heeding the wisdom of godly mentors, and resisting the temptation to compromise our values for short-term gain. Just as Joash was tasked with **temple repairs**, we too are called to continually examine and restore our own spiritual temples, ensuring that they are places of worship and service to God.

Tags

Joash, Jehoiada, Temple Repairs, Jerusalem, Hazael, Kings of Judah, Idolatry, Mentorship, Complacency, Faith, Coptic Orthodox, Spiritual Growth

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Explore 2 Kings 12: The Reign of Joash, focusing on Temple Repairs, Jehoiada’s influence, and the king’s tragic decline. Learn spiritual lessons for today.