Half-hearted Obedience 2 Kings 12 Chew the Bible S3

King Joash (also called Jehoash) begins to reign over Judah at age seven and rules for forty years in Jerusalem. Under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, Joash does what is right in God’s eyes, though the high places (altars for unauthorized worship) are not removed, and people still offer sacrifices there.

Joash orders that money collected at the temple—such as offerings, vows, and freewill gifts—be used to repair the temple. At first, the priests do not make repairs, so Joash and Jehoiada set up a new system: a chest is placed near the altar where money is deposited, and it is used specifically for temple restoration. The money is faithfully handled, given to workers, and used directly for repairs (not for temple utensils).

Later, King Hazael of Aram (Syria) threatens Jerusalem. To avoid attack, Joash takes treasures from the temple and the royal palace and sends them to Hazael as tribute, so Hazael withdraws.

In the end, Joash is betrayed by his own officials, who conspire against him and assassinate him in Beth Millo. His son Amaziah succeeds him as king.

Key Themes:

• The importance of temple worship and proper use of offerings.
• The influence of godly leadership (Joash follows the Lord while Jehoiada is alive).
• Compromise with enemies through tribute instead of trusting God.
• The tragic downfall of a king who began well but ended poorly.