2 Kings 12
Meaning of 2 Kings 12
Sure, I’d be happy to provide an overview of the 12th chapter of 2 Kings from the Bible.
2 Kings 12 takes place during the reign of Joash, also known as Jehoash, who was the king of Judah. Continuing the events from 2 Kings 11, Joash starts his reign under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, and his rule is marked by adherence to God’s commands, at least as long as Jehoiada is alive.
The chapter can be divided into three main sections:
1. Joash’s Religious Reforms (2 Kings 12:1-3)
Joash does what is right in the eyes of God throughout the lifetime of Jehoiada. He is remembered as a good king, who encouraged the people to worship and serve the one true God.
2. Repair of the Temple (2 Kings 12:4-16)
Notably, Joash demonstrates his godliness by commissioning renovations of the temple of the Lord, which had been neglected and even damaged from previous idol worship. Joash makes sure that funds are used properly and those in charge are accountable for their use of the money given.
3. Assassination of Joash (2 Kings 12:17-21)
The chapter ends with the events leading to Joash’s downfall. After Jehoiada’s death, Joash is led astray by other leaders of Judah and ends up forsaking God and serving idols. This leads to a military confrontation with Hazael, the king of Aram. Joash tries to bribe Hazael with items from the temple, but nevertheless, his servants conspire against him and assassinate him, and his son Amaziah becomes the king.
The main theme in 2 Kings 12 is the faithfulness and devotion of the leader (here, King Joash) and its direct impact on the society and religious commitment of the people. The chapter also underlines the importance of good spiritual leadership, as seen in Jehoiada’s positive influence on Joash.
2 Kings 12 kjv
2 Kings 12 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible continues the account of the reign of Joash (also spelled Jehoash) who was the seventh king of the southern Kingdom of Judah. He was instructed by the priest Jehoiada on the ways of righteousness, and under his guidance, Joash did what was right in the sight of the Lord all his days.
Starting in the first verse, the chapter begins by noting that Joash became king at seven years old and reigned for forty years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zibiah of Beersheba. Verses 2 to 3 mention that Joash was right in the eyes of the Lord throughout the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest, however high places weren’t taken away; the people still offered and burnt incense in the high places, which was not in accordance with God’s law.
In verses 4 to 16, Joash decides to repair the house of the Lord, which had been damaged and ignored due to the idolatry of his predecessors. He commands the priests and Levites to go out into the kingdom to collect money from the people toward the repair. However, he eventually found his orders weren’t obeyed. So instead, Joash devises a new plan, instructing Jehoiada to place a chest beside the altar to gather offerings. This plan was successful, and they used the money to restore the house of the Lord.
Verses 17 to 18 describe an incident where Hazael king of Syria came up and fought against Gath and captured it. When Hazael set his sights on Jerusalem, Joash gave all the hallowed things of previous kings and his own hallowed things along with other treasure to Hazael to avert the attack.
In the final verses of the chapter, Joash’s servants conspire against him and kill him in his bed because he had given the treasures to Hazael. His son Amaziah begins to reign in his stead. Yet, despite his mistakes, Joash was buried in city of David among the kings because of the good he had done in Israel.
2 Kings 12 nkjv
2 Kings chapter 12 in the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible is about the reign of Joash, who is also known as Jehoash, in Judah. This happened in the seventh year of Jehu’s reign in Israel. Joash was seven years old when he became king, and he reigned for forty years in Jerusalem. He was guided by Jehoiada, a priest, for as long as he lived.
Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him. He, however, did not remove the high places, which were sites where idols were worshipped.
The chapter also talks about Joash’s initiative to repair the House of the LORD. He commanded the priests to go through the cities of Judah and gather money from all the people to repair the damages incurred in the temple over the years. However, years passed and the repairs were not done.
Then, Joash took another course of action. He ordered Jehoiada the priest to take a chest, bore a hole in its lid, and place it beside the altar, on the right side as one comes into the House of the Lord. He asked people to put in it all the money that was brought into the House of the Lord. They faithfully did so, and once there was a lot of money in the Chest, it was counted and given to those doing the work, who then used it to repair the House of the Lord.
Toward the end of this chapter, the story takes a sad turn as the servants of Joash formed a conspiracy and killed him after his army commanders were defeated by a smaller Aramean army. Joash got severely wounded by Arameans and his own servants killed him in his bed. He was buried in the City of David but not in the tombs of the Kings.
This chapter is essentially about the reforms of Joash, and his effort to repair the temple, as well as his tragic death.
2 Kings 12 niv
2 Kings 12 is a chapter in the Bible, part of the Old Testament, that focuses on the reign of King Joash. This chapter of the book of Kings is central to the NIV (New International Version), which provides a translation striving for balance between word-for-word accuracy and modern English comprehension.
At the beginning of the chapter, we learn that Joash became king of Judah when he was seven years old. The chapter broadly describes his reign as righteous since he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. However, it is noted that the people of Judah still continued in certain sinful practices.
A significant part of this chapter deals with the repair of the temple of the Lord. Joash orders the priests to use the offerings brought to the temple to repair its damages. But after a while, he sees that the priests have not done so, and he establishes a new system wherein a chest is placed outside the temple to collect funds specifically for repair. People respond very generously to this. It underlines Joash’s commitment to maintaining the sanctity and upkeep of the temple.
Towards the end of the chapter, we learn about the conspiracy against Joash. After a successful reign of 40 years, his officials conspired against him for having murdered the son of Jehoiada, the priest. They killed Joash on his bed. His son Amaziah took over the throne after his death.
The chapter illustrates the complexity of Joash’s reign, his thorough and devoted work about temple repair, and the tragic betrayal he faced from his own officials leading to his assassination.
What is 2 Kings 12 all about?
2 Kings 12 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible. It primarily focuses on the reign of Jehoash (also called Joash), the king of Judah, and his efforts to repair the temple of the Lord.
At the beginning of the chapter, it is noted that Jehoash did what was pleasing in the sight of the Lord throughout the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest, highlighting the influence of Jehoiada on the king’s actions.
The chapter goes into detail about Jehoash’s main project, which was to refurbish the Temple of Solomon. To fund the repair work, Jehoash introduced a system whereby the priests collected money from the people at the entrance of the temple. The priests were slow in making the necessary repairs, however, so Jehoash instituted a new procedure for collecting and safeguarding the repair funds, ensuring that the money was directly used for the temple restoration.
Towards the end of the chapter, the narrative shifts from the temple repairs to military matters. Hazael, king of Aram, threatened to attack Jerusalem. In order to dissuade Hazael, Jehoash took all the holy items from the temple and the royal treasury and gave them to Hazael.
Jehoash’s reign comes to an end when his own servants conspire against him and kill him due to his surrender of the sacred items. He is succeeded by his son Amaziah. The events of his reign are presented as being recorded in the Book of the Annals of the Kings of Judah.
Overall, 2 Kings 12 presents a mixed account of Jehoash’s reign, highlighting his commitment to temple repairs but also noting his inability to stop the threat from Hazael of Aram.
What does 2 Kings 12 teaches?
2 Kings 12 is an episode from the Old Testament where the primary character is King Joash (also known as Jehoash) of Judah, who reigned for 40 years. This chapter gives an account on how Joash, under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, initiated reforms and repairs to the temple of the Lord which was deteriorated under the previous reigns.
There are several key teachings that can be derived from this part of biblical literature.
1. Faithfulness: Joash showed faithfulness to God by focusing his energies on restoring the house of the Lord. He demonstrated a sense of commitment and responsibility in his tasks despite his young age. God values faithfulness and dedication in all forms of service to Him.
2. Good Influence: Jehoiada, being a godly mentor to Joash, plays a significant role in influencing his decisions positively. It teaches that good and wise companionship can influence us positively and lead us to honor God in our actions.
3. Proper use of Resources: Joash ensured the resources that were meant to repair the temple were not misused. This teaches us the importance of honesty and proper utilization of resources, especially in God’s work.
4. The Consequence of Disobedience: After Jehoiada’s death, Joash turned away from God and killed Jehoiada’s son Zechariah who rebuked them for their idolatry, showing disobedience to God. Consequently, Joash was assassinated by his own servants. This throws light upon the great consequences of turning against God and the commandments.
5. The importance of Repentance: This chapter indirectly emphasizes the power of repentance where Joash could have returned to God after his act of disobedience which he unfortunately didn’t.
This chapter teaches us that faithfulness, right mentorship, proper utilization of resources, obedience to God and the need for repentance are integral parts of our spiritual life.
A Sermon on 2 Kings 12
2 Kings 12 covers the story of King Joash and his reign over Judah, and his efforts to repair the temple. Important points to consider are:
1. Joash’s Reign: The chapter begins by discussing Joash, who starts ruling while he’s still a child. Despite his youth, Joash is remembered for practicing righteousness and humble leadership. However, his account also suggests that his devotion depended strongly on his mentor Jehoiada the priest. After Jehoiada’s death, Joash’s faith wavered, indicating that leaders should ground their beliefs in personal conviction rather than reliance on others.
2. Repairing the Temple: Joash’s primary accomplishment was the renovation of the temple. He took initiative and established a system for collecting funds for temple repairs. This demonstrates people’s responsibility to maintain and take care of places of worship. It also signifies that God’s house must be kept holy and revered.
3. The Heart’s Loyalty: Joash’s downfall is recorded after the death of Jehoiada when he listens to his officials and starts practicing idol worship. This draws God’s anger, which leads to warfare and his ultimate assassination. Therefore, it strongly emphasizes the severity of idolatry and the importance of loyalty to God.
The sermon based on 2 Kings 12 could focus on themes such as the importance of personal faith, the upkeep of holy places, the danger of the distortion of faith, and the significance of maintaining loyalty to God. It underlines the idea that faith should be self-led rather than influenced by surroundings or individuals.
Key people in 2 Kings 12
“2 Kings 12” is a part of the Old Testament in the Bible. The key people in this chapter are as follows:
1. Jehoash: Also known as Joash, he was the king of Judah. Jehoash comes into power when he was seven years old and rules for forty years, under the influence of Jehoiada, the priest. Jehoash is noted for his efforts to repair the temple.
2. Jehoiada: He was the High Priest who guided King Joash and was just as influential in ruling Judea. He was the one who ensures the moneys were paid and the Temple of God was restored.
3. Zechariah: Zechariah was the son of Jehoiada who later criticizes the actions of Jehoash after Jehoiada’s death.
4. Hazael: He was the king of Aram (Syria). Jehoash gives him treasure from the temple to dissuade him from attacking Jerusalem.
Please note that the bible narrations could slightly vary among different versions, but the key roles of these people remain consistent.
Real world examples on 2 Kings 12
2 Kings 12 describes the reign of Joash in Judah, highlighting the tasks that the king carried out to restore the temple of the Lord.
In terms of real world examples, the chapter portrays a couple of important themes that are relatable—the importance of strong leadership and the responsibility of caring for public infrastructure.
1. Leadership: This is seen in Joash’s reign as king. He is a leader who recognizes the needs of his people and takes action to address these needs; comparable with modern-day leaders who take initiative in alleviating the concerns of their public (city mayors repairing public roads, for instance).
2. Public Infrastructure: Joash understood the importance of maintaining the Temple, a significant religious and cultural symbol for the people of Judah. In current terms, this could be likened to maintaining public institutions like libraries, museums, schools, or churches, which are also integral parts of our societies.
3. Corruption and Accountability: The passage also mentions how the priests were dishonest with the funds intended for the repair of the temple. This can be related to corruption scandals that many governments face today, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in handling public funds.
4. Resource Mobilization: The text describes how Joash introduced a chest for voluntary offerings for the temple repair. This can be compared to modern day fundraising or crowdfunding efforts to mobilize resources for public projects or causes.
It’s important to note that while there are similarities, it’s a metaphorical interpretation and not a direct 1:1 comparison. The contexts between the ancient and modern examples are quite different.
Brief Explanation of 2 Kings 12
2 Kings Chapter 12 primarily tells the story of Jehoash, who became the King of Judah when he was just seven years old. The kingdom experiences peace and prosperity under Jehoash’s rule, who was under the guidance of the high priest Jehoiada. Jehoash is recognized for his efforts to repair and restore the temple of the LORD which had been neglected and looted. Under his instructions, money was collected from the people and used to refurbish the temple.
However, during Jehoash’s reign, the kingdom faces a threat from Hazael, King of Aram. Jehoash uses all the hallowed things dedicated to the temple and the money from the treasuries of the temple and the royal palace to appease Hazael, thus preventing him from attacking Jerusalem.
The end of the chapter narrates how Jehoash’s servants conspire against him due to a treaty he had made with Hazael, and murder him in his bed. His son Amaziah then succeeds him as king.
Frequently asked questions for 2 Kings 12
1. Who was King Joash: King Joash, also known as Jehoash, was the king of Judah who is mentioned in 2 Kings 12. He ascended the throne when he was seven years old after the death of his wicked grandmother Athaliah, who had earlier killed all royal heirs.
2. How long did King Joash reign in Jerusalem: According to 2 Kings 12:1, King Joash reigned in Jerusalem for 40 years.
3. Who was Jehoiada: Jehoiada the priest was the mentor of King Joash. He was a godly influence on the young king and under his guidance, Joash served God and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.
4. What was King Joash’s main accomplishment according to 2 Kings 12:4-16: King Joash was responsible for restoring the damaged Temple of the Lord. He commanded the priests to collect funds from the people of Judah to repair the temple.
5. Who were the Arameans: The Arameans were a Semitic (Aramaic-speaking) people who lived in Syria. In 2 Kings 12, they laid siege to Jerusalem, but King Joash successfully stopped them by giving them the hallowed things of the church and of his own, along with the gifts from his forefathers.
6. Did King Joash turn away from God at the end: After the death of Jehoiada, the leaders of Judah induced King Joash to abandon the Temple of the Lord, and worship idols and other gods, leading Judah to sin. This was considered a downfall and a divergence from God’s ways.
7. What was King Joash’s end like: According to 2 Kings 12:20-21, his own servants conspired against him because of the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and they killed him on his bed.
These are some of the potential frequently asked questions related to 2 Kings 12. The chapter includes religious, historical, and political insights useful for a depth of study.
Possible References for 2 Kings 12
2 Kings 12 is a chapter in the Bible, specifically in the Old Testament, where the book of 2 Kings is located. The book outlines the history of the kings of Israel and Judah from the death of David to the release of his successor Jehoiachin from imprisonment in Babylon.
In 2 Kings 12, the focus is mainly on the reign of Joash (or Jehoash), specifically his repairing of the temple in Jerusalem. Here are a few key points:
1. Joash’s Reign: In this chapter, King Joash reigned over Judah for 40 years, starting when he was seven years old. He was described as a righteous king who sought the God of David, unlike his predecessors.
2. Repair of the Temple: King Joash is noticed for his efforts to repair the aging Temple of the Lord. He ordered the Levites to organize a plan to fund the repairs to the temple, which led to the placement of a donation chest which the people willingly donate to until there was enough to repair the temple.
3. Invasion of Hazael, king of Aram: Near the end of the chapter, it talks about King Hazael of Aram threatening Jerusalem. Joash uses all the hallowed things dedicated to God, along with his own treasures, to placate Hazael and persuade him to abort his plan to attack Jerusalem.
4. Death of Joash: The chapter ends with Joash’s assassination by two of his own servants after a conspiracy is formed against him due to his actions against Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada. Despite his earlier devotion to God and the repair of the temple, the author states that Joash wasn’t buried with the kings.
It may be important to consult a Bible or biblical commentary for a more detailed understanding of 2 Kings 12. The interpretations can differ slightly according to different denominations and bible versions.
Conclusion on 2 Kings 12
Chapter 12 of 2 Kings describes the rule of King Joash (or Jehoash) over the kingdom of Judah. Joash did what was right in the sight of the Lord throughout his reign, under the guidance of Jehoiada, the priest. He sought to repair the Temple of the Lord and instructed priests to collect money from people for this cause. However, the priests did not act with integrity about the money so Joash established a new system for collecting and supervising the use of funds.
The second part of the chapter covers a war with Hazael, King of Aram, where Joash gave all the hallowed things of previous Kings, and his own, along with gold from the treasuries of the temple to Hazael to get him to withdraw from Jerusalem.
The conclusion of 2 Kings 12 tells of the death of Joash. His servants conspired against him because of the blood of the son of Jehoiada the priest, and they killed him on his bed, and he was buried in the city of David, but not in the tombs of the kings. The chapter finalizes with the names of the conspirators and the mention that the acts of Joash and all his deeds are written in the Book of Chronicles of the Kings of Judah. His son Amaziah succeeded him.
The conclusion gives a fleeting account on how Joash, who once did right in the sight of the Lord, faced a tragic end due to his wrong decisions made later in his reign, reflecting a recurring biblical theme of the consequence of departing from God’s ways.