2 Kings 12 Commentary
Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him. What is not said here is more important than what is said! The godly council of the chief priest kept the king on the rails.
The same account in the Book of Chronicles gives us details of Joash’s failings after the death of Jehoiada.
The wrong voice walks in immediately after the godly counsel departs. There is a temptation to feel like there is always a neutral ground in the saint’s life. The saint may feel like they can always pause the flow of guidance from the scripture, and pick it up when times allow. How wrong they are!
Joash needed to remember to carry with him the only instruments of power that he was given during his inauguration: the law of the LORD.
However, the focus here is on the works he carried out on the temple. During Joash’s father’s reign, and that of his grandfather, the worship of Baal became more important than the temple of the LORD. The works on the temple, therefore, reflect a heart drawn to the real worship of the one true God.
“They did not require an accounting from those to whom they gave the money to pay the workers, because they acted with complete honesty.” This is impressive!
The good report represents the godliness of the priesthood under the leadership of Jehoiada. They provided guidance at a very critical point in the history of the nation. It should never be complex for us today. The saint is the priest who should provide godly guidance in the area of his posting.
It took twenty-three years before real action began on the temple works. Even believers need reminding. Most church communities are guilty of collecting monies from the people for long periods, without any real action on the intended purpose. An individual may gather resources, be it education, employment, projects, or increased incomes, all in the hope that when this or that is done, then they can serve the LORD. We may want to look back and realize that, sadly, it hasn’t happened!
As we ponder these events, we need to observe a couple of things. The evil house of Ahab is cleared by Jehu in Samaria. At the same time, following the killing of Ahaziah by Jehu, the polluted royal family in Jerusalem is cleared by Athaliah. But Joash is preserved. How the LORD wants to have a fresh start! It could also be significant that Joash starts his reign at 7!
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