Click to read 2 Kings 12
Synopsis
Although Joash didn't fully eliminate sin from the nation, he did much good. He desired to repair the temple and went about raising fund to do so. Unfortunately, The priests also did not discharge their duties of rebuilding the temple when Joash commanded it. When they were told to stop collecting the money, they decided that they were not going to repair the temple either. Joash had then to employ workmen to complete the task. They were more trustworthy than the priests.
One of his shortcoming was in allowing the people to continue to offer sacrifices in the high places. This was a pagan practice specifically prohibited by God (Deut 12:13-14).
The story ends sadly with Joash being killed by his own officers. While he started well, he turned evil at the end and began to worship idols and even killed Jehoida's son, the prophet Zechariah who was used by God to tell the people that they had gone astray. The reason for the assassination of Joash are listed in 2 Ch 24:17-26.
Major Verses
V4 - 8 - The temple was damaged and neglected by the various evil kings before. So Joash commanded that the offerings given by the people to the priests be used to repair the temple. He wanted the temple to be restored as an honor to God. Unfortunately, the priests kept the money but did no repairs.
What I learn
Though clearly instructed, the priests did not carry out the king's order. As Levites, these priests should know better that it was their duty and life goal to keep the temple of God in good shape and yet they did not have the desire to do so. We must not lose sight of our calling. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to keep our spirit in good shape so as to have the commitment to do what God wants us to do daily.
V 9 - 16 - Finally, Joash stopped the priests from taking the offerings for themselves and ordered that a central depository be created. So every time the offering chest became full with the people's offerings, Joash would use the money to employ skilled craftsmen and workers to do the repairs. The workman did not need an accounting system to keep track because they acted out of complete honesty (V15). What a contrast between these workmen and the priests!
What I learn
The "layman" (carpenters, craftsmen etc) were more committed in repairing the temple then the priests. Let us pray for our full-time workers to be always committed in serving Him. Also, pray that we, lay people, will also be responsible to help and serve God in our own ways.
V19 - 21 - After Jehoida died, Joash became evil and started to worship idols himself. In doing so, the nation of Judah started to go out of control again. Consequently, his officials conspired against him and killed him eventually. The list of offenses Joash committed is recorded in 2 Ch 24:17-26, one of which was the murder of the prophet Zechariah, son of Johaida.
What I learn
We must always be careful not to let our focus on God be removed, lest we end up like Joash. Let's seek the face of God daily so that our close walk with Him will keep us from straying.
Summary
While Joash started well, he ended up bad and was killed by his officials because Judah was going out of control. We have to keep close to God to end well.
Coming up next.... next chapter switches attention to two kings of Israel, Jehoahaz and Jehoash.
Synopsis
Although Joash didn't fully eliminate sin from the nation, he did much good. He desired to repair the temple and went about raising fund to do so. Unfortunately, The priests also did not discharge their duties of rebuilding the temple when Joash commanded it. When they were told to stop collecting the money, they decided that they were not going to repair the temple either. Joash had then to employ workmen to complete the task. They were more trustworthy than the priests.
One of his shortcoming was in allowing the people to continue to offer sacrifices in the high places. This was a pagan practice specifically prohibited by God (Deut 12:13-14).
The story ends sadly with Joash being killed by his own officers. While he started well, he turned evil at the end and began to worship idols and even killed Jehoida's son, the prophet Zechariah who was used by God to tell the people that they had gone astray. The reason for the assassination of Joash are listed in 2 Ch 24:17-26.
Major Verses
V4 - 8 - The temple was damaged and neglected by the various evil kings before. So Joash commanded that the offerings given by the people to the priests be used to repair the temple. He wanted the temple to be restored as an honor to God. Unfortunately, the priests kept the money but did no repairs.
What I learn
Though clearly instructed, the priests did not carry out the king's order. As Levites, these priests should know better that it was their duty and life goal to keep the temple of God in good shape and yet they did not have the desire to do so. We must not lose sight of our calling. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to keep our spirit in good shape so as to have the commitment to do what God wants us to do daily.
V 9 - 16 - Finally, Joash stopped the priests from taking the offerings for themselves and ordered that a central depository be created. So every time the offering chest became full with the people's offerings, Joash would use the money to employ skilled craftsmen and workers to do the repairs. The workman did not need an accounting system to keep track because they acted out of complete honesty (V15). What a contrast between these workmen and the priests!
What I learn
The "layman" (carpenters, craftsmen etc) were more committed in repairing the temple then the priests. Let us pray for our full-time workers to be always committed in serving Him. Also, pray that we, lay people, will also be responsible to help and serve God in our own ways.
V19 - 21 - After Jehoida died, Joash became evil and started to worship idols himself. In doing so, the nation of Judah started to go out of control again. Consequently, his officials conspired against him and killed him eventually. The list of offenses Joash committed is recorded in 2 Ch 24:17-26, one of which was the murder of the prophet Zechariah, son of Johaida.
What I learn
We must always be careful not to let our focus on God be removed, lest we end up like Joash. Let's seek the face of God daily so that our close walk with Him will keep us from straying.
Summary
While Joash started well, he ended up bad and was killed by his officials because Judah was going out of control. We have to keep close to God to end well.
Coming up next.... next chapter switches attention to two kings of Israel, Jehoahaz and Jehoash.
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