2 Kings 12:20

And the servants of Joash rose up and formed a conspiracy and killed him at Beth-millo, on the road down to Silla.

Study Bible

So his servants conspired against him
The phrase "his servants conspired" indicates a betrayal from within, a theme recurrent in the narratives of the kings of Israel and Judah. The Hebrew root for "conspired" is "קָשַׁר" (qashar), meaning to bind or tie together, often used in the context of forming a secret plan. This highlights the treachery and deceit that can arise even among those closest to a leader. Historically, such conspiracies were not uncommon in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, where power struggles and political intrigue were prevalent. This serves as a reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the need for divine wisdom and protection in leadership.

and killed Joash
The act of killing Joash, the king of Judah, marks a tragic end to his reign. Joash, also known as Jehoash, began his rule with promise, having been saved from the massacre of the royal family by his aunt Jehosheba and raised under the guidance of the priest Jehoiada. However, after Jehoiada's death, Joash's reign deteriorated as he turned away from God. The Hebrew word for "killed" is "הָרַג" (harag), which conveys a sense of violent death. This reflects the severe consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the instability that can ensue when a leader forsakes divine guidance.

at Beth-millo
Beth-millo is a location whose exact identification remains uncertain, though it is believed to be a part of the fortifications of Jerusalem. The name "Millo" is derived from the Hebrew "מִלּוֹא" (millo), meaning "fill" or "rampart," suggesting a place of strategic importance. This setting underscores the vulnerability of Joash, who, despite being in a fortified area, could not escape the consequences of his actions. It serves as a metaphor for the false security that earthly power and defenses can provide when one is not aligned with God's will.

on the road that goes down to Silla
The mention of "the road that goes down to Silla" provides a geographical context, though the exact location of Silla is not definitively known. The road signifies a path or journey, often used metaphorically in Scripture to represent one's spiritual journey or life choices. The descent to Silla can symbolize Joash's spiritual decline and the downward trajectory of his reign. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of staying on the path of righteousness and the dangers of deviating from God's ways.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joash (Jehoash)
King of Judah who initially did what was right in the eyes of the Lord under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest but later turned away from God.

2. Beth-millo
A location in Jerusalem, possibly a fortress or a significant structure, where Joash was assassinated.

3. Silla
A place mentioned in the context of Joash's assassination, indicating the route or area where the event occurred.

4. Conspiracy
The act of plotting against Joash by his own servants, leading to his assassination.

5. Servants
The individuals who conspired against and ultimately killed Joash, highlighting betrayal from within his own ranks.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Apostasy
Joash's life serves as a warning about the dangers of turning away from God after starting well. It is crucial to remain steadfast in faith throughout one's life.

The Influence of Godly Mentorship
Joash's early success was largely due to the influence of Jehoiada. This highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with godly mentors and advisors.

The Consequences of Betrayal
The conspiracy against Joash illustrates the destructive power of betrayal and the importance of integrity and loyalty in leadership.

The Importance of Finishing Well
Joash's failure to finish his reign faithfully reminds us of the importance of perseverance in our spiritual journey.

Trust in God, Not in Man
Joash's account underscores the need to place our ultimate trust in God rather than in human leaders, who can fail and fall.

Bible Study Questions

1. What lessons can we learn from Joash's initial faithfulness and later apostasy, and how can we apply these lessons to our own spiritual journey?

2. How does the role of Jehoiada in Joash's life illustrate the importance of godly mentorship, and who are the mentors in your life that help you stay faithful?

3. In what ways can betrayal from those close to us impact our lives, and how can we guard against such situations?

4. How does Joash's account encourage us to finish well in our faith, and what steps can we take to ensure we remain faithful to God throughout our lives?

5. Reflecting on Joash's reliance on human advisors, how can we ensure that our ultimate trust remains in God rather than in people? What other scriptures support this principle?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Chronicles 24
Provides a parallel account of Joash's reign, including his initial faithfulness and subsequent apostasy, offering a fuller picture of his life and reign.

2 Kings 11
Details the rise of Joash to the throne, including the role of Jehoiada the priest, which sets the stage for understanding his initial faithfulness.

Proverbs 29:2
Discusses the impact of righteous and wicked rulers on a nation, relevant to understanding the consequences of Joash's actions.

Psalm 146:3
Warns against putting trust in human leaders, which can be related to Joash's failure to remain faithful to God.