Berean Study Bible Joash Repairs the TempleJoash began his reign in Judah while Jehu ruled Israel, around 835 BC. 2Ki 10:36 So the duration of Jehu’s reign over Israel… Joash became king, Having been hidden in the temple during Athaliah’s usurpation, Joash was the surviving son of Ahaziah and heir to David’s throne. 2Ki 11:12 Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son,… and he reigned in Jerusalem forty years. His long reign included the early restoration of temple worship and repairs to the house of the Lord. 2Ch 24:1 Joash was seven years old when he became king,… His mother’s name was Zibiah; Her name preserves the royal genealogy and identifies Joash’s family background. 2Ki 14:2 He was twenty-five years old when he became king,… she was from Beersheba. Beersheba was an important southern city of Judah, associated with the patriarchs and marking the southern extent of the land. Jos 15:28 Hazar-shual, Beersheba, Biziothiah, And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD Having been preserved from Athaliah’s massacre and raised under priestly protection, Joash began his reign with a commitment to the worship and commands of the LORD. His repair of the neglected temple demonstrated renewed reverence for God and restored proper care for His house. 2Ki 18:3 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD,… all the days he was instructed by Jehoiada the priest. Jehoiada guided Joash as mentor, priest, and faithful counselor, helping establish the king in obedience during his early reign. Joash’s dependence on Jehoiada’s instruction also foreshadows his later departure from faithfulness after the priest’s death. 2Ch 24:2 And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD… Nevertheless, the high places were not removed; Although Joash restored the temple, he did not abolish the local shrines throughout Judah. God had appointed Jerusalem as the place for Israel’s sacrificial worship, yet these elevated worship sites remained in use. Their survival showed that Joash’s reforms did not extend to every part of the nation’s religious life. 1Ki 22:43 And Jehoshaphat walked in all the ways of his father Asa;… the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there. Many of the people likely intended to worship the Lord, but they did so apart from the temple and outside the order God had established. These local practices encouraged divided worship and left Judah vulnerable to the influence of surrounding pagan religion. 2Ki 16:4 And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places,… Then Joash said to the priests, Joash, also called Jehoash, became king of Judah as a child after Jehoiada the priest protected him from Athaliah’s attempt to destroy the royal family. As his reign continued, he turned attention to the neglected temple and assigned the priests a central role in its restoration. 2Ch 24:4-5 Some time later, Joash set his heart on repairing the house.… “Collect all the money brought as sacred gifts into the house of the LORD— The temple in Jerusalem was the appointed center of Israel’s worship. Funds dedicated to the LORD were to be gathered for repairing the damage and decay that had accumulated during Athaliah’s rule and the years of Baal worship. 2Ch 24:9-10 And a proclamation was issued in Judah and Jerusalem… the census money, This included the required payment associated with the numbering of the people, a contribution that reminded each Israelite of belonging to the LORD and sharing responsibility for the sanctuary. Exo 30:12-16 When you take a census of the Israelites… the money from vows, Offerings connected with vows came from personal commitments made before God. Such gifts were to be handled faithfully and used for the purpose to which they had been dedicated. Lev 27:2-8 Speak to the Israelites and say to them… and the money brought voluntarily into the house of the LORD. Freewill offerings reflected the willing devotion of the people. Together, these sources of revenue were intended to provide the means for restoring the LORD’s house and renewing its proper use. Exo 35:21-29 And everyone whose heart stirred him came… Let every priest receive it from his constituency, Joash directed the priests to gather contributions from the people connected with their ministry. The funds came from offerings and dedicated gifts given for the Lord’s house, placing responsibility for the work within the established priestly system. 2Ch 24:5-6 So he gathered the priests and Levites and said,… and let it be used to repair any damage found in the temple.” Solomon’s temple had suffered neglect during earlier reigns, particularly under Athaliah’s influence and the promotion of Baal worship. Joash intended that the money be devoted to restoring the building so that Israel’s worship of the Lord could again be conducted in the house He had chosen. 2Ki 22:5-6 And let them deliver it into the hands of the supervisors… By the twenty-third year of the reign of Joash, Joash had ruled Judah for more than two decades, yet the temple repairs he had ordered were still unfinished. Though he had begun well under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, the work revealed weaknesses in administration and oversight. 2Ch 24:5 So he gathered the priests and Levites and said,… however, the priests had not yet repaired the damage to the temple. Funds intended for the temple had not produced the needed repairs, whether through neglect or ineffective management. Since the temple stood at the center of Judah’s worship, its condition reflected the nation’s failure to give proper attention to the house of the Lord. 2Ch 24:12 Then the king and Jehoiada would give the money… So King Joash called Jehoiada and the other priests and said, Joash had been preserved and crowned through Jehoiada’s protection after Athaliah’s seizure of power. Though Jehoiada had guided him from childhood, Joash now required the priests to account for their responsibility in caring for the house of the Lord. 2Ch 24:6 So the king called Jehoiada the high priest and said,… “Why have you not repaired the damage to the temple? The temple had suffered during Athaliah’s reign, when its sacred things were abused in connection with Baal worship. Funds had been received for its maintenance, yet the needed repairs had not been completed. 2Ch 24:7 For the sons of that wicked woman Athaliah had broken… Now, therefore, take no more money from your constituency, Joash ended the existing arrangement by which priests received offerings from the people for temple repairs. The directive addressed the failure to use those contributions for their intended purpose. 2Ch 24:9-10 And a proclamation was issued in Judah and Jerusalem… but hand it over for the repair of the temple.” The money already collected was to be devoted directly to restoring the temple. Joash sought to reestablish proper worship by repairing the place God had chosen for His name. 2Ch 24:12-13 Then the king and Jehoiada would give the money… So the priests agreed The priests accepted a new arrangement for handling the temple funds, likely after the earlier system had failed to produce the needed repairs. Their agreement removed responsibility for collecting and managing the money from their own hands. 2Ch 24:4-6 Some time later, Joash set his heart on repairing the house.… that they would not receive money from the people Offerings intended for the temple would no longer be collected directly by the priests. Under Jehoiada’s oversight, the funds would be placed in a chest and used specifically for the restoration work. 2Ch 34:9-13 So they went to Hilkiah the high priest.… and that they would not repair the temple themselves. The priests also withdrew from supervising the repairs. Skilled workers would receive the funds and carry out the work, allowing the resources given for the Lord’s house to be used for its intended purpose. 2Ch 24:12-14 Then the king and Jehoiada would give the money… Then Jehoiada the priest took a chest, Jehoiada, who had helped preserve the Davidic line and establish Joash as king, directed the effort to restore the neglected temple. The chest provided an orderly means of gathering offerings for the needed repairs. 2Ch 24:8 At the king’s command a chest was made and placed… bored a hole in its lid, The opening allowed worshippers to place their gifts inside while keeping the collected money secure until it could be counted and distributed for the work. Mrk 2:4-5 They uncovered the roof above Him, made an opening… and set it beside the altar on the right side Its location near the altar placed the collection in a visible and appropriate part of the temple court, where those bringing offerings could contribute to the restoration. Luk 1:11 Just then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah… as one enters the house of the LORD. The temple entrance marked the approach into the place set apart for Israel’s worship of the Lord, making the chest accessible to those who came before Him. 2Ch 23:19 He stationed gatekeepers at the gates of the house… There the priests who guarded the threshold The priests assigned to guard the entrance also supervised the receiving of the offerings, combining care for the temple’s holiness with responsibility for its practical needs. 2Ki 25:18 The captain of the guard also took away Seraiah… put all the money brought into the house of the LORD. The funds given by the people were collected for the repair of the Lord’s house, showing renewed concern for the worship and service that had been neglected under earlier rulers. 2Ch 24:10 All the officers and all the people rejoiced… Whenever they saw that there was a large amount of money in the chest, The chest beside the altar received the voluntary offerings of the people for repairing the neglected temple. Its growing contents showed broad support for restoring the house of the LORD during Joash’s reign. 2Ch 24:10 All the officers and all the people rejoiced… the royal scribe and the high priest would go up, Representatives of the king and the priesthood jointly oversaw the funds. Their involvement provided public accountability and guarded the offerings from misuse. 2Ch 24:11 Whenever the chest was brought by the Levites… count the money brought into the house of the LORD, The money was carefully counted before being assigned to the workmen responsible for the temple repairs. The temple remained Israel’s central place of worship and the appointed location for sacrifices and offerings. 2Ki 22:5-7 And let them deliver it into the hands of the supervisors… and tie it up in bags. The counted money was secured for transfer to those directing the restoration work, reflecting orderly and honest administration of what had been dedicated to the LORD. 2Ki 5:23-24 But Naaman insisted, “Please, take two talents.”… Then they would put the counted money into the hands of those who supervised the work on the house of the LORD, The funds collected for the repair of Solomon’s Temple were carefully counted and entrusted to reliable overseers. This orderly process protected the offerings given for the Lord’s house and ensured that the needed repairs were properly managed. 2Ch 34:10 They put it into the hands of those supervising the work… who in turn would pay those doing the work—the carpenters, builders, The overseers used the money to compensate the skilled workers responsible for repairing the temple. Carpenters and builders restored the structure so that worship could continue in the place God had chosen for His name. 2Ki 22:6 to the carpenters, builders, and masons…… masons, and stonecutters. Skilled laborers were hired to restore damaged sections of the temple. Their work required the shaping, fitting, and placement of stone needed to preserve the building’s strength and appearance. 1Ch 22:2 So David gave orders to gather the foreigners… They also purchased timber and dressed stone Timber and cut stone supplied materials that could not simply be taken from the temple’s existing structure. These resources were necessary for replacing decayed woodwork and broken masonry. 2Ch 34:11 They also gave money to the carpenters and builders… to repair the damage to the house of the LORD, The temple had fallen into disrepair during years of spiritual decline and neglect. Jehoash’s restoration effort marked a renewed concern for the worship of the LORD and the proper care of His house. 2Ki 22:5-6 And let them deliver it into the hands of the supervisors… and they paid the other expenses of the temple repairs. Contributions were used directly for the labor, materials, and remaining costs of the project, enabling the work to continue until the temple was repaired. 2Ch 24:14 When they were finished, they brought the money… However, the money brought into the house of the LORD However, the money brought into the house of the LORD was not used for temple furnishings but for repairing and restoring the temple. 2Ki 22:4-7 Go up to Hilkiah the high priest and have him count the money… was not used for making silver basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, trumpets, The funds were not used to make silver basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, trumpets, or other vessels for temple service. Although such articles were important for worship, the immediate priority was repairing the deteriorating temple structure. 1Ki 7:50 the pure gold basins, wick trimmers,… or any articles of gold or silver for the house of the LORD. The funds were therefore reserved for the workmen and materials required to restore the temple rather than for new furnishings or ornamentation. 2Ch 24:14 When they were finished, they brought the money… Instead, it was paid to those doing the work, The money collected for the temple was given directly to the craftsmen and laborers overseeing the repairs. Under King Joash, the long-neglected temple was restored after the damage and abuse it suffered during Athaliah’s rule, when Baal worship had been promoted in Judah. The arrangement ensured that the offerings were used for their intended purpose. 2Ch 24:12 Then the king and Jehoiada would give the money… and with it they repaired the house of the LORD. Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem was restored as the proper center of worship for Judah. Repairing the sanctuary marked a renewal of covenant faithfulness after years of idolatry and neglect. 2Ch 24:13 So the workmen labored, and in their hands… No accounting was required from the men The officials overseeing the temple repair funds had proved themselves trustworthy. Their established character made detailed financial oversight unnecessary. 2Ki 22:7 But they need not account for the money… who received the money to pay the workmen, The money collected for repairing the neglected temple was placed in the hands of those directing the work. They paid the craftsmen and laborers needed to restore the Lord’s house. 2Ki 22:5-6 And let them deliver it into the hands of the supervisors… because they acted with integrity. The funds were handled honestly and used for their intended purpose. Their faithful conduct protected the work and honored the trust placed in them. 2Co 8:20-21 We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer… The money from the guilt offerings and sin offerings The money from the guilt offerings and sin offerings came from sacrifices required for specific offenses and acts of purification. These offerings addressed sin and restored worshipers to proper fellowship within the covenant community. Lev 5:14-16 Then the LORD said to Moses,… was not brought into the house of the LORD; Unlike the voluntary contributions for repairing the temple, these funds were not assigned to the building project or deposited in the temple treasury; they belonged to the priests. 2Ch 34:8-13 Now in the eighteenth year of his reign,… it belonged to the priests. God had provided portions of certain offerings for the support of the Aaronic priests, whose service centered on sacrifice, instruction, and the care of Israel’s worship. Lev 7:6-7 Every male among the priests may eat of it.…
The Death of JoashDuring Jehoash’s reign in Judah, Hazael of Aram was extending his power throughout the region, threatening both Philistine and Israelite territories. 2Ki 8:28-29 Then Ahaziah went with Joram son of Ahab to fight… Hazael king of Aram Hazael was a formidable and aggressive ruler whose campaigns made Aram a dominant force in the Levant. 2Ki 8:15 But the next day Hazael took a thick cloth,… marched up and fought against Gath Gath, a major Philistine city, lay in a strategic area west of Judah. Its fall exposed Judah to Aramean pressure from the southwest. 2Ch 26:6 Uzziah went out to wage war against the Philistines,… and captured it. Hazael’s victory showed the weakness of the neighboring cities and increased the danger facing Jerusalem. 1Ch 18:1 Some time later, David defeated the Philistines,… Then he decided to attack Jerusalem. Having secured Gath, Hazael turned toward Judah’s capital, placing Jehoash and the kingdom under immediate threat. 2Ch 24:23-24 In the spring, the army of Aram went to war… So King Joash of Judah took all the sacred objects dedicated by his fathers—Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah, the kings of Judah— These gifts had been set apart for the worship of the LORD and represented the accumulated devotion and wealth of Judah’s royal house. 1Ki 15:15 And he brought into the house of the LORD… along with his own consecrated items Joash added the offerings made during his own reign, including resources associated with his earlier efforts to repair and support the temple. 2Ch 15:18 And he brought into the house of God the silver and gold… and all the gold found in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, With Hazael’s army threatening Jerusalem, Joash emptied both temple and palace treasuries. The payment revealed Judah’s weakened position and came at the cost of property devoted to God’s service. 2Ch 16:2 So Asa withdrew the silver and gold from the treasuries… and he sent them to Hazael king of Aram. Hazael, the powerful king of Aram, accepted the tribute rather than pressing his campaign against Jerusalem. 1Ki 15:18-19 So Asa withdrew all the silver and gold that remained… So Hazael withdrew from Jerusalem. Jerusalem was spared immediate attack, but the city’s preservation required the loss of treasures from both the temple and the kingdom. 2Ki 15:20 Menahem exacted this money from each of the wealthy men… As for the rest of the acts of Joash, Joash, also called Jehoash, reigned over Judah for forty years. Under Jehoiada the priest, he ordered the repair of the temple, which had been neglected during Athaliah’s rule. After Jehoiada’s death, Joash turned from the Lord, promoted idolatry, and ordered the death of Zechariah, Jehoiada’s son. 2Ch 24:23-25 In the spring, the army of Aram went to war… along with all his accomplishments, His chief accomplishment was the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem, supported by contributions collected from the people. Yet the later years of his reign were marked by spiritual decline, political weakness, and conspiracy among his own servants. 2Ch 24:4-7 Some time later, Joash set his heart on repairing the house.… are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? The royal chronicles of Judah preserved fuller records of the kings’ reigns, including events not recorded in Kings. Though this source has not survived, it reflects the official annals kept for Judah’s monarchy. 1Ki 22:45 As for the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat,… And the servants of Joash rose up Joash’s own officials turned against him after his later years of unfaithfulness and the murder of Zechariah son of Jehoiada. His reign, once shaped by Jehoiada’s godly counsel, ended in judgment. 2Ch 24:25 And when the Arameans had withdrawn, they left Joash… and formed a conspiracy Their plot was deliberate, bringing about the punishment announced because Joash had forsaken the LORD and shed innocent blood. 2Ch 24:26 Those who conspired against Joash were Zabad son of… and killed him at Beth-millo, Joash was assassinated at the house of Millo, apparently a fortified area in Jerusalem. Neither his position nor the city’s defenses could preserve him from the consequences of his rebellion. Jdg 9:20 But if not, may fire come from Abimelech… on the road down to Silla. The specific location records the historical circumstances of his death and marks the final disgrace of a king who turned from the faithfulness he had known. 2Ki 9:27 When King Ahaziah of Judah saw this, he fled up the road…… His servants Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer struck him down, and he died. Joash was assassinated by members of his own household, exposing the disorder that marked the end of his reign. After abandoning the counsel and faithfulness associated with Jehoiada, he permitted idolatry and sanctioned the death of Jehoiada’s son Zechariah. His death came as judgment for this rebellion. 2Ch 24:25-26 And when the Arameans had withdrawn, they left Joash… And they buried him with his fathers in the City of David, Joash was buried in Jerusalem, the royal city established by David. Though his reign ended in disgrace, he remained a legitimate descendant of David and king of Judah. 2Ki 15:7 And Azariah rested with his fathers and was buried near them… and his son Amaziah reigned in his place. Amaziah succeeded his father, preserving the Davidic line in Judah despite the violence and spiritual decline of Joash’s final years. 2Ki 14:1-2 In the second year of the reign of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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