And the servants of Joash rose up and formed a conspiracy and killed him at Beth-millo, on the road down to Silla. And the servants of Joash rose upJoash was murdered by members of his own court after a reign that had begun with promise under Jehoiada’s godly influence. After Jehoiada’s death, Joash abandoned the Lord, listened to Judah’s corrupt princes, and ordered the death of Zechariah, Jehoiada’s son, when he called the nation back to covenant faithfulness (2 Chronicles 24:17–22). The revolt within his household became part of God’s judgment for innocent bloodshed and persistent apostasy. 2Ch 24:25 And when the Arameans had withdrawn, they left Joash… and formed a conspiracy The assassination was deliberate rather than spontaneous. Joash’s servants, Jozacar and Jehozabad, acted together against him (2 Kings 12:21). Their actions were sinful, yet God used their conspiracy to bring the consequences foretold after Zechariah’s death: “May the LORD see and avenge” (2 Chronicles 24:22). 2Ch 24:26 Those who conspired against Joash were Zabad son of… and killed him at Beth-millo, Beth-millo appears to have been a place in or near Jerusalem associated with the Millo, a fortified or constructed area of the city. Joash could not find security in royal defenses or political power. Although he was buried in Jerusalem, he was not buried in the tombs of the kings, an indication of dishonor recorded in 2 Chronicles 24:25. Jdg 9:20 But if not, may fire come from Abimelech… on the road down to Silla. Silla’s precise location is unknown, but the detail preserves the historical setting of Joash’s death. His reign ended in humiliation, and Amaziah his son succeeded him. Joash’s life warns that an outward beginning in obedience cannot replace enduring faithfulness to the Lord. 2Ki 9:27 When King Ahaziah of Judah saw this, he fled up the road…… 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 ApostasyJoash'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 24Provides 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.
People Ahaziah, Amaziah, Aram, David, Hazael, Jehoash, Jehoiada, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jehozabad, Jehu, Joash, Jozabad, Shimeath, Shomer, ZibiahPlaces Beersheba, Gath, Jerusalem, Silla, SyriaTopics Assassinated, Beth, Beth-millo, Conspiracy, Conspired, Death, Descent, Design, Goes, Joash, Jo'ash, Millo, Rise, Road, Rose, Secret, Servants, Silla, Slew, Smite, Smote, StruckDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 12:20Library Methodical Liberality'4. And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the Lord, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the Lord, 5. Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance; and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found. 6. But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Whether the Debt of Punishment Remains after the Guilt Has Been Forgiven through Penance? Whether the Debt of Punishment Remains after Sin? Glad Givers and Faithful Workers The Prophet Joel. The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Kings Links 2 Kings 12:20 NIV2 Kings 12:20 NLT 2 Kings 12:20 ESV 2 Kings 12:20 NASB 2 Kings 12:20 KJV 2 Kings 12:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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