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Joash Repairs the Temple
(2 Chronicles 24:1–14)

1In the seventh year of Jehu, Joasha became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem forty years. His mother’s name was Zibiah; she was from Beersheba. 2And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days he was instructed by Jehoiada the priest.

3Nevertheless, the high places were not removed; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there.

4Then Joash said to the priests, “Collect all the money brought as sacred gifts into the house of the LORD—the census money, the money from vows, and the money brought voluntarily into the house of the LORD. 5Let every priest receive it from his constituency, and let it be used to repair any damage found in the temple.”

6By the twenty-third year of the reign of Joash, however, the priests had not yet repaired the damage to the temple. 7So King Joash called Jehoiada and the other priests and said, “Why have you not repaired the damage to the temple? Now, therefore, take no more money from your constituency, but hand it over for the repair of the temple.”

8So the priests agreed that they would not receive money from the people and that they would not repair the temple themselves.

9Then Jehoiada the priest took a chest, bored a hole in its lid, and set it beside the altar on the right side as one enters the house of the LORD. There the priests who guarded the threshold put all the money brought into the house of the LORD.

10Whenever they saw that there was a large amount of money in the chest, the royal scribe and the high priest would go up, count the money brought into the house of the LORD, and tie it up in bags. 11Then they would put the counted money into the hands of those who supervised the work on the house of the LORD, who in turn would pay those doing the work—the carpenters, builders, 12masons, and stonecutters. They also purchased timber and dressed stone to repair the damage to the house of the LORD, and they paid the other expenses of the temple repairs.

13However, the money brought into the house of the LORD was not used for making silver basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, trumpets, or any articles of gold or silver for the house of the LORD. 14Instead, it was paid to those doing the work, and with it they repaired the house of the LORD.

15No accounting was required from the men who received the money to pay the workmen, because they acted with integrity. 16The money from the guilt offerings and sin offerings was not brought into the house of the LORD; it belonged to the priests.

The Death of Joash
(2 Chronicles 24:23–27)

17At that time Hazael king of Aram marched up and fought against Gath and captured it. Then he decided to attack Jerusalem. 18So King Joash of Judah took all the sacred objects dedicated by his fathers—Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah, the kings of Judah—along with his own consecrated items and all the gold found in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he sent them to Hazael king of Aram. So Hazael withdrew from Jerusalem.

19As for the rest of the acts of Joash, along with all his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?

20And the servants of Joash rose up and formed a conspiracy and killed him at Beth-millo, on the road down to Silla. 21His servants Jozabadb son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomerc struck him down, and he died. And they buried him with his fathers in the City of David, and his son Amaziah reigned in his place.

Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible.

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2 Kings 12 Summary
Joash Repairs the Temple

Verses 1–3 – Joash Begins Well, but the High Places Persist
Joash takes the throne of Judah in Jehu’s seventh year and rules forty years from Jerusalem. Guided by the faithful high priest Jehoiada, he “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD” (v. 2). Still, the rural high places where people burned incense endure, hinting at an incomplete revival.

Verses 4–8 – A Temple Repair Fund Is Ordered
Joash commands the priests to gather all money dedicated to the LORD—census payments, vow offerings, and freewill gifts—for the repair of Solomon’s Temple. Two decades later, the work still is not done. The king rebukes the priests and forbids them to handle contributions directly; instead, funds must go straight to the workmen.

Verses 9–16 – The Offering Chest, Honest Oversight, and Skilled Labor
Jehoiada places a chest with a bored hole beside the altar. Money is counted by the royal scribe and the high priest, then weighed and handed to carpenters, builders, masons, and stonecutters. None of it is spent on ornate vessels; every coin goes into structural repair. The workmen need no audits “because they acted with integrity” (v. 15).

Verses 17–18 – Tribute to Hazael of Aram
Hazael captures nearby Gath and marches on Jerusalem. To avert attack, Joash strips the treasuries of both palace and Temple—items dedicated by earlier kings—and sends them as tribute. Hazael withdraws.

Verses 19–21 – Conspiracy, Assassination, and Succession
Despite his bright start, Joash’s reign ends in betrayal. Two of his own servants strike him down at Beth-Millo. He is buried in the City of David, and his son Amaziah succeeds him.

2 Kings 12 dives into the reign of Joash, an impressionable king who begins his rule with a passion for temple restoration and God's will, under the tutelage of Jehoiada, the high priest. However, his reign ultimately devolves into corruption, betrayal, and his untimely demise. This chapter underscores the importance of integrity, accountability, and the dire consequences of betrayal.

Historical Setting and Background

Joash (also called Jehoash) was the lone surviving heir of David’s line after Athaliah’s massacre (2 Kings 11). Hidden for six years in the Temple, he was crowned at age seven under Jehoiada’s guardianship. His forty-year reign (835–796 BC, approximate) overlaps the reigns of Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Jehoash in Israel. Judah is politically weak, squeezed between the rising Aramean power under Hazael to the north and the Philistine plain to the west.

The High Places Problem

Although Joash champions Temple repair, he tolerates the hilltop shrines. Deuteronomy 12:2-7 commands Israel to destroy such sites and worship only where God chooses. The chronic issue reappears with nearly every Judean king (e.g., 1 Kings 15:14; 2 Kings 15:4). Reluctance to shut down popular local worship reveals how cultural habits compete with covenant loyalty.

Temple Finance and the Wooden Chest

Exodus 30:11-16 sets the precedent for “census money” dedicated to the LORD. Vow offerings arise from Leviticus 27, and freewill gifts echo Exodus 35:29. By combining all three, Joash creates a steady revenue stream. The bored-lid chest foreshadows later “offering boxes” (Mark 12:41). Locating it “beside the altar, on the right side as one enters” (v. 9) kept giving public and visible, deterring misuse.

Integrity of the Workmen

Verse 15’s celebration of honest contractors is striking. In a culture without electronic records, reputation mattered. 2 Corinthians 8:20-21 calls believers to handle gifts “honorably, not only in the Lord’s eyes but also in the eyes of people.” Joash’s system models transparency: multiple counters, weighted bags, and direct payment to laborers.

Parallel Account in 2 Chronicles 24

Chronicles adds that after Jehoiada’s death, Joash abandons the LORD, listens to officials who revive idolatry, and eventually kills Jehoiada’s son Zechariah (2 Chron 24:17-22). The prophet’s dying cry, “May the LORD see and call you to account,” foreshadows Joash’s assassination. Kings omits this spiritual downturn but hints at it by noting the persistent high places and Joash’s loss of Temple treasures.

Hazael, Gath, and Archaeology

Stelae and inscriptions (e.g., the Tel Dan Stele) confirm Hazael’s expansive campaigns. Excavations at Tel es-Safi (biblical Gath) reveal an 8th-century destruction layer compatible with an Aramean siege. The biblical sequence—Gath falls, Jerusalem buys peace—fits the known timeline of Hazael’s southern push.

Beth-Millo and Silla

Beth-Millo (“house of the rampart”) likely refers to the stepped stone structure buttressing Jerusalem’s City of David. “On the road down to Silla” pinpoints the assassination near a construction or water channel outside the palace area. The conspirators’ names, Jozabad and Jehozabad, are variations of “YHWH has given,” highlighting the irony of covenant-named men killing the Davidic king.

Lessons on Stewardship

1. Giving is to be voluntary, visible, and accountable.

2. Funds designated for God’s work should not be diverted to personal enrichment.

3. The LORD values both the offering and the integrity of those who administer it.

Leadership and Finish Lines

Joash started under the influence of a godly mentor but faltered once that voice was gone—a warning echoed in 2 Timothy 4:7 about “finishing the race.” Ongoing reliance on the LORD, not merely on human advisers, secures a faithful finish.

Foreshadowing the True Temple

While Joash repairs stones and beams, Jesus later identifies His body as the ultimate Temple (John 2:19-21). The costly tribute Joash pays to a pagan king contrasts with Christ, who “gave Himself up” (Ephesians 5:2) rather than plunder God’s house, accomplishing a lasting salvation no earthly renovation could match.

Key Cross-References

• Exodus 30:11-16 – census or “atonement” money

• Leviticus 27 – vows and dedicated gifts

• Deuteronomy 12:2-7 – eliminating high places

• 2 Chronicles 24 – extended account of Joash

• 2 Kings 16:8; 18:15 – later kings who pay foreign tribute

• Matthew 6:19-21 – where to store true treasure

• 2 Corinthians 9:7 – cheerful giving

Takeaway

2 Kings 12 blends administrative detail, moral caution, and the ongoing tug-of-war between wholehearted devotion and half-obedience. It invites today’s reader to maintain transparent stewardship, to root worship in God’s appointed place—now fulfilled in Christ—and to finish the course with unwavering faith.

Connections to Additional Scriptures
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
These verses remind us that we are God's temple and should care for our spiritual well-being.

Proverbs 11:14
Highlights the value of wise counsel, similar to the guidance Joash received from Jehoiada.

1 Timothy 6:18-19
Encourages believers to be generous and willing to share, aligning with the communal effort seen in Joash's fundraising for the temple.
Teaching Points
Joash's Early Reign and Influence
Joash became king at a young age and was guided by Jehoiada the priest. Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days Jehoiada the priest instructed him (2 Kings 12:2). This highlights the importance of godly mentorship and guidance.

The Temple's Neglect and Need for Repair
The temple had fallen into disrepair, and Joash recognized the need for restoration. This underscores the necessity of maintaining places of worship and the spiritual significance they hold.

Fundraising for the Temple Repairs
Joash initiated a collection for the temple repairs, demonstrating the importance of communal effort and financial stewardship in supporting God's work (2 Kings 12:4-5).

Accountability and Integrity in Leadership
Joash ensured that the funds collected were used appropriately by appointing trustworthy individuals to oversee the work (2 Kings 12:15). This emphasizes the need for integrity and transparency in leadership.

The Role of Jehoiada
Jehoiada's influence was pivotal in Joash's reign, showing the impact of spiritual leaders in guiding and supporting those in authority.
Practical Applications
Seek Godly Mentorship
Just as Joash was guided by Jehoiada, seek out mentors who can provide spiritual guidance and wisdom in your life.

Prioritize God's House
Consider how you can contribute to the upkeep and support of your local church or place of worship, recognizing its importance in your spiritual journey.

Practice Financial Stewardship
Reflect on how you manage your resources and how you can contribute to God's work, ensuring that your giving is done with integrity and purpose.

Embrace Accountability
Whether in leadership or daily life, strive to be accountable and transparent in your actions, fostering trust and integrity.
People
1. Joash (Jehoash)
Joash, also known as Jehoash, is the king of Judah who began his reign at the age of seven and reigned for forty years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zibiah of Beersheba. Joash is noted for doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest (2 Kings 12:1-2).

2. Jehoiada
Jehoiada is the high priest who played a significant role in guiding King Joash. He is credited with influencing Joash to do what was right in the eyes of the LORD. Jehoiada's leadership was instrumental in the repair of the temple (2 Kings 12:2, 7).

3. Zibiah
Zibiah is the mother of Joash, mentioned briefly in the text. She is from Beersheba (2 Kings 12:1).

4. Hazael
Hazael is the king of Aram (Syria) who came up against Gath and captured it, and then set his face to go up to Jerusalem. Joash sent him treasures from the temple and the royal palace to appease him (2 Kings 12:17-18).

5. Unnamed Priests
The priests are mentioned collectively in the context of collecting money for the repair of the temple. They were initially responsible for receiving the money from the people but were later replaced by a more structured system due to inefficiencies (2 Kings 12:4-8).

6. Unnamed Servants of Joash
These are the servants who conspired against Joash and assassinated him at Beth Millo, on the road that goes down to Silla (2 Kings 12:20-21).

The original Hebrew text provides insight into the roles and relationships of these individuals, with terms like "kohen" (כֹּהֵן) for priest and "melek" (מֶלֶךְ) for king, underscoring their positions and duties within the narrative.
Places
1. Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the central location in 2 Kings 12, where King Joash reigns. It is the capital city of Judah and the site of the Temple, which Joash repairs. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), meaning "foundation of peace."

2. Temple of the LORD
The Temple, located in Jerusalem, is the focal point of Joash's reforms. He initiates repairs to restore it after years of neglect. The Hebrew term for the Temple is "בֵּית יְהוָה" (Beit Yahweh), meaning "House of the LORD."

3. Aram
Aram is mentioned in the context of Hazael, king of Aram, who threatens Jerusalem. Aram is a region northeast of Israel, often in conflict with the Israelites. The Hebrew root is "אֲרָם" (Aram), referring to the ancient region and people.
Events
1. Reign of Jehoash
Jehoash (also known as Joash) begins his reign as king of Judah. He becomes king in the seventh year of Jehu's reign in Israel and reigns for forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name is Zibiah from Beersheba (2 Kings 12:1).

2. Jehoash's Righteousness
Jehoash does what is right in the eyes of the LORD all the days that Jehoiada the priest instructs him. However, the high places are not removed, and the people continue to offer sacrifices and burn incense there (2 Kings 12:2-3).

3. Temple Repairs Initiated
Jehoash instructs the priests to collect all the money brought as sacred offerings to the temple of the LORD, including census money, personal vows, and voluntary contributions, to repair any damage to the temple (2 Kings 12:4-5).

4. Delay in Repairs
By the twenty-third year of Jehoash's reign, the priests have not yet repaired the temple. Jehoash calls Jehoiada and the other priests to account and orders them to stop taking money from the people for themselves and to use it for temple repairs (2 Kings 12:6-8).

5. Collection System Established
A chest is placed beside the altar to collect money for temple repairs. The priests agree not to receive money directly from the people but to use the funds collected in the chest for repairs (2 Kings 12:9-10).

6. Faithful Use of Funds
The money collected is given to those overseeing the work on the temple. They pay the carpenters, builders, masons, and stonecutters, as well as purchase timber and dressed stone for the repairs. The funds are used faithfully, and no accounts are required from the men doing the work because they act with integrity (2 Kings 12:11-15).

7. Exclusion of Certain Offerings
The money from guilt offerings and sin offerings is not brought into the temple of the LORD; it belongs to the priests (2 Kings 12:16).

8. Hazael's Threat
Hazael, king of Aram, threatens Jerusalem. Jehoash takes all the sacred objects dedicated by his predecessors and himself, along with the gold found in the treasuries of the temple and the royal palace, and sends them to Hazael to withdraw from Jerusalem (2 Kings 12:17-18).

9. Assassination of Jehoash
Jehoash's servants conspire against him and kill him at Beth Millo, on the road down to Silla. He is assassinated by Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer, and he is buried with his fathers in the City of David. His son Amaziah succeeds him as king (2 Kings 12:19-21).
Topics
1. Reign of Joash (Jehoash) in Judah
Joash, also known as Jehoash, begins his reign as king of Judah at the age of seven and reigns for forty years. His reign is noted for doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD, as instructed by Jehoiada the priest. This reflects the Hebrew term "יָשָׁר" (yashar), meaning upright or righteous, indicating his adherence to God's laws during Jehoiada's lifetime.

2. Repair of the Temple
Joash initiates a project to repair the temple of the LORD, which had fallen into disrepair. He instructs the priests to collect money from the people to fund the repairs. This highlights the importance of maintaining the sanctity and functionality of the temple as a place of worship and sacrifice.

3. Collection of Funds for Temple Repairs
The priests are tasked with collecting funds from the people, including the census money, personal vows, and freewill offerings. The Hebrew word "קֹדֶשׁ" (qodesh), meaning holy or sacred, underscores the sanctity of these contributions for temple use.

4. Jehoiada's Chest for Offerings
A chest is placed beside the altar to collect offerings for the temple repairs. This method ensures transparency and accountability in the collection and use of funds, reflecting the Hebrew concept of "אֱמוּנָה" (emunah), meaning faithfulness or trustworthiness.

5. Completion of Temple Repairs
The funds collected are used to hire skilled workers to restore the temple, ensuring that the work is done with integrity and dedication. The Hebrew root "שָׁלֵם" (shalem), meaning to complete or make whole, signifies the restoration of the temple to its intended glory.

6. Jehoash's Tribute to Hazael
When Hazael, king of Aram, threatens Jerusalem, Joash sends him treasures from the temple and royal palace to appease him. This act of tribute, while pragmatic, reflects a compromise that contrasts with the earlier focus on temple restoration.

7. Assassination of Joash
Joash is eventually assassinated by his own officials, which marks a tragic end to his reign. This event serves as a reminder of the instability and challenges faced by the kings of Judah, despite their efforts to follow God's commandments.
Themes
1. Righteous Leadership and Obedience to God
Joash's reign is marked by his efforts to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord, as guided by Jehoiada the priest. This theme emphasizes the importance of godly leadership and obedience to divine commandments. The Hebrew root for "right" (יָשָׁר, yashar) implies uprightness and moral integrity.
^"Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days he was instructed by Jehoiada the priest."^ (2 Kings 12:2)

2. Temple Restoration and Stewardship
Joash initiates the repair of the temple, highlighting the theme of stewardship over God's house. This reflects the responsibility of maintaining and honoring sacred spaces. The Hebrew word for "repair" (חָזַק, chazaq) suggests strengthening or making firm.
^"Let the priests receive from each of the donors, and let them repair any damage found in the temple."^ (2 Kings 12:5)

3. Accountability and Integrity in Financial Matters
The collection and use of funds for temple repairs are conducted with transparency and integrity, underscoring the importance of accountability in financial dealings. The Hebrew term for "faithfully" (אֱמוּנָה, emunah) conveys trustworthiness and reliability.
^"They did not require an accounting from the men into whose hands they delivered the money to pay the workmen, because they acted with integrity."^ (2 Kings 12:15)

4. The Consequences of Neglecting God's Commands
Despite initial obedience, the failure to remove the high places indicates incomplete devotion to God’s commands, leading to negative consequences. This theme warns against partial obedience. The Hebrew word for "high places" (בָּמָה, bamah) refers to elevated sites of worship that were not sanctioned by God.
^"Nevertheless, the high places were not removed; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there."^ (2 Kings 12:3)

5. Divine Judgment and Human Conflict
The chapter concludes with conflict and the eventual assassination of Joash, illustrating the theme of divine judgment and the consequences of straying from God's path. This serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of human power and the ultimate authority of God.
^"His servants conspired against him and killed Joash at Beth-millo, on the road that goes down to Silla."^ (2 Kings 12:20)
Answering Tough Questions
1. In 2 Kings 12:3, why were the high places not removed if Jehoash was supposedly following God’s commands?

2. How do we reconcile the lengthy temple repair delays (2 Kings 12:6–7) with the supposed zeal of Jehoash and the priests?

3. The mention of Hazael’s campaign (2 Kings 12:17) lacks archaeological evidence; does this cast doubt on the chapter’s historicity?

4. If Jehoash “did what was right” (2 Kings 12:2), why did he later resort to bribing Hazael with sacred treasures rather than relying on divine intervention?

5. What explains the contradictory portrayal of Jehoash’s faithfulness here versus his assassination in 2 Kings 12:20, appearing to undermine his supposed righteousness?

Bible Study Discussion Questions

1. What lessons can we learn from the early reign of Joash?

2. How can we apply the story of the temple's restoration to our own spiritual rejuvenation?

3. Discuss the importance of accountability as illustrated in this chapter.

4. How did the influence of Jehoiada shape Joash's rule? What changed after his death?

5. Why do you think Joash failed to remove the high places, despite his efforts to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord?

6. How can we ensure the proper use of funds in religious settings in today's context, learning from Joash's administration?

7. Why did Joash decide to give the sacred treasures to Hazael? Was there another way he could have handled this situation?

8. Joash's assassination was a direct result of his actions against Zechariah. How does this event illustrate the Biblical principle of "you reap what you sow"?

9. How does the story of Joash's fall illustrate the dangers of power and influence?

10. What lessons on leadership and governance can contemporary leaders draw from Joash's reign and downfall?

11. How does the narrative of Joash reflect on the idea of remaining faithful under trials and tribulations?

12. What does the initial response of the priests to repair the temple say about complacency in religious duties?

13. How can we stay faithful to God, even when those around us or those who influence us falter, as Joash did after Jehoiada's death?

14. Discuss the impact of Joash's decisions on the kingdom of Judah. How can our choices impact our communities today?

15. Compare and contrast Joash's leadership with other biblical leaders.

16. Explore the relationship between Joash and Jehoiada. How does this relationship compare with mentor-mentee relationships today?

17. In what ways did Joash's fear influence his actions when facing Hazael's threat?

18. How might Joash's story have been different if he had sought God's guidance in dealing with Hazael?

19. What can the story of Joash teach us about the consequences of betraying trust?

20. How can we maintain our integrity, inspired by the story of Joash, when faced with difficult choices in our lives today?



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