2 Kings · Chapter 12

Verse 2. Jehoash did-right in the sight of the Lord] While Jehoiada the priest, who was a pious, holy man, lived, Jehoash walked uprightly; but it appears from 2 Chronicles 24:17, 18, that he departed from the worship of the true God after the death of this eminent high priest, lapsed into idolatry, and seems to have had a share in the murder of Zechariah, who testified against his transgressions, and those of the princes of Judah. See above, 2 Chronicles 24:20-22.

O how few of the few who begin to live to God continue unto the end!

Verse 2. Jehoash did what was right, &c. — Having, 1st, such a good director as Jehoiada was, so wise, experienced, and faithful: and, 2d, so much wisdom as to hearken to him, and be directed by him. Here we learn of what advantage it is to princes, especially while they are young, and indeed to young people in general, to have good instructers and counsellors about them. And they then act wisely for themselves, when they are willing to be counselled and ruled by such.

2. All his days wherein Jehoiada… instructed him — As long as he remained true to the counsels of the high priest he did right and prospered. The words imply, though the fact is not stated, that he afterwards departed from the instructions of his benefactor. How this came to pass is told in Chronicles.

V. 3. Burnt incense-To the true God.

Verse 3. The high places were not taken away] Without the total destruction of these there could be no radical reform. The toleration of any species of idolatry in the land, whatever else was done in behalf of true religion, left, and in effect fostered, a seed which springing up, regenerated in time the whole infernal system. Jehoiada did not use his influence as he might have done; for as he had the king’s heart and hand with him, he might have done what he pleased.

Verse 3. But the high places were not taken away — The people were so much and so strangely addicted to these private altars, (on which they sacrificed to the true God,) that the preceding kings, though men of riper years and greater power and courage than Jehoash, and firmly established on their thrones, were not able to remove them. And, therefore, it is not strange that Jehoiada could not now take them away, when the king was young, and not well settled in his kingdom, and when the people were more corrupt and disorderly through Athaliah’s mal-administration.

Verse 3. The people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, where the holy patriarchs and prophets had worshipped the Lord. The people venerated those places, but the law it would seem, absolutely required all sacrifices, except sin-offerings, to be offered in the temple. Deuteronomy 16.

3. High places were not taken away — And these were a constant temptation to idolatry. A nation that had been so thoroughly flooded with idolatrous practices as Israel could not be morally safe with these temptations ever before their eyes. The failure to abolish these was one great mistake of Joash and other kings who attempted reformation. Compare notes on 1 Kings 3:2; 15:14.

V. 4. And Jehoash said, &c.-Remembering that he owed his preservation and restoration to the temple, and that he was made by God the guardian of his temple, he now takes care to repair it. Dedicated things-The money which had been either formerly or lately vowed or dedicated to the service of God and of his house. That is brought-Or rather, that shall be brought: for though the people might vow to bring it thither in convenient time, yet it is not likely they would bring much money thither in the tyrannical and idolatrous reign of Athaliah. The money-The half shekel, which was paid for every one that was numbered from twenty years old and upward. Is set at-Heb. the money of souls, or persons according to his taxing, the money which every man that had vowed his person to God, paid according to the rate which the priest put upon him. That cometh-All that shall be freely offered.

Verse 4. All the money of the dedicated things] From all this account we find that the temple was in a very ruinous state; the walls were falling down, some had perhaps actually fallen, and there was no person so zealous for the pure worship of God, as to exert himself to shore up the falling temple!

The king himself seems to have been the first who noticed these dilapidations, and took measures for the necessary repairs. The repairs were made from the following sources: 1. The things which pious persons had dedicated to the service of God. 2. The free-will offerings of strangers who had visited Jerusalem: the money of every one that passeth. 3. The half-shekel which the males were obliged to pay from the age of twenty years (Exodus 30:12) for the redemption of their souls, that is their lives, which is here called the money that every man is set at. All these sources had ever been in some measure open, but instead of repairing the dilapidations in the Lord’s house, the priests and Levites had converted the income to their own use.

Verse 4. And Jehoash said to the priests — The house of God having been neglected, and suffered to go to decay in the time of Athaliah and her son, Jehoash, in gratitude to God, who had preserved him there, resolved to have it repaired; and, in order thereto, commanded what money should be set apart for that purpose. All the money of the dedicated things — That had been or should hereafter be brought and dedicated to the service of God and of the temple. As it appears from 2 Chronicles 24:5, that the priests went through the land to collect money, it seems the people were required to dedicate something toward these repairs. The money of every one that passeth the account — The words, the account, are not in the Hebrew, so that it is likely this clause is to be understood of the offerings which pious people cast into the boxes prepared to receive them, as they passed into the temple. The money that every man is set at — Namely, the money that every man, who had vowed his person to God, paid or was to pay for his redemption, by the estimation made by the priest, according to the law, Leviticus 27:2, 3. In the Hebrew it is the money of souls, or persons according to his taxing. As soon as this money was paid by any one, he was freed from the vow wherewith he had bound himself: but till it was paid, his life was not his own, but God’s. All the money that cometh into any man’s heart to bring, &c. — This was the third sort of money for the reparation of the temple; that which any man would give freely for that service.

4. All the money of the dedicated things — The annual contributions to the sanctuary which Moses ordained in the wilderness. Compare Exodus 30:12-16, and 2 Chronicles 24:6, 9. These contributions might be of three kinds, 1.) The money of every one that passeth the account — Explained by Exodus 30:13: “Every one that passeth among them that are numbered [in the census] shall give half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary.” This half shekel was properly a poll tax. 2.) The money that every man is set at — That is, the amount at which every one who makes a singular vow is estimated, according to the law of Leviticus 27:1-8. Large revenues may sometimes have come to the sanctuary from this source alone. 3.) Money that cometh into any man’s heart to bring — That is, free-will offerings, which any one might give over and above his poll tax, or other obligation.

Verse 5. Let the priests take it to them, &c. — Let them go abroad through all the parts of the land, as they have acquaintance and interest, and gather up the money, and bring it to Jerusalem. Let them repair, &c., wheresoever any breach shall be found — Either through decay, or by ill accidents; or by the malice of Athaliath, or her relations; of which see 2 Chronicles 24:7.

5. Every man of his acquaintance — From this, and more particularly from Chronicles, (verse 5,) it appears that the priests and Levites were not to wait at the temple to receive contributions, but were to “go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of God from year to year.” But this method failed, probably because the priests took little interest in the measure, and received little or no more than was sufficient for their own subsistence. The people, too, seemed little inclined to fall in with this measure, for when a new method was adopted, and a chest set by the temple to receive their offerings, they “rejoiced, and brought in, and cast into the chest, until they had made an end.” 2 Chronicles 24:8-10. So in other ages of the Church, travelling agents sent forth to collect funds have often cost more than the amounts they collected, and have injured the cause besides.

Verse 6. In the three and twentieth year] In what year Jehoash gave the orders for these repairs, we cannot tell; but the account here plainly intimates that they had been long given, and that nothing was done, merely through the inactivity and negligence of the priests; see 2 Chronicles 24:6.

It seems that the people had brought money in abundance, and the pious Jehoiada was over the priests, and yet nothing was done! Though Jehoiada was a good man, he does not appear to have had much of the spirit of an active zeal; and simple piety, without zeal and activity, is of little use when a reformation in religion and manners is necessary to be brought about. Philip Melancthon was orthodox, pious, and learned, but he was a man of comparative inactivity. In many respects Martin Luther was by far his inferior, but in zeal and activity he was a flaming and consuming fire; and by him, under God, was the mighty Reformation, from the corruptions of popery, effected. Ten thousand Jehoiadas and Melancthons might have wished it in vain; Luther worked, and God worked by him, in him, and for him.

Verses 6-8. In the three and twentieth year of Jehoash, the priests had not repaired, &c. — They were both dilatory and careless in collecting the money, 2 Chronicles 24:5; and did not bring in what they had gathered to begin the work, whereupon the king revoked his former order, and intrusted other men, as it here follows, with this work. Thus are things seldom done well that are committed to the care of many. Now therefore receive no more money, &c. — Jehoash ordered two things, 1st, That they should gather no more money of the people. 2d, That they should not have the care of seeing the temple repaired, but pay what had been collected into other hands. The priests consented — They submitted to the king’s new orders, and wholly committed the business to those whom he thought fit to employ. But it does not appear that they restored the money which they had received for twenty-three years past.

Verses 6-8. In the three and twentieth year of Jehoash, the priests had not repaired, &c. — They were both dilatory and careless in collecting the money, 2 Chronicles 24:5; and did not bring in what they had gathered to begin the work, whereupon the king revoked his former order, and intrusted other men, as it here follows, with this work. Thus are things seldom done well that are committed to the care of many. Now therefore receive no more money, &c. — Jehoash ordered two things, 1st, That they should gather no more money of the people. 2d, That they should not have the care of seeing the temple repaired, but pay what had been collected into other hands. The priests consented — They submitted to the king’s new orders, and wholly committed the business to those whom he thought fit to employ. But it does not appear that they restored the money which they had received for twenty-three years past.

Verses 6-8. In the three and twentieth year of Jehoash, the priests had not repaired, &c. — They were both dilatory and careless in collecting the money, 2 Chronicles 24:5; and did not bring in what they had gathered to begin the work, whereupon the king revoked his former order, and intrusted other men, as it here follows, with this work. Thus are things seldom done well that are committed to the care of many. Now therefore receive no more money, &c. — Jehoash ordered two things, 1st, That they should gather no more money of the people. 2d, That they should not have the care of seeing the temple repaired, but pay what had been collected into other hands. The priests consented — They submitted to the king’s new orders, and wholly committed the business to those whom he thought fit to employ. But it does not appear that they restored the money which they had received for twenty-three years past.

Verse 9. Jehoiada-took a chest] This chest was at first set beside the altar, as is here mentioned; but afterwards, for the convenience of the people, it was set without the gate; see 2 Chronicles 24:8.

Verse 9. Jehoiada the priest took a chest — By the king’s order, 2 Chronicles 24:8. And set it beside the altar — In the court of the priests. Upon comparing the passage in Chronicles, just referred to, with this, it seems probable that it was first placed by the altar, and afterward removed thence to the gate of the court, for the people’s greater satisfaction, that they might come thither, and put in their money with their own hands.

9. Jehoiada… took a chest — This, according to 2 Chronicles 24:8, was done “at the king’s commandment,” and was a much more popular measure than the one tried before. It provided that the contributions be audited and used by other persons besides the priests. Their’s was the trespass money and sin money, (verse 16,) but the chest was to receive the contributions for the repairing of the temple. “It was expected,” says Keil, “that the people would give more, when the collection was appointed for the special purpose of repairing the temple, than when they were to give the legal and voluntary payments only to the priests, whereby no giver knew how much of it might be applied for building.” The priests… put therein all the money — Chronicles, however, seems to show that the people cast their money in the chest with their own hand. It may all have passed through the priests’ hands, but so publicly and with such oversight of interested parties as prevented all chance for embezzlement. There is not the slightest evidence that the priests and Levites had been guilty of any dishonesty in former collections, and yet there might have been suspicions.

Verse 10. The king’s scribe and the high priest] It was necessary to associate with the high priest some civil authority and activity, in order to get the neglected work performed.

Verses 10, 11. The king’s scribe and the high-priest came up, &c. — The king’s secretary and the high-priest emptied the chest, and took an account of the money, and then put it up in bags, which, it is likely, they sealed; and then they set the chest in its place again. This they did every day, as we read 2 Chronicles 24:11. They gave the money to them that had the oversight, &c. — These bags of money were delivered by the king and Jehoiada, (2 Chronicles 24:12,) not to the priests, whom the king had found tardy, and, perhaps, faulty, (converting the money to their own use,) but to some select persons, who had this peculiar business committed to them, to employ good workmen, pay them their wages, and see the temple properly repaired.

Verses 10, 11. The king’s scribe and the high-priest came up, &c. — The king’s secretary and the high-priest emptied the chest, and took an account of the money, and then put it up in bags, which, it is likely, they sealed; and then they set the chest in its place again. This they did every day, as we read 2 Chronicles 24:11. They gave the money to them that had the oversight, &c. — These bags of money were delivered by the king and Jehoiada, (2 Chronicles 24:12,) not to the priests, whom the king had found tardy, and, perhaps, faulty, (converting the money to their own use,) but to some select persons, who had this peculiar business committed to them, to employ good workmen, pay them their wages, and see the temple properly repaired.

Verse 13. Howbeit there were not made-bowls, &c.] That is, there were no vessels made for the service of the temple till all the outward repairs were completed; but after this was done, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, whereof were made vessels of gold and silver; 2 Chronicles 24:14.

13. Not made… any vessels of gold — That is, as is explained in Chronicles, none of the money collected was used for this purpose until all the work of repairing the building was completed. After the repairs were finished the rest of the money was devoted to provide vessels for the house of the Lord. Athaliah had robbed the Lord’s house of these vessels to provide for her Baal worship.

Verses 14, 15. But they gave that to the workmen — All the money collected was employed to pay the masons, carpenters, and such like workmen, for repairing the temple alone, till the work was finished; and then the overseers gave an account of what money remained in their hands, which was expended in purchasing such vessels as are before mentioned, for the service of the temple, 2 Chronicles 24:14. Moreover, they reckoned not with the men — They were so confident of the honesty of the overseers, that they took no account of the money which they had paid to the workmen. For they dealt faithfully — They perceived, by many experiments, that they were faithful. This was a rare example of fidelity in managing the public money.

V. 15. Faithfully-For they perceived by many experiments that they were faithful.

Verse 15. They reckoned not with the men] They placed great confidence in them, and were not disappointed, for they dealt faithfully.

Verses 14, 15. But they gave that to the workmen — All the money collected was employed to pay the masons, carpenters, and such like workmen, for repairing the temple alone, till the work was finished; and then the overseers gave an account of what money remained in their hands, which was expended in purchasing such vessels as are before mentioned, for the service of the temple, 2 Chronicles 24:14. Moreover, they reckoned not with the men — They were so confident of the honesty of the overseers, that they took no account of the money which they had paid to the workmen. For they dealt faithfully — They perceived, by many experiments, that they were faithful. This was a rare example of fidelity in managing the public money.

15. Reckoned not with the men — The men who had charge of the disbursement of the funds were men of such high standing and integrity, and gave such general evidence of having done their work faithfully, that no one desired any special reckoning with them.

Verse 16. The trespass-money and sin-money, &c. — “Besides the money paid to the priests for trespasses committed in holy things it is thought that persons living at a distance sent money to the priests to purchase trespass-offerings and sin-offerings, and sacrifice them in their names: and, as they commonly sent more than the sacrifices cost, the surplus became a perquisite, under the name of trespass-money and sin-money.” — Scott. This money was not employed toward the reparation of the house, because, as it follows, it was the priests’: it was given to them for their private use and maintenance.

16. Trespass money and sin money — Money brought to the priests as a trespass offering or a sin offering, according to the law of Leviticus 5:15-19. See also Leviticus 7:7, and Numbers 18:9.

Verse 17. Hazael-fought against Gath, and took it] This city, with its satrapy or lordship, had been taken from the Philistines by David, (see 2 Samuel 8:1, and 1 Chronicles 18:1;) and it had continued in the possession of the kings of Judah till this time. On what pretence Hazael seized it, we cannot tell; he had the ultima ratio regum, power to do it, and he wanted more territory.

Verses 17, 18. Then Hazael went up — That is, in this king’s days, when, Jehoiada being dead, Jehoash revolted from God; of which see 2 Chronicles 24:17. And fought against Gath — Once a city of the Philistines, but taken by David, (1 Chronicles 18:1,) and now a part of the kingdom of Judah. And Hazael set his face to go to Jerusalem — Directed his march toward that city: or, undertook to march thither in good earnest. Jehoash took all the hallowed things, &c. — The preservation of his kingdom, he thought, warranted his doing this; but he brought these dangers upon himself by his apostacy from God.

17. Hazael — On this man’s elevation to the throne of Syria, see 2 Kings 8:7-15. On his victories over Israel and the eastern tribes, see 2 Kings 10:32, 33. Fought against Gath — Having the northern kingdom in subjection, he could easily march his army through its territory and down the western border of Judah to Gath. On the position of Gath, see 1 Samuel 5:8, note. Set his face to go up to Jerusalem — Chronicles adds to this, that he did send a company to Jerusalem, and defeated a great host of Israelites, destroyed their princes, and carried off great spoil. The two accounts are brief, and not designed to record all the facts in the case, but they are by no means necessarily contradictory. See 2 Chronicles 24:23.

Verse 18. Took all the hallowed things] He dearly bought a peace which was of short duration, for the next year Hazael returned, and Jehoash, having no more treasures, was obliged to hazard a battle, which he lost, with the principal part of his nobility, so that Judah was totally ruined, and Jehoash shortly after slain in his bed by his own servants; 2 Chronicles 24:23.

Verses 17, 18. Then Hazael went up — That is, in this king’s days, when, Jehoiada being dead, Jehoash revolted from God; of which see 2 Chronicles 24:17. And fought against Gath — Once a city of the Philistines, but taken by David, (1 Chronicles 18:1,) and now a part of the kingdom of Judah. And Hazael set his face to go to Jerusalem — Directed his march toward that city: or, undertook to march thither in good earnest. Jehoash took all the hallowed things, &c. — The preservation of his kingdom, he thought, warranted his doing this; but he brought these dangers upon himself by his apostacy from God.

Ver. 18. Sent it to Hazael: viz. all the hallowed treasures of the temple. Where then was Israel’s God? Alas, this king was good only while his uncle guarded his person, and influenced his council. He had a prodigal heart which spurned restraints.

18. Took all the hallowed things — This was a too expensive buying of an uncertain peace, and led to no permanent security. Asa before him, (1 Kings 15:18,) and Ahaz and Hezekiah after him, (2 Kings 16:8; 18:15,) did the like foolish thing, to the great damage of the kingdom.

Verse 19. The rest of the acts of Joash] We have already seen that this man, so promising in the beginning of his reign, apostatized, became an idolater, encouraged idolatry among his subjects, and put the high priest Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada his benefactor, to death; and now God visited that blood upon him by the hands of the tyrannous king of Syria, and by his own servants.

V. 20. And slew Joash-We are told, in the Chronicles, that his murdering the prophet, Jehoiada’s son, was the provocation. In this, how unrighteous so ever they were, yet the Lord was righteous. And this was not the only time, that he let even kings know, it was at their peril, if they touched his anointed, or did his prophets any harm. Thus fell Joash, who began in the spirit, and ended in the flesh. And indeed God usually sets marks of his displeasure upon apostates, even in this life.

Verse 20. The house of Millo] Was a royal palace, built by David; (see 2 Samuel 5:9;) and Silla is supposed to be the name of the road or causeway that led to it. Millo was situated between the old city of Jerusalem, and the city of David.

Verse 20. His servants made a conspiracy, and slew Jehoash — Of which, see 2 Chronicles 24:25, where we are told that his murdering the prophet, Jehoiada’s son, was the provocation. In this, how unrighteous soever they were, yet the Lord was righteous: and this was not the only time that he let even kings know, it was at their peril if they touched his anointed, or did his prophets any harm; and that, when he comes to make inquisition for blood, the blood of prophets will run the account very high. Thus fell Joash, who began in the spirit, and ended in the flesh. God usually sets marks of his displeasure upon apostates, even in this life; for they, of all sinners, do most reproach the Lord.

Ver. 20. His servants slew him. By his apostasy, and the murder of the priests, his cousins, he became so unpopular that nobody would defend him. Zachariah prayed the Lord to require his blood, and that of his brothers; and the Lord now did so. See the account of their martyrdom in 2 Chronicles 24:21.

20. House of Millo — The castle or citadel on Zion which David had fortified. 2 Samuel 5:9, note. Which goeth down to Silla — “What or where Silla was is entirely matter of conjecture. It must have been in the valley below, overlooked by that part of the citadel which was used as a residence. The situation of the present so-called Pool of Siloam would be appropriate, and the agreement between the two names is tempting; but the likeness exists in the Greek and English versions only. Gesenius, with less than his usual caution, affirms Silla to be a town in the neighbourhood of Jerusalem. Others refer it to a place on or connected with the causeway, or flight of steps, which led from the central valley of the city up to the court of the temple.” — GROVE, in Smith’s Dictionary.

Verse 21. For Jozachar] This person is called Zabad in 2 Chronicles 24:26; and Shimeath his mother is said to be an Ammonitess, as Jehozabad is said to be the son, not of Shomer, but of Shimrith, a Moabitess. They buried him with his fathers in the city of David] But they did not bury him in the sepulchres of the kings; this is supposed to express the popular disapprobation of his conduct. Thus ended a reign full of promise and hope in the beginning, but profligate, cruel, and ruinous in the end. Never was the hand of God’s justice more signally stretched out against an apostate king and faithless people, than at this time. Now Hazael had a plenary commission; the king, the nobles, and the people, were food for his sword, and by a handful of Syrians the mighty armies of Israel were overthrown: For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the Lord delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken the Lord God, 2 Chronicles 24:24. Thus, as righteousness exalteth a nation, so sin is the disgrace and confusion of any people. Sin destroys both counsel and strength; and the wicked flee when none pursue.

II KINGS

21. Buried him with his fathers — But not, says 2 Chronicles 24:25, “in the sepulchres of the kings.” For a fuller account of Joash’s history, see the parallel history in Chronicles.