Bible Commentaries
2 Kings 12

Verses 1-21

Coming to the throne at seven years of age, Jehoash reigned for forty years. All that was beneficent in his reign would seem to have been directly due to the influence of Jehoiada, the priest, for "le did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him."

During this period the Temple was rebuilt. In order to do this, there was, first, the correction of official abuses; and then the institution of a voluntary system of giving. Yet the reform was not complete, for the high places were not taken away, and the people were still committing idolatry thereon.

The chapter ends with a threatened invasion by Hazael, and Jehoash, in craven cowardice, bought him off by giving him all the vessels and treasures of the house of God. Such a method of averting attack is always perilous, and transitory in its effect.