At that timeThis phrase situates the events within a specific historical context. The time referred to is during the reign of Jehoash (Joash) of Judah, a period marked by political instability and external threats. This era is characterized by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Aram (Syria), as well as internal challenges within the kingdom of Judah.
Hazael king of Aram
Hazael was a significant figure in the history of the Near East, known for his aggressive military campaigns. He became king of Aram (modern-day Syria) after assassinating Ben-Hadad II, as recorded in2 Kings 8:15. Hazael's reign is noted for its expansionist policies, which brought him into conflict with both Israel and Judah. His actions fulfilled the prophecy given to Elijah in1 Kings 19:15-17, where Hazael was anointed as a tool of judgment against Israel.
marched up and fought against Gath
Gath was one of the five major Philistine cities, located in the coastal region of Canaan. Its capture by Hazael indicates the extent of Aram's military reach and the weakening of Philistine power. The city's strategic location made it a valuable target for any regional power seeking to control trade routes and exert influence over the southern Levant.
and captured it
The capture of Gath demonstrates Hazael's military prowess and the vulnerability of the surrounding regions. This event underscores the shifting power dynamics in the region, as Aram's influence expanded at the expense of both Philistine and Israelite territories. The fall of Gath would have had significant implications for the security of Judah and its neighbors.
Then he decided to attack Jerusalem
Hazael's decision to attack Jerusalem highlights the threat posed to the kingdom of Judah. Jerusalem, as the capital city, was the political and religious center of Judah, making it a prime target for any invading force. This decision reflects the broader geopolitical ambitions of Hazael and the precarious position of Judah during this period. The attack on Jerusalem is a pivotal moment, as it tests the leadership of Jehoash and the resilience of the city. This event also foreshadows future sieges and captures of Jerusalem, pointing to the city's central role in biblical history and prophecy.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
HazaelKing of Aram (Syria), known for his military campaigns against Israel and Judah. His actions are often seen as instruments of God's judgment against the Israelites for their disobedience.
2.
GathA Philistine city, one of the five major Philistine cities, known for its strategic importance. Its capture by Hazael signifies a shift in power and threat to the surrounding regions, including Judah.
3.
JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, central to Jewish worship and governance. Hazael's threat to Jerusalem underscores the vulnerability of Judah during this period.
4.
Jehoash (Joash)King of Judah during this time, known for his initial faithfulness to God under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, but later faltering in his commitment.
5.
Aram (Syria)A neighboring kingdom often in conflict with Israel and Judah. Its interactions with Israel and Judah are significant in the account of the Old Testament.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in JudgmentHazael's campaign against Judah serves as a reminder of God's control over nations and His use of them to accomplish His purposes, including judgment for disobedience.
The Importance of FaithfulnessThe threat to Jerusalem highlights the consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a call to remain faithful and obedient to God's commands.
The Role of LeadershipJehoash's reign illustrates the impact of leadership on a nation's spiritual health. Leaders are called to guide their people in righteousness and reliance on God.
Trust in God's ProtectionDespite external threats, believers are encouraged to trust in God's protection and provision, knowing that He is ultimately in control.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 12:17?
2.How does 2 Kings 12:17 illustrate the consequences of neglecting God's temple?
3.What can we learn from Jehoash's response to Hazael's attack in 2 Kings 12:17?
4.How does 2 Kings 12:17 connect with God's promises to protect Israel?
5.How should we prioritize God's work in our lives, based on 2 Kings 12:17?
6.What steps can we take to prevent spiritual neglect, as seen in 2 Kings 12:17?
7.Why did Hazael attack Jerusalem in 2 Kings 12:17?
8.How does 2 Kings 12:17 reflect God's protection over Israel?
9.What historical evidence supports the events in 2 Kings 12:17?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 12?
11.The mention of Hazael’s campaign (2 Kings 12:17) lacks archaeological evidence; does this cast doubt on the chapter’s historicity?
12.Who was Hazael in the Bible?
13.Who was Hazael in the Bible?
14.Does the mention of Calneh, Hamath, and Gath in Amos 6:2 conflict with known historical records of these cities?What Does 2 Kings 12:17 Mean
At that time• The phrase anchors the event in the reign of King Joash of Judah, after the temple‐repair project had stalled (2 Kings 12:6–8;2 Chronicles 24:4–7).
• Judah had enjoyed relative peace, yet cracks of compromise were appearing—high places still stood (2 Kings 12:3). The timing therefore signals a shift from calm to crisis, showing how quickly security evaporates when covenant faithfulness weakens (Deuteronomy 28:47–52).
Hazael king of Aram• Hazael had ascended the Aramean throne through ruthless ambition foretold by Elisha (2 Kings 8:7–15; cf.1 Kings 19:15).
• God had earlier declared Hazael an instrument of judgment against wayward Israel (2 Kings 10:32–33; 13:3). His appearance on Judah’s horizon reminds us that the Lord can use even pagan kings to discipline His people (Isaiah 10:5–6;Habakkuk 1:6).
marched up and fought against Gath and captured it• Gath, once a stronghold of the Philistines (1 Samuel 17:4;2 Samuel 21:20), lay on Judah’s western frontier. By seizing it, Hazael breached a key buffer zone and exposed Judah’s vulnerability.
• The victory demonstrated Aram’s growing dominance after earlier successes against Israel (2 Kings 10:32). It also fulfilled a pattern: when Israel or Judah drifted, neighboring powers advanced (Judges 2:14–15;2 Chronicles 24:23).
• Hazael’s conquest of a Philistine city underscores the thoroughness of God’s warnings—discipline comes from directions His people least expect.
Then he decided to attack Jerusalem• With Gath secured, the road to Judah’s capital lay open. Hazael’s intent placed direct pressure on Joash, forcing the king to strip the temple treasuries to buy him off (2 Kings 12:18).
• Jerusalem had once been miraculously protected in David’s and Solomon’s days (2 Samuel 5:6–7;2 Chronicles 6:32–40). That Hazael even contemplated an assault shows how far Judah’s spiritual health had declined (2 Chronicles 24:17–19).
• The looming siege anticipates later invasions (2 Kings 14:13; 18:13), reminding believers that sin’s progression, if unchecked, invites escalating consequences (Galatians 6:7–8).
summary2 Kings 12:17 records a literal historical incursion that God permitted to jolt a wavering Judah. Hazael’s march from Aram, the fall of Gath, and the threat to Jerusalem expose the cost of partial obedience. The verse teaches that when God’s people neglect wholehearted devotion, He can swiftly remove their sense of safety, employing even hostile nations to call them back to faithfulness.
(17-21) Conclusion of the epitome of the reign, broken off at
2Kings 12:4.
(17)Then.--At that time,viz., after the events just related. Hazae?s invasion of the south followed upon his successes against Jehoahaz, who became king of the northern kingdom in the very year when Jehoash took in hand the restoration of the Temple. (Comp.2Kings 12:6 with2Kings 13:1;2Kings 13:3.) It appears from2Chronicles 24:23 that the high priest Jehoiada was dead, and Jehoash had already swerved from his counsels. . . .
Verses 17, 18. - The
war of Joash with Hazael. A considerable gap occurs between vers. 16 and 17. We learn from Chronicles some particulars of the interval. Not long after the completion of the repairs, Jehoiada, who had lived to a good old age in complete harmony with the monarch, expired. His piety, and his good services, as preserver of the house of David, as restorer of the temple-worship, and joint-repairer with Joash of the temple itself, were regarded as entitling him to extraordinary funeral honors; and by general consent he was interred within the city of Jerusalem, in the sepulchers of the kings (
2 Chronicles 24:16). His removal led to a fresh religious revolution. "The Jewish aristocracy, who perhaps had never been free from the licentious and idolatrous taint introduced by Rehoboam and confirmed by Athaliah, and who may well have been galled by the new rise of the priestly order, presented themselves before Joash, and offered him the same obsequious homage that bad been paid by the young nobles to Rehoboam. He... feeling himself released from personal obligations by the death of his adopted father, threw himself into their hands. Athaliah was avenged almost upon the spot where she had been first seized by her enemies" (Stanley, 'Jewish Church,' vol. 2. p. 345). Joash began by allowing the reintroduction of idolatry and grove-worship (
2 Chronicles 24:18), and then, when remonstrated with by Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who had succeeded his father in the office of high priest, had the remonstrant set upon by the people and slain. The writer of Chronicles closely connects this murderous deed with the Syrian war, which followed it within a year (
2 Chronicles 24:23), and was generally regarded as a Divine judgment.
Verse 17. -
Then Hazael King of Syria went up, and fought against Gath. Hitherto Judah had been safe from any attack on the part of Syria, since Israel had been interposed between the two powers. Now, however, that Hazael had conquered from Jehu the entire trans-Jordanic territory (
2 Kings 10:33), the case was wholly altered - Judah and Syria had become conterminous along the line of the lower Jordan, and Syria could invade Judaea at any moment. It is surprising that Gath should have been the special object of attack, since Oath (
Abu-Gheith) lay remote from the Syrian frontier, in the southwestern part of Judaea, and could only be reached from Syria by an enemy who was not afraid of leaving Jerusalem behind him. Gath, when last mentioned, was a Judaean city, and was fortified by Rehoboam (
2 Chronicles 11:8); but it was originally Philistine (1 Samuel 5:17), and the Philistines had recovered it before the time of Uzziah (
2 Chronicles 26:6). To which power it belonged when Hazael made war upon it is uncertain.
And took it - probably took it by storm, and plundered it, but did not attempt an occupation -
and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem. If Gath be
Abu-Gheith,
as appears probable, it would be distant from Jerusalem not less than forty miles in a direct line. If Hazael, however, was returning to the trans-Jordanic country taken from Israel, it would lie in his way, and might naturally tempt him to make a dash at it, more especially as he was flushed with victory.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
At that timeאָ֣ז(’āz)Adverb
Strong's 227:At that time, place, thereforeHazaelחֲזָאֵל֙(ḥă·zā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2371:Hazael -- 'God sees', a king of Aram (Syria)kingמֶ֣לֶךְ(me·leḵ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Aramאֲרָ֔ם(’ă·rām)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758:Aram -- Syriamarched upיַעֲלֶ֗ה(ya·‘ă·leh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelyand foughtוַיִּלָּ֥חֶם(way·yil·lā·ḥem)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3898:To feed on, to consume, to battleagainstעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstGathגַּ֖ת(gaṯ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1661:Gath -- 'wine press', a Philistine cityand captured it.וַֽיִּלְכְּדָ֑הּ(way·yil·kə·ḏāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3920:To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohereThen heחֲזָאֵל֙(ḥă·zā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2371:Hazael -- 'God sees', a king of Aram (Syria)decidedוַיָּ֤שֶׂם(way·yā·śem)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760:Put -- to put, place, setto attackלַעֲל֖וֹת(la·‘ă·lō·wṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelyJerusalem.יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃(yə·rū·šā·lim)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389:Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel
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OT History: 2 Kings 12:17 Then Hazael king of Syria went up (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) 
