And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORDJoash, also known as Jehoash, became king of Judah at a young age after being hidden from Queen Athaliah's massacre. His reign is noted for his initial commitment to the LORD, which was largely influenced by the godly guidance he received. Doing "what was right in the eyes of the LORD" indicates adherence to the covenantal laws and worship practices established for Israel. This phrase is often used in the Old Testament to describe kings who followed God's commandments, contrasting with those who did evil. Joash's actions included repairing the temple, which had fallen into disrepair, signifying a return to proper worship and reverence for God.
all the days he was instructed by Jehoiada the priest
Jehoiada the priest played a crucial role in Joash's life, serving as a mentor and spiritual guide. Jehoiada's influence was instrumental in Joash's early reign, ensuring that the king's actions aligned with God's will. This highlights the importance of godly counsel and leadership in maintaining faithfulness to God. Jehoiada's role as a priest also underscores the significance of the priesthood in guiding the spiritual and moral direction of the nation. The phrase suggests that Joash's faithfulness was contingent upon Jehoiada's presence and guidance, implying a decline in Joash's adherence to God's ways after Jehoiada's death, as seen later in the narrative.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Joash (Jehoash)The king of Judah who began his reign at a young age and was guided by the priest Jehoiada. His reign is noted for the restoration of the temple.
2.
JehoiadaThe high priest who played a crucial role in guiding King Joash and ensuring that he followed the ways of the LORD. His influence was significant in Joash's early years.
3.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, where Joash reigned as king. The spiritual and political climate of Judah was heavily influenced by its leaders.
4.
Temple RestorationA significant event during Joash's reign, focusing on repairing and maintaining the temple, which had fallen into disrepair.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Godly MentorshipJehoiada's influence on Joash underscores the importance of having godly mentors who can guide us in our spiritual journey. We should seek out and value the wisdom of those who are mature in their faith.
Sustaining FaithfulnessJoash's faithfulness was closely tied to Jehoiada's guidance. This teaches us the importance of personal conviction and the need to develop a strong, independent faith that can withstand changes in leadership or mentorship.
The Role of Spiritual LeadershipThe account highlights the critical role that spiritual leaders play in guiding not only individuals but also entire communities. Leaders should strive to lead with integrity and devotion to God's ways.
The Impact of Early TrainingJoash's early years under Jehoiada's instruction show the long-lasting impact of early spiritual training. Parents and guardians should prioritize instilling biblical values in their children from a young age.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 12:2?
2.How did Jehoash's actions reflect his obedience to the Lord's commands in 2 Kings 12:2?
3.What role did Jehoiada play in guiding Jehoash's faithfulness to God?
4.How can spiritual mentorship, like Jehoiada's, impact our walk with God today?
5.Compare Jehoash's obedience to other kings in 2 Kings. What lessons can we learn?
6.How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, as Jehoash did?
7.How does 2 Kings 12:2 reflect the influence of Jehoiada on Joash's reign?
8.Why is Jehoiada's guidance crucial for Joash's actions in 2 Kings 12:2?
9.What does 2 Kings 12:2 reveal about the importance of mentorship in leadership?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 12?
11.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?
12.In 2 Kings 12:3, why were the high places not removed if Jehoash was supposedly following God’s commands?
13.What explains the contradictory portrayal of Jehoash’s faithfulness here versus his assassination in 2 Kings 12:20, appearing to undermine his supposed righteousness?
14.2 Chronicles 12:12–14 – Why does the text claim partial repentance yet still list Rehoboam’s reign as evil compared to other biblical narratives?What Does 2 Kings 12:2 Mean
And Joash• Joash, the seventh-century B.C. king of Judah, was rescued as an infant from Athaliah’s massacre (2 Kings 11:1–3).
• Raised in the temple precincts, he inherited both the throne and a heritage of covenant faithfulness, fulfilling God’s promise to preserve David’s line (2 Samuel 7:16;2 Kings 11:17).
• His story runs parallel in2 Chronicles 24, underscoring the historical reliability of the narrative.
Did what was right• Scripture regularly measures kings by whether they “did what was right,” indicating wholehearted obedience to God’s revealed standards (1 Kings 15:11;2 Kings 18:3).
• Joash’s reforms included funding and overseeing temple repairs (2 Kings 12:4-15), demonstrating practical righteousness, not mere sentiment.
• Doing right highlights moral clarity: God’s commands define right and wrong, not shifting cultural norms (Deuteronomy 12:28).
In the eyes of the LORD• Ultimate accountability is to God, whose gaze is all-seeing (Proverbs 15:3;Psalm 33:13-15).
• Human approval can mask disobedience, but God evaluates motives and actions (1 Samuel 16:7).
• Joash’s early reign met God’s standard; later apostasy shows that endurance, not a momentary burst, marks true faith (Matthew 24:13;Galatians 6:9).
All the days he was instructed• The phrase sets a time boundary: Joash’s faithfulness lasted while godly instruction lasted (2 Chronicles 24:2).
• Instruction (literally “taught” or “guided”) reflectsDeuteronomy 6:6-7: truth must be taught generation to generation.
• Spiritual life requires ongoing discipleship; lapses in teaching often precede lapses in obedience (Psalm 78:5-8;2 Timothy 3:14-15).
By Jehoiada the priest• Jehoiada was both high priest and mentor, marrying priestly authority with pastoral care (2 Kings 11:9-12).
• His courageous leadership dethroned wicked Athaliah and re-established covenant worship (2 Kings 11:17-18).
• After Jehoiada’s death, Joash listened to corrupt officials, abandoned the temple, and even murdered Jehoiada’s son, Zechariah (2 Chronicles 24:17-22), illustrating the danger of dependence on a mentor rather than on the Lord Himself (Jeremiah 17:5-8).
summary2 Kings 12:2 commends Joash’s early reign: a rescued king, taught by a godly priest, lived in covenant obedience that pleased God. Yet the verse’s built-in time limit—“all the days he was instructed by Jehoiada”—warns that faithfulness must be personal and enduring. God sees beyond appearances; sustained righteousness flows from ongoing instruction and wholehearted trust in Him.
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All his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.--The Hebrew is ambiguous, but may certainly mean this, which is the rendering of the LXX. and Vulg. (The accent dividing the verse ought to fall on "the Lord" rather than on "his days.") Perhaps the peculiar form of the sentence arose in this way: the writer first set down the usual statement concerning kings who supported the worship of Jehovah, and then, remembering the evils which ensued upon the death of the high priest (
2Chronicles 24:17), added as a correction of that statement, "during which Jehoiada the priest instructed him." Thenius says the words
can only be rendered,
all his life long, because Jehoiada had instructed him. They certainly
can, however, be rendered as our version renders them, and further, thus: "And Jehoash did . . . all his days,
whom Jehoiada the priest instructed." But the ambiguity of the statement gave an opportunity for discrediting the chronicler.
Verse 2. -
And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him. So the Septuagint, the Vulgate, Luther, De Wette, Keil, Bahr, and our Revisers. Only Ewald and Thenius attempt to make the passage contradict Chronicles by translating, "Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all his days, because Jehoiada the priest had instructed him." But this translation is very forced and unnatural. The writer evidently intended to add a qualifying clause to his statement that Joash reigned well "all his days," but did not wish to draw too much attention to it.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And Joashיְהוֹאָ֧שׁ(yə·hō·w·’āš)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3060:Joash -- 'Yah is strong', the name of several Israelitesdidוַיַּ֨עַשׂ(way·ya·‘aś)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, make[what was] rightהַיָּשָׁ֛ר(hay·yā·šār)Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3477:Straight, rightin the eyesבְּעֵינֵ֥י(bə·‘ê·nê)Preposition-b | Noun - cdc
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountainof the LORDיְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe daysיָמָ֑יו(yā·māw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayhe was instructedהוֹרָ֔הוּ(hō·w·rā·hū)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3384:To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teachby Jehoiadaיְהוֹיָדָ֖ע(yə·hō·w·yā·ḏā‘)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3077:Jehoiada -- 'the LORD knows', the name of several Israelitesthe priest.הַכֹּהֵֽן׃(hak·kō·hên)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548:Priest
Links
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OT History: 2 Kings 12:2 Jehoash did that which was right (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) 
