2 Kings 12 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

2 Kings 12 Short Summary:

Joash became the king of Judah when he was just 7 years old. He was faithful to God all the days Jehoiada the priest was by his side. He reformed the nation of Judah from most of its ungodly worship practices and he repaired the Temple of God in Jerusalem. He reigned for 40 years before being assassinated by his servants.

2 Kings 12 Extended Summary

WHEN:

• The reign of Joash probably fits between the years of 885-835 B.C.

• Joash reigned over Judah for 40 years. His reign started in the 7th year of King Jehu of Israel.

CHARACTERS:

• Joash (Jehoash) – He survived the murder of his family and eventually became king of Judah.

• Jehoiada – A priest who played a key role in bringing Athaliah’s reign of terror to an end (2 Kings 11). He became Joash’s chief advisor.

• Hazael – King of Syria.

• Amaziah – The son of Joash who became king after him.

WHERE:

• Most of the events of 2 Kings 12 played out in Jerusalem, the capital of the Kingdom of Judah.

• The city of Gath is briefly mentioned.

OUTLINE:

• JOASH REIGNS IN JUDAH AND REPAIRS THE TEMPLE (12:1-16):

  • Joash reigned for 40 years in Judah. Jehoiada was his advisor, and as long as Jehoiada was alive, Joash “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.”

  • During his reign, he determined to repair the Temple of God in Jerusalem.

  • To collect money for the project, Jehoiada put a box at one of the entrances of the Temple.

  • Over time, the people brought money and dropped it into the box. When the box got full, the high priest and king’s secretary would count the money and use it to pay carpenters, builders, and masons to do repairs.

• HAZAEL SPOILS JERUSALEM (12:17-18):

  • Hazael of Syria attacked the city of Gath before turning his sights towards Jerusalem.

  • His men attacked Joash’s army and injured Joash (2 Chronicles 24:23-24).

  • To appease the Syrian king, Joash gathered up all his treasures, all the sacred treasures the former kings of Judah had collected, and the gold from the Temple treasury, and gave them to Hazael.

  • After taking all the riches of Jerusalem, Hazael departed the city.

• JOASH IS KILLED (12:19-21):

  • After his battle with the Syrians, Joash’s servants conspired against him and assassinated him.

  • Amaziah, Joash’s son, took his father’s place.

APPLICATION:

• Resolve to repair what is broken, rather than being content to watch things fall apart.

• Maybe there is a work, a program, or a ministry at your church that has been neglected, or perhaps your whole church is falling apart and shrinking into obscurity.

• Don’t be someone who observes the ruin with an attitude of defeat. Be like Joash, who resolved to do something about the problem.

• Joash’s repairs didn’t happen overnight, but he devoted himself to getting them done, no matter how long it took.

• You may not be able to fix everything in your church overnight, but rather than giving up in defeat, put together a plan and shift the mindset from one of ruin to one of restoration.