Joash did right in the sight of the Lord all his days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him. (2 Kings 12:2)
Joash was guided and mentored by the high priest Jehoiada, who influenced him to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. This highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive influences and seeking wise counsel from those who can guide us in the right direction.
As long as Joash was mentored by Jehoiada the priest, everything went well for Joash. However, when Jehoiada died, Jehoash no longer did what was right in the sight of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 24:15-23 tells us that he turned to idolatry when Jehoiada died, and judgment followed.
4And Jehoash said to the priests, “All the money of the dedicated gifts that are brought into the house of the Lord—each man’s census money, each man’s assessment money—and all the money that a man purposes in his heart to bring into the house of the Lord, 5let the priests take it themselves, each from his constituency; and let them repair the damages of the temple, wherever any dilapidation is found.” (2 Kings 12:4-5)
Joash was dedicated to repairing the temple and ensuring that it was properly maintained. This demonstrates the importance of honouring God by taking care of His house and prioritising the things that matter to Him. We should also be committed to doing God's work in our own lives, whether it's through serving in our local church or helping those in need.
Why does God need money?
God never asks for money. Such kind of statements have a spiritual air to them. However, they are not at all biblical.
Then Jehoiada, the priest, took a chest, bored a hole in its lid, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one comes into the house of the Lord; (2 Kings 12:9)
Then Jehoiada, the priest, placed a collection chest in a strategic location on the right side of the altar, giving the repair project a high priority and corresponding high visibility. Under the direction of King Jehoash, the priests gave the people the opportunity to give. Even willing givers should be given an opportunity.
Jehoiada understood that placing the chest in a prominent location would keep the project at the forefront of people's minds. This idea can be applied to modern fundraising efforts or awareness campaigns, where visibility plays a crucial role in garnering support and participation.
20 And his servants arose and formed a conspiracy, and killed Joash in the house of the Millo, which goes down to Silla. 21 For Jozachar the son of Shimeath and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, struck him. (2 Kings 12:20-21)
The murder of Joash by his officials or servants implies that it may have been the result of disaffection following the defeat by Hazael, the king of Syria.
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