Main Highlights
King Jehoash, under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, repairs the Temple but later turns away from God after Jehoiada's death.
Key Verses
Jehoash said to the priests, “All the money of the holy things that is brought into the house of the Lord, the money for which each man is assessed—each man’s assessment—and all the money that a man brings of his own free will into the house of the Lord, let the priests take, each from his acquaintance, and let them repair the house wherever any need of repairs is discovered."- 2 Kings 12:4-5
But in the twenty-third year of King Jehoash, the priests had made no repairs on the house. Therefore King Jehoash summoned Jehoiada the priest and the other priests and said to them, “Why are you not repairing the house? Now therefore take no more money from your acquaintances, but hand it over for the repair of the house.”"- 2 Kings 12:6-7
But Jehoash king of Judah took all the sacred gifts that Jehoshaphat and Jehoram and Ahaziah, his fathers, the kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own sacred gifts, and all the gold that was found in the treasuries of the house of the Lord and of the king’s house, and sent these to Hazael king of Syria. Then Hazael went away from Jerusalem."- 2 Kings 12:18
Related Scripture
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?"- 1 Corinthians 3:16
Scholar Insight
"The Old Testament shows us that the place of worship can become a sign of something greater, as in the case of Solomon’s Temple, or it can become a mere symbol of misplaced trust, as in the case of the Temple of Jehoash’s day." - Paul R. House, 1, 2 Kings, New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995), p. 255."
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
We see God's patience and provision, even when His people are negligent. "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him." (2 Chronicles 16:9)
Christological Connection
Jesus is the ultimate "temple" and dwelling place of God, and we are his temple. "Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19)
Systematic Theology
This passage speaks to the Doctrine of the Church. The importance of maintaining and caring for God's house, as well as the church's role as a place of worship and fellowship.
Law & Grace
The initial neglect of the Temple repairs reflects a disregard for God's law. Jehoiada's leadership is grace, offering an opportunity for repentance and restoration. "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (John 1:17)
Personal Application
We should be diligent in our stewardship of the resources God provides, both physical and spiritual. "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men" (Colossians 3:23)