2 Kings 12:18
“And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king’s house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.”
Context:The verse is part of the historical account of the reign of Jehoash (also known as Joash), the king of Judah. Jehoash became king at the age of seven and reigned for forty years (2 Kings 12:1‑2). During his reign, he initiated repairs on the temple of the Lord.
Hallowed Things:Jehoash took the hallowed things that were dedicated by his ancestors, including Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah, as well as his own hallowed things. These were items set apart for sacred use in the worship and service of God.
as his own hallowed things. These were items set apart for sacred use in the worship and service of God.
Gold from the Treasures:In addition to the hallowed things, Jehoash also collected all the gold found in the treasures of the house of the Lord and the king’s house. This gold was likely part of the wealth accumulated over the years and held in storage for various purposes.
Sent to Hazael:Jehoash took all these valuable items, including the gold, and sent them as a tribute to Hazael, the king of Syria. This act can be seen as an attempt to gain the favor and protection of Hazael, potentially in a time of conflict or to maintain peaceful relations between the kingdoms.
Departure from Jerusalem:After sending the hallowed things and gold to Hazael, Jehoash left Jerusalem. The verse does not provide explicit details about why he left or for how long, but it signifies his departure from the capital city.
Lessons from 2 Kings 12:18:
Recognition of Sacred Items:The verse highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring the sacred items dedicated to the worship of God. Jehoash respected the hallowed things and ensured their proper use and preservation.
The Use of Resources:Jehoash utilized the resources available to him, including the gold from the treasuries, to maintain relationships and seek protection. It emphasizes the importance of wisely using the resources God has given us to fulfill our responsibilities and promote peace.
Trust in God:Although not explicitly mentioned in this verse, Jehoash’s actions reveal his reliance on external powers for security rather than placing his complete trust in God. It serves as a reminder that our ultimate trust and dependence should be on God rather than earthly alliances.
Historical Context:Studying verses like these within their historical context allows us to understand the political and social dynamics of the time and provides insight into the challenges faced by the kings and the people of Judah. Remember, Bible study is most fruitful when done in conjunction with other relevant verses and in‑depth exploration of the surrounding context.
