2 Kings 12:1-5
Joash reigned over Judah for 40 years. He did right in the eyes of the Lord, but he never removed the high places. People still sacrificed there and burned offerings. It was like a tradition they couldn't imagine breaking.
Joash instructed his priest to use the money from the offerings to repair the house of the Lord. There was apparently some damage and dilapidiation in the temple. Among the reform of the people Joash wanted a facelift of the temple. (see 2 Chronicles 24:7) At what cost should the people see the house of the Lord crumbling.
2 Kings 12:6-16
We don't know exactly what year that Joash instructed the repairs, but by the 23rd year the priests had not repaied the damages. The project was either not moving or moving so slowly it wasn't making headway. It appears this wasn't a financial problem but an administrative problem. It appears there was no ownership or responsibility to make the repairs happen. Did they not care?
Joah instituted a new plan. He no longer allowed the priests to take the money. He kept the operationf of the temple separate from the restoration project. He put a collection box at the temple. This money was then used to hire craftsmen to do the repairs. The workers dealth honestly and faithfully with the money. They were accountable to accomplish work for the money paid to them. This in turn was seen by the people and people who saw the results of their giving. God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Kings 12:17-18
As both Joash and Jehoida grew older the priest had less influence over Joash. He began to move away from the Lord. God brought Syria against Judah as judgment against them (2 Chronicles 24:23-24).
2 Kings 12:19-21
Once again we note that a good start does not guarantee a good finish. We must run our race all the way to the end. Joash had started so well but then he began to compromise. He was killed in a conspiracy against him. Amaziah, his son, succeeded him.
©2016 Doug Ford
Facebook