What happensPermalink
Joash does what is right in the eyes of the Lord under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest. He initiates repairs to the temple, but when the priests fail to carry out the work, Joash takes direct control of the project. The repairs restore the temple’s structure but not its former splendor. Later, Hazael king of Syria captures Gath and threatens Jerusalem, so Joash empties the treasuries of the temple and palace to bribe him to withdraw.
Why it mattersPermalink
Joash is counted among Judah’s good kings, yet his obedience is incomplete. The unauthorized high places remain, and the temple repairs restore only basic function, not Solomon’s former glory. Even the priests fail in their responsibilities, forcing the king to intervene. The loss of the temple treasures and the tribute paid to Hazael highlight how far Judah has declined from the wealth and security of Solomon’s reign.
Key versePermalink
And Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all his days, because Jehoiada the priest instructed him.