King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 12:2 Mean?
“And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.”
Context
1
In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba.
2
And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.
3
But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.
4
And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD, dedicated things: or, holy things: Heb. holinesses that every: Heb. of the souls of his estimation cometh: Heb. ascendeth upon the heart of a man
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(2) **All his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.**—The Hebrew is ambiguous, but may certainly mean this, which is the rendering of the LXX. and Vulg. (The accent dividing the verse ought to fall on “the Lord” rather than on “his days.”) Perhaps the peculiar form of the sentence arose in this way: the writer first set down the usual statement concerning kings who supported the worship of Jehovah, and then, remembering the evils which ensued upon the death of the high priest (2Chronicles 24:17), added as a correction of that statement, “during which Jehoiada the priest instructed him.” Thenius says the words *can* only be rendered, *all his life long, because Jehoiada had instructed him*. They certainly *can*, however, be rendered as our version renders them, and further, thus: “And Jehoash did . . . all his days, *whom Jehoiada the priest instructed.”* But the ambiguity of the statement gave an opportunity for discrediting the chronicler.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
2 Kings 12:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 2 Kings 12:2
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge