2 Kings 12:7

So King Joash called Jehoiada and the other priests and said, "Why have you not repaired the damage to the temple? Now, therefore, take no more money from your constituency, but hand it over for the repair of the temple."

Study Bible

So King Joash called Jehoiada and the other priests and said,
King Joash, also known as Jehoash, was the king of Judah who began his reign at a young age. He was mentored by Jehoiada, the high priest, who played a significant role in his early years. This relationship highlights the importance of godly mentorship and leadership. Jehoiada's influence was crucial in guiding Joash to follow the ways of the Lord, as seen in 2 Kings 12:2. The calling of Jehoiada and the priests indicates Joash's reliance on religious leaders for spiritual and administrative matters, reflecting the theocratic nature of Judah's governance.

“Why have you not repaired the damage to the temple?
The temple, built by Solomon, was central to the worship and identity of Israel. Over time, it had suffered neglect and damage, possibly due to the idolatrous practices of previous kings and the invasion of foreign powers. Joash's question underscores his concern for the restoration of proper worship and the maintenance of the temple as a symbol of God's presence among His people. This reflects the biblical principle of stewardship and the importance of maintaining places of worship, as seen in Haggai 1:4-9, where the people are admonished for neglecting the house of the Lord.

Now, therefore, take no more money from your constituency,
The priests were responsible for collecting funds from the people for the temple's upkeep. However, there seems to have been a failure in using these resources effectively for the intended purpose. Joash's directive to stop collecting money suggests a need for accountability and transparency in handling offerings, a principle echoed in the New Testament in 2 Corinthians 8:20-21, where Paul emphasizes the importance of honorable conduct in financial matters.

but hand it over for the repair of the temple.”
Joash's command to allocate the funds specifically for temple repairs highlights the priority of restoring the house of God. This act of dedication to the temple's restoration can be seen as a type of Christ, who zealously cleansed the temple (John 2:13-17), emphasizing the sanctity of worship and the need for purity in God's house. The focus on repair and restoration also points to the broader biblical theme of renewal and redemption, as God continually seeks to restore His people and His creation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Joash
The king of Judah who reigned during a time when the temple needed repairs. He was concerned about the neglect of the temple's maintenance.

2. Jehoiada the Priest
A high priest who played a significant role in Joash's reign, including his rise to power and the spiritual guidance of the kingdom.

3. The Temple (House of the LORD)
The central place of worship for the Israelites, which had fallen into disrepair and needed restoration.

4. The Priests
Religious leaders responsible for the temple's upkeep and the collection of funds for its maintenance.

5. Donors
The people who contributed financially to the temple, expecting their offerings to be used for its repair.

Teaching Points

Responsibility in Stewardship
Joash's directive to the priests underscores the importance of accountability in handling resources dedicated to God's work. Believers today are called to be faithful stewards of their time, talents, and treasures.

Prioritizing God's House
The neglect of the temple serves as a reminder to prioritize spiritual matters and the upkeep of places of worship, ensuring they are conducive to honoring God.

Leadership and Initiative
Joash's proactive approach in addressing the temple's disrepair highlights the role of leaders in initiating and overseeing necessary changes within the community of faith.

Transparency and Integrity
The instruction to stop collecting funds until the repairs were made emphasizes the need for transparency and integrity in financial dealings within the church.

Community Involvement
The involvement of donors in the temple's repair process illustrates the collective responsibility of the faith community in supporting and maintaining their place of worship.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does King Joash's concern for the temple's condition reflect the importance of maintaining our spiritual lives and places of worship today?

2. In what ways can we ensure accountability and transparency in the use of resources within our church communities?

3. How can we, as individuals, contribute to the upkeep and improvement of our local church or community of faith?

4. What lessons can we learn from Joash's leadership in addressing the neglect of the temple, and how can these lessons be applied to modern church leadership?

5. How does the concept of believers as God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) influence our understanding of personal and communal spiritual maintenance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Chronicles 24
This chapter provides a parallel account of Joash's reign and the temple repairs, offering additional details about the collection and use of funds.

Exodus 25-27
These chapters describe the original construction of the tabernacle, highlighting the importance of maintaining the place of worship.

Malachi 3:8-10
Discusses the importance of tithes and offerings, emphasizing the responsibility of religious leaders to use these funds appropriately.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Paul speaks of believers as God's temple, drawing a spiritual parallel to the physical temple's care and maintenance.