Who is Jehoash in this passage and how long did he reign?

Jehoash, also called Joash, is the king of Judah mentioned here. He began to reign in the seventh year of King Jehu, who ruled in the northern kingdom. Jehoash ruled in Jerusalem for forty years, which is a long reign, similar in length to David and Solomon. He started young and was greatly shaped by those around him, especially the priest Jehoiada. His mother was Zibiah from Beer-sheba, which shows his family roots in the southern part of the land.

What does it mean that Jehoash did right in the sight of the Lord?

When it says Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the Lord, it means he worshiped the true God and ruled in line with God’s law, at least for a time. He listened to the teaching and guidance of Jehoiada the priest. As long as he followed that godly instruction, his reign was marked by obedience to God. Later we learn that this faithfulness did not last after Jehoiada died, so the phrase is tied to the years when he was being instructed.

Why is Jehoiada’s instruction mentioned in connection with Jehoash’s obedience?

Jehoiada’s instruction is highlighted to show how much Jehoash depended on wise, godly guidance. Jehoash came to power very young, with wealth and authority before he had much experience. The priest Jehoiada helped him understand what it meant to rule in a way that pleased God. As long as Jehoash was willing to listen and be directed, he stayed on a good path. This also hints that once that guidance was gone, his choices changed and he no longer walked in the same obedience.

What are the high places that were not taken away?

The high places were local worship sites set up on hills or raised areas across the land. People used them to offer sacrifices and burn incense. Even when they meant to honor the God of Israel, these places went against God’s command that sacrifices should be brought to the place he chose, which was the temple in Jerusalem. By keeping these high places, people treated them as rival spots to God’s altar, instead of coming together in the way God had set.

Why did the people keep sacrificing and burning incense at the high places?

The people kept using the high places for several reasons. These sites had been around a long time and felt old and special to them. They were also easier and closer than traveling to Jerusalem, especially after times when the temple worship had been neglected. Some likely thought they were still honoring God there, even though it did not follow his clear command. Even with a good king and a faithful priest, this habit was so deep that it was not removed in Jehoash’s day.

What does this passage show about partial obedience in worship?

This passage shows that a leader can do many things right and still leave some disobedience untouched. Jehoash, under Jehoiada’s guidance, honored God in many ways, yet the high places stayed. The people kept their old pattern of worship alongside the temple worship. So we see that obeying God in some areas does not cancel out ignoring him in others. It also shows how hard it can be to change long-standing habits, even when leadership is generally moving in the right direction.

Why is Zibiah of Beer-sheba mentioned in this account?

Zibiah is mentioned as the mother of Jehoash, and her hometown, Beer-sheba, is given to show his family background. Beer-sheba was in the southern part of the land, so this ties Jehoash to that region. Including a mother’s name is common in the records of the kings of Judah. It reminds the reader that these kings were real people with families, and sometimes it hints at the circles that may have shaped their early life and connections in the kingdom.

How might this passage speak to the influence of godly mentors today?

This passage highlights how Jehoash did well while he listened to Jehoiada. It shows the blessing of having someone older and faithful who points a younger person toward what pleases God. Today, this can encourage believers to look for wise, steady guidance from those who know God’s ways, and also to be that kind of influence for others. It also gently warns that faith can drift when we stop listening to godly counsel or when we put it aside once we feel strong on our own.

2Kgs.12.1

2 Kings 12:1

KJV

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 Beer-sheba.

Joash (Jehoash) Reigns over Judah

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 Beer-sheba.

And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.