2 Kings 12:2

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Kings 12:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Jehoash did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Jehoash did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.
2 Kings 12:2 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Kings 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2And Jehoash did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all his days, etc.] Worshipping the only true God, and ruling and walking according to the law of God: wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him; and so long as he observed his instructions, and as long as that priest lived, he reigned well; for to that period “all his days must be limited”; for after his death he was seduced by the princes of Judah to idolatry, and lived scandalously, and died ignominiously; (see <142402>2 Chronicles 24:2,7,25).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“All his days ... - i. e., so long as Jehoiada was his adviser” (compare 2 Chronicles 24:15-22). Jehoida was, practically speaking, regent during the minority of Jehoash, i. e., 10 or 12 years. An increase of power to the priestly order was the natural consequence. Jehoiada bore the title of “high priest” 2 Kings 12:10, which had been dropped since the time of Eleazar Joshua 20:6, and the Levitical order from this time became more mixed up with public affairs and possessed greater influence than previously. Jehoiada’s successors traced their office to him rather than to Aaron Jeremiah 29:26. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“12:2-3 Joash’s indebtedness to Jehoiada, the priest who instructed him, kept him faithful to the Lord while Jehoiada was alive. However, after Jehoiada’s death, godless leaders influenced Joash to forsake the Lord and follow Canaanite practices (see 2 Chr 24:17-22). • Joash’s failure to destroy the pagan shrines later became a source of spiritual compromise. Royal tolerance of such shrines in Judah had previously provoked God’s anger (1 Kgs 14:23-26) and would do so again in Joash’s day (2 Chr 24:23-24).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Kg2 14:3; Ch2 24:2, Ch2 24:17-22, Ch2 25:2, Ch2 26:4 4 Kings (2 Kings) 12:3”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification