2 Chronicles 24 17

2 Chronicles 24:17 kjv

Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.

2 Chronicles 24:17 nkjv

Now after the death of Jehoiada the leaders of Judah came and bowed down to the king. And the king listened to them.

2 Chronicles 24:17 niv

After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them.

2 Chronicles 24:17 esv

Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them.

2 Chronicles 24:17 nlt

But after Jehoiada's death, the leaders of Judah came and bowed before King Joash and persuaded him to listen to their advice.

2 Chronicles 24 verses

2 Chronicles 24 17 Meaning

This verse marks a critical turning point in King Joash's reign. It describes the events immediately following the death of Jehoiada the High Priest, who had served as Joash's spiritual mentor and guardian. Upon Jehoiada's passing, the influential officials of Judah approached the king, prostrating themselves in homage, likely to propose changes in policy. Tragically, instead of continuing in the righteous path established by Jehoiada, Joash "listened to them," signifying his acceptance and adherence to their counsel, which ultimately led to the nation's decline into idolatry and disobedience.

2 Chronicles 24 17 Context

This verse occurs immediately after the commendation and honorable burial of Jehoiada the High Priest, whose righteous influence had safeguarded King Joash and guided the spiritual restoration of Judah. Joash, placed on the throne as a young child and mentored by Jehoiada, had faithfully executed his duties, notably in the repair and cleansing of the temple, during Jehoiada's lifetime (2 Chr 24:4-14). However, with Jehoiada's passing, Joash lost his steadfast moral and spiritual anchor. The "officials of Judah" likely represent the broader court, possibly those who previously chafed under Jehoiada's stringent, Yahweh-centered reforms or harbored pagan sympathies, and who now seized the opportunity to sway the king toward more lenient or even idolatrous practices, re-establishing a way of life contrary to God's law.

2 Chronicles 24 17 Word analysis

• Now after the death of Jehoiada: This phrase highlights the critical juncture and immediate consequence of Jehoiada's passing. His life (יְהוֹיָדָע, Yehoyada', meaning "Yahweh knows") was integral to Joash's good conduct and Judah's adherence to the covenant. His absence created a spiritual vacuum, removing the strong, godly influence that had protected the king. This event functions as a catalyst, marking a dramatic shift in Joash's character and rule.
• the officials of Judah: The Hebrew term is שָׂרֵי יְהוּדָה (sarim Yehudah), referring to the "princes" or "chiefs" of Judah. These were powerful, influential noblemen, likely those who either preferred paganism or sought political and financial advantage through the old ways. Their very identity implies positions of authority and the ability to sway popular opinion.
• came and paid homage: The Hebrew phrase is וַיָּבֹאוּ וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲוּוּ (wayyabo'u wayyištaḥawwū), meaning "they came and prostrated themselves." This action denotes deep reverence, submission, and often, a formal request or petition to a superior. While outwardly respectful, in this context, it subtly suggests flattery or manipulation, designed to gain favor and introduce their ungodly counsel, exploiting the king's vulnerability.
• to the king: Refers to Joash. He was no longer a child but presumably an adult king, expected to exercise independent discernment.
• and the king listened to them: The Hebrew is וַיִּשְׁמַע אֲלֵיהֶם (wayyišma' 'alehem). This signifies more than mere hearing; it means "heeded," "gave ear to," "obeyed," or "yielded to their persuasion." This act is pivotal, revealing Joash's internal weakness and lack of steadfast devotion to God independent of Jehoiada's guidance. His decision to listen and obey their ungodly counsel demonstrates his turning away from the Lord.

Words-group analysis:

• Now after the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came: This establishes the critical sequence of events. The timing is paramount: immediately after the loss of his moral compass, Joash became susceptible to destructive influences. It illustrates the void created by the departure of a righteous leader and the swift movement of those with different agendas.
• and paid homage to the king; and the king listened to them: This highlights a dangerous interplay. The act of "homage" may have disguised manipulative intent, leveraging tradition to gain the king's ear. Joash's fatal error was not discerning the true spirit behind their overtures but passively succumbing to their influence, failing to maintain the moral integrity he had displayed under Jehoiada's direct guidance. It underscores the profound spiritual principle that personal devotion to God cannot be solely dependent on a mentor's presence.

2 Chronicles 24 17 Bonus section

The narrative of Joash serves as a somber illustration of "temporary faith" or "fair-weather Christianity," where adherence to righteousness is contingent on external support rather than an internalized spiritual conviction. Joash’s initial "good" reign stemmed from Jehoiada's faithful direction, much like a vine propped up by a trellis. Once the trellis was removed, the vine collapsed. This stands in contrast to individuals whose faith deepens through adversity, revealing a true foundation. Joash's fall can be paralleled with other kings like Amaziah (2 Chr 25:1-2) who also "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not with a whole heart." It highlights the recurring biblical theme that while a good start is valuable, perseverance and sustained faithfulness in God, despite changing circumstances or influences, are what ultimately determine spiritual success. This principle underscores that one's personal spiritual journey must transition from dependence on others to a direct and robust relationship with God Himself, allowing one to withstand the insidious temptations that can arise from powerful, ungodly counsel.

2 Chronicles 24 17 Commentary

This concise verse captures the tragic turning point in King Joash's life and reign. Its brevity belies the profound theological implications it carries. Jehoiada's death created a vacuum of godly counsel, which was swiftly filled by the manipulative influence of "the officials of Judah." Joash, who had ruled righteously for years under Jehoiada's strong mentorship, now revealed the underlying weakness of his heart – his devotion was likely to Jehoiada rather than solely to the Lord Himself. By "listening to them," Joash consciously chose to heed worldly, ungodly counsel over the established divine principles, thereby betraying the legacy of Jehoiada and his own earlier commitment. This act paved the way for Judah's swift decline into idolatry, signifying the severe consequences when leadership shifts from dependence on God to dependence on man, particularly on those with wicked agendas. This serves as a potent reminder of the fragility of faith when unsupported by genuine personal conviction and consistent divine guidance.

For practical application, this illustrates:

• The crucial role of steadfast spiritual mentorship.
• The necessity of developing a personal, unwavering commitment to God, independent of human authority.
• The dangers of flattering or ungodly influences in leadership, or in any person's life, especially when spiritual vigilance wanes.
• The principle that true heart-obedience to God is tested most stringently in the absence of external controls.