2 Kings 12 2

2 Kings 12:2 kjv

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

2 Kings 12:2 nkjv

Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

2 Kings 12:2 niv

Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

2 Kings 12:2 esv

And Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all his days, because Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

2 Kings 12:2 nlt

All his life Joash did what was pleasing in the LORD's sight because Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

2 Kings 12 verses

2 Kings 12 2 Meaning

2 Kings 12:2 states that King Jehoash of Judah continually lived and reigned in a manner approved by the Lord, meaning he adhered to God's commandments and rejected idolatry, but this righteous conduct was critically dependent on the active guidance and mentorship of Jehoiada the priest, suggesting a period of conditional righteousness rather than a deeply personal and independent commitment.

2 Kings 12 2 Context

2 Kings 12:2 serves as an introductory assessment of King Jehoash (Joash in Chronicles), immediately following his dramatic ascension to the throne. Jehoash's story is unique in that he was the only surviving heir of the royal lineage of Judah after his grandmother Athaliah's bloody purge (2 Kings 11:1). He was hidden and raised in the temple by the high priest Jehoiada and his wife Jehosheba (Jehoash's aunt) for six years. At the age of seven, Jehoiada orchestrated a coup, overthrew Athaliah, and officially crowned Jehoash king. Therefore, from his earliest childhood, Jehoash was under the direct tutelage and authority of Jehoiada. The verse highlights this crucial dependence, explaining that his positive conduct was directly linked to the period of Jehoiada's life and active guidance, foreshadowing his later spiritual decline after Jehoiada's death (as seen more explicitly in 2 Chronicles 24). Historically, Judah often experienced periods of spiritual revival or decline directly tied to the character and commitment of its reigning monarchs, frequently influenced by priestly or prophetic figures.

2 Kings 12 2 Word analysis

• And Jehoash: Transliterated from Hebrew as Yehō'āš (יְהוֹאָשׁ), meaning "The LORD has given" or "given of the LORD." This name initially reflects divine favor and his miraculous survival and enthronement by God's will. However, his story later demonstrates that divine intervention in one's life does not guarantee lifelong faithfulness without continued personal commitment.
• did what was right: This phrase, `asah hayashar (עָשָׂה הַיָּשָׁר), is a formulaic assessment used frequently in the books of Kings and Chronicles to evaluate the reigns of Judahite monarchs. It signifies adherence to the Mosaic Covenant, implying opposition to idolatry, maintenance of temple worship, and promotion of justice. It does not mean perfection, but rather overall alignment with God's commands as king, particularly in leading the nation spiritually.
• in the eyes of the Lord: Hebrew: b`eyney Yahweh (בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָה). This emphasizes that the judgment of his actions is not based on human standards or political expediency but on divine approval. It is a theological statement about God's discerning gaze over human rulers and His expectation of covenant faithfulness.
• all the days: Hebrew: kol yemê (כָּל יְמֵי). This specifies the duration. On its own, it would imply sustained righteousness throughout his reign. However, when immediately qualified by "of Jehoiada the priest," it transforms into a significant limitation, indicating that this righteousness was finite and contingent.
• of Jehoiada the priest: Hebrew: Yehôyādā` hak-kōhēn (יְהוֹיָדָע הַכֹּהֵן). Jehoiada was the high priest, instrumental in preserving the Davidic line and Jehoash's life. He initiated major religious reforms (destroying Baal's temple, reinstating temple services) and served as Jehoash's spiritual mentor and effective regent during the king's early life. His name, Yehōyādā`, means "Yahweh knows." This phrase is the critical qualifier of the entire verse, underscoring that Jehoash's obedience was largely mediated through and dependent upon Jehoiada's presence, authority, and consistent guidance, rather than being solely driven by an internal, deeply rooted personal conviction. This dependence suggests a vulnerability that would become apparent after Jehoiada's death.

2 Kings 12 2 Bonus section

This verse subtly introduces the theme of conditional faithfulness, a recurring motif in the Deuteronomistic history. Many kings in Judah "did what was right," but with qualifiers, demonstrating varying degrees of commitment compared to the ideal of King David. Jehoash's case is particularly striking because the condition is tied directly to the life of an individual. This suggests that while Jehoash exhibited correct actions externally, his heart was not fully steadfast or wholly committed to the Lord on its own terms. The Hebrew phrase for "all the days" (Hebrew: kol yemê) underscores that this period of conformity lasted precisely as long as Jehoiada's direct guidance was available. It illustrates the difference between behavioral adherence and deep, transformational change of heart, a distinction often explored by the prophets (e.g., Jeremiah's new covenant emphasis on God writing His law on hearts).

2 Kings 12 2 Commentary

2 Kings 12:2 succinctly captures the initial phase of King Jehoash's reign, portraying him as a righteous ruler who aligned his actions with God's will. This assessment, "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord," is a standard biblical metric for Judean kings, signifying faithfulness to the covenant, specifically regarding the rejection of idolatry and upholding proper worship. However, the crucial qualification, "all the days of Jehoiada the priest," reveals the contingent nature of Jehoash's obedience. His righteousness was largely borrowed or dependent upon Jehoiada's strong, guiding hand and spiritual authority. Jehoiada was not merely a counselor but practically a regent and spiritual parent figure, having saved Jehoash's life and raised him within the temple's godly influence.

This verse therefore serves as both commendation and a subtle foreshadowing. While Jehoash initially performed well under tutelage, it implies a lack of intrinsic, deep-seated spiritual conviction that could sustain his faith independently. Once the wise and steadfast influence of Jehoiada was removed, Jehoash's spiritual foundation crumbled, as later documented in 2 Chronicles 24:17-19, leading to the abandonment of the Lord's house and even the murder of Jehoiada's son, Zechariah. The verse highlights the vital role of godly mentorship in spiritual development but also serves as a poignant reminder that true and lasting righteousness must ultimately stem from a personal, internal commitment to God, rather than being merely an outward conformity based on external influence.

Examples:

• Importance of godly mentorship: A young believer guided by an older, wiser mentor in the church who helps them stay on a righteous path.
• Conditional obedience: Someone who consistently attends church and lives righteously while living with deeply spiritual parents, but struggles or deviates when they move out or lose that direct influence.