2 Kings 12:18
And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוּדָה֙
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָה֙
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
4 of 33
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 33
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 33
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
קֳדָשָׁ֔יו
all the hallowed things
H6944
קֳדָשָׁ֔יו
all the hallowed things
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
7 of 33
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 33
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִקְדִּ֣ישׁוּ
had dedicated
H6942
הִקְדִּ֣ישׁוּ
had dedicated
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
9 of 33
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֣ט
that Jehoshaphat
H3092
יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֣ט
that Jehoshaphat
Strong's:
H3092
Word #:
10 of 33
jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem
וִֽיהוֹרָם֩
and Jehoram
H3088
וִֽיהוֹרָם֩
and Jehoram
Strong's:
H3088
Word #:
11 of 33
jehoram, the name of a syrian and of three israelites
וַֽאֲחַזְיָ֨הוּ
and Ahaziah
H274
וַֽאֲחַזְיָ֨הוּ
and Ahaziah
Strong's:
H274
Word #:
12 of 33
achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king
אֲבֹתָ֜יו
his fathers
H1
אֲבֹתָ֜יו
his fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
13 of 33
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
יְהוּדָה֙
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָה֙
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
15 of 33
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 33
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קֳדָשָׁ֔יו
all the hallowed things
H6944
קֳדָשָׁ֔יו
all the hallowed things
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
17 of 33
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
וְאֵ֣ת
H853
וְאֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
18 of 33
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
19 of 33
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַזָּהָ֗ב
and all the gold
H2091
הַזָּהָ֗ב
and all the gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
20 of 33
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
הַנִּמְצָ֛א
that was found
H4672
הַנִּמְצָ֛א
that was found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
21 of 33
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
וּבֵ֣ית
house
H1004
וּבֵ֣ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
23 of 33
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
24 of 33
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּבֵ֣ית
house
H1004
וּבֵ֣ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
25 of 33
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח
and sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח
and sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
27 of 33
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֲרָ֔ם
of Syria
H758
אֲרָ֔ם
of Syria
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
30 of 33
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
וַיַּ֖עַל
and he went away
H5927
וַיַּ֖עַל
and he went away
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
31 of 33
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 12 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Joash Repairs the Temple) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 12 regarding religious reform and temple restoration?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 12: Religious reform and temple restoration. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.