MPV Commentary

Jehoash Reigns Well while Jehoiada Lived.

2. During his reign, Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the Lord, at least outwardly and in terms of his government's policies. However, it is clear from his subsequent history that his righteous administration was largely due to the positive influence of his guardian and teacher, Jehoiada, rather than any genuine commitment on Jehoash's part.

3. The high places were not abolished - a task that even the most powerful monarchs had found impossible to accomplish, given the deep-seated popular fondness for the private and disorderly rituals performed in groves and hillside recesses. It was no surprise that this difficulty was compounded by the young king's early reign and the gross irregularities that had occurred during Athaliah's maladministration.

4. Jehoash instructed the priests to collect money from the people for temple repairs through three means: 1) a half-shekel tax, which was an offering to the Lord (Exodus 30:13); 2) the redemption price of those who had dedicated themselves or their possessions to the Lord; and 3) voluntary offerings made to the sanctuary. These first two taxes were paid annually (see 2 Chronicles 24:5).

7-10. Why aren't you repairing the temple's breaches? The initial collection method proved unproductive, primarily due to the priests' lack of diligence. A new plan was proposed, where a chest would be placed at the temple entrance for people to deposit their contributions. This chest would separate funds intended for repairs from those meant for general priestly use, encouraging more generous donations when people knew their offerings were specifically for rebuilding the temple.

11-12. The people gave money into the hands of those responsible for the work after being instructed to do so. The king sent his secretary and an agent of the high priest to count the money in the chest periodically and deliver it to the overseers, who paid the workers and purchased necessary materials.

13-16. However, not all the funds were used as intended - some were spent on items like bowls, cups, and other temple furnishings. Given the integrity of the overseers, no account was required for how they applied these funds, unlike other moneys collected at the temple (Leviticus 5:16; Numbers 5:8).

17-18. Meanwhile, Hazael king of Aram fought against Gath and its territory.