MPV Commentary

17-22 Joash Falls into Idolatry.

The princes of Judah came to the king and bowed down before him. Until now, while Joash was on the throne, his uncle had held the reins of power and directed the young king's actions in ways that promoted both the civil and religious interests of the country. The wise and devout high priest had a profound influence over all classes with his fervent piety, practical wisdom, and firm leadership. But now that he was no longer in charge, Joash's true character began to emerge.

The king listened to their counsel, which was secretly rooted in idolatry. Their elevated position revealed the extent of the nation's corruption during the reigns of Jehoram, Ahaziah, and Athaliah. They humbly requested that they not be required to make frequent and expensive journeys to Jerusalem but instead be allowed to worship God in high places at home, just like their fathers had done. The weak-minded king granted their petition, unaware that this would allow them to secretly practice idolatry without detection.

18 Wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem because of the neglect of the temple and the resulting idolatry. This implies that the king not only tolerated but also sanctioned the idolatrous practices. It is puzzling how Joash, at his mature age, could abandon a place so closely associated with his early memories. Some suggest that he was disillusioned by the priests' careless performance of worship and their unwillingness to collect money for temple repairs.

19 Despite this, Joash sent prophets to warn him of his actions. Elisha, Micah, Jehu son of Hanani, Jahaziel son of Zechariah, Eliezer son of Dodavah were among those who lived and taught during this time. However, their prophetic warnings went unheeded.

20-21 The Spirit of God came upon Zechariah, a younger son of the high priest Jehoiada. He stood above the people in the inner court and said, "This is what God says: Why do you disobey the Lord's commands? You cannot prosper because of this." His bold words were unpalatable to the king and stirred up fierce passions among the crowd.

The king, however, was secretly incited by his advisors to have Zechariah stoned to death. This act involved complex criminality on Joash's part, as it was a heinous outrage against a prophet of God, base ingratitude towards a family that had saved his life, and an illegal exercise of his power.

22 When Zechariah died, he said, "May the Lord look upon this and require it." These final words may have been a prophetic declaration rather than a personal wish.