MPV Commentary

He Is Slain by His Servants.

The Syrian army invaded Judah at the end of the year, led by Hazael, who had been bribed to withdraw his forces with a large payment of gold (2 Kings 12:18). It is likely that Joash also agreed to pay an annual tribute to avoid future invasions. However, when the Syrians returned the following year, they inflicted a crushing defeat on the gathered Hebrew army.

Joash's life ended in great suffering due to a painful illness that confined him to bed for a long time.

His own servants conspired against him. These two conspirators were likely courtiers who had access to the king's bedside and could carry out their plan with ease. They were of Jewish descent on one side, but their mothers were from other nations.

The public blamed Joash's son, Jehoiada, for the disasters that befell his life and reign, assuming he was responsible for the bloodshed. As a result, the king had lost the respect and admiration of his people, and there was no outcry or sorrow when he died in such a miserable state.