2 Chronicles 24:17

KJV

Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now after {H310} the death {H4194} of Jehoiada {H3077} came {H935} the princes {H8269} of Judah {H3063}, and made obeisance {H7812} to the king {H4428}. Then the king {H4428} hearkened {H8085} unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

After Y'hoyada died, the leaders of Y'hudah came and prostrated themselves before the king. Then the king listened to them;

Berean Standard Bible

After the death of Jehoiada, however, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them.

American Standard Version

Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 24:17 marks a profound and tragic turning point in the reign of King Joash of Judah. Following the death of the revered High Priest Jehoiada, who had served as Joash's steadfast spiritual mentor and guardian since childhood, influential "princes of Judah" approached the king. Their act of "obeisance," seemingly a gesture of respect, was a calculated political maneuver designed to gain favor and sway the young king. Joash, now deprived of Jehoiada's righteous counsel, critically "hearkened unto them," yielding to their ungodly influence and setting in motion a swift decline into apostasy and idolatry that would ultimately bring divine judgment upon Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately after the detailed account of Jehoiada's death and honorable burial in [2 Chronicles 24:15-16](/2_chronicles/24-15 "2 Chronicles 24:15-16 - Jehoiada's Death and Burial"). Jehoiada, who lived to an extraordinary 130 years, had been the moral and spiritual anchor for King Joash, having rescued him as an infant from Athaliah's murderous purge ([2 Chronicles 22:10-12](/2_chronicles/22-10 "2 Chronicles 22:10-12 - Joash Rescued from Athaliah")). Under Jehoiada's tutelage, Joash had initiated significant temple reforms and a return to Yahweh worship ([2 Chronicles 24:4-14](/2_chronicles/24-4 "2 Chronicles 24:4-14 - Joash's Temple Restoration")). The narrative of [2 Chronicles 24](/2_chronicles/24 "2 Chronicles 24 - Joash's Reign and Apostasy") is structured to highlight the stark contrast between Joash's early righteous reign under Jehoiada's influence and his later apostasy after his mentor's death. Verse 17 serves as the pivotal hinge, directly preceding the king's abandonment of the Lord's house and the worship of Asherah poles and idols ([2 Chronicles 24:18](/2_chronicles/24-18 "2 Chronicles 24:18 - Joash's Idolatry")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Joash's ascension to the throne at the age of seven was highly unusual, made possible only by Jehoiada's courageous intervention. For decades, Jehoiada effectively functioned as a regent and spiritual guide, wielding immense authority in both religious and political spheres. His death at an advanced age created a significant power vacuum and removed the primary check on Joash's authority and judgment. The "princes of Judah" were likely influential court officials, tribal leaders, or wealthy elites who may have resented Jehoiada's strict adherence to the Law and his reforms, which curtailed their personal interests or traditional idolatrous practices. Their "obeisance" was a culturally recognized act of profound respect or submission, often performed before a king. However, in this context, it appears to be a calculated political maneuver, a display of loyalty designed to flatter the king and gain his trust, thereby opening the door for their ungodly counsel and a return to the syncretistic religious practices that frequently plagued Judah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles "2 Chronicles - The Reigns of Judah's Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **peril of ungodly counsel** and the profound impact of one's advisors on a leader's spiritual and moral trajectory. Joash's swift deviation from righteousness highlights the **fragility of faith that is primarily dependent on external guidance** rather than deep personal conviction. The narrative serves as a stark warning against **spiritual complacency** and the dangers of allowing one's spiritual vigilance to wane, especially after the removal of a strong, godly influence. Furthermore, it illustrates the **consequences of compromise** with sin and idolatry, showing how a single pivotal decision can lead to widespread apostasy and divine judgment, as seen in the subsequent events of [2 Chronicles 24:18-27](/2_chronicles/24-18 "2 Chronicles 24:18-27 - Joash's Apostasy and Death"). This episode also reinforces the Deuteronomistic theme of **blessing for obedience and curses for disobedience**, a recurring motif throughout the historical books.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Obeisance (Hebrew, _shachah'_):** This verb means "to bow down," "to prostrate oneself," or "to do homage." While it can denote genuine reverence and worship (e.g., bowing before God), in this context, its use by the princes of Judah before King Joash carries a strong connotation of calculated flattery and political maneuvering. It was a strategic act of submission designed to win the king's favor and influence him, rather than an expression of true loyalty to God's covenant or the king's righteous reign. It was a means to an end: to gain access and sway Joash away from Jehoiada's legacy.
* **Hearkened (Hebrew, _shama'_):** The verb _shama_ means "to hear," but it often carries a much deeper meaning of "to listen attentively," "to understand," and critically, "to obey" or "to heed." When the text states Joash "hearkened unto them," it signifies more than just passively receiving their words. It implies that he gave them his full attention, was persuaded by their arguments, and ultimately yielded his will and authority to their counsel, adopting their desires as his own policy. This act of "hearkening" was a decisive moral and spiritual surrender.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now after the death of Jehoiada":** This opening clause immediately establishes the critical temporal context. Jehoiada's death is the catalyst for the events that follow, marking the end of a protective era for Joash and the beginning of his vulnerability. The absence of this godly mentor creates a spiritual vacuum that the "princes of Judah" are quick to exploit.
* **"came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king":** This describes the approach of the influential figures in the kingdom. Their act of "obeisance" was a public display of respect and submission, likely intended to flatter Joash and subtly assert their influence now that Jehoiada, their former political rival or ideological opponent, was gone. This was a calculated move to gain the king's ear and trust, setting the stage for their ungodly counsel.
* **"Then the king hearkened unto them":** This final clause reveals Joash's fatal decision. Despite his earlier righteous acts under Jehoiada, he now chooses to listen to and, more importantly, *obey* the princes. This indicates a shift in his allegiance and judgment, demonstrating his susceptibility to ungodly influence once his primary spiritual guide was removed. This moment is the turning point, leading directly to the abandonment of the Lord's temple and the reintroduction of idolatry.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 24:17 is a masterclass in concise narrative, employing several potent literary devices. It functions as a dramatic **Turning Point**, signaling a radical shift in King Joash's reign from righteousness to apostasy. The placement of this verse immediately after Jehoiada's death creates a stark contrast, emphasizing the profound impact of the high priest's absence. The princes' "obeisance" is imbued with **Irony**; what appears to be an act of respect is, in reality, a manipulative ploy to lead the king astray. This deceptive show of loyalty directly **Foreshadows** the king's subsequent spiritual decline and the dire consequences that will befall Judah, as detailed in the verses that follow ([2 Chronicles 24:18-27](/2_chronicles/24-18 "2 Chronicles 24:18-27 - Joash's Apostasy and Death")). The brevity of the verse belies its immense narrative and theological weight, making it a pivotal moment in the Chronicler's account of Judah's kings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of Joash's spiritual decline in 2 Chronicles 24:17-27 serves as a powerful theological cautionary tale, illustrating the enduring human susceptibility to sin and the critical importance of wise, godly counsel. It highlights that even individuals who have experienced divine favor and participated in great works of faith can fall away if their conviction is not deeply rooted in personal devotion to God, independent of external influences. Joash's story underscores the biblical principle that character is often tested most severely in the absence of accountability and that flattery and ungodly counsel can be more dangerous than overt opposition. It warns against spiritual complacency and the assumption that past righteousness guarantees future faithfulness. Ultimately, it reminds us that God holds individuals, especially leaders, accountable for their choices and that turning away from Him inevitably invites judgment.

* [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Choose Your Companions Wisely")
* [1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Heart Turned Away")
* [Hebrews 3:12](/hebrews/3-12 "Hebrews 3:12 - Beware of an Unbelieving Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic turning point in Joash's reign, marked by his decision to "hearken" to the princes of Judah, offers profound lessons for believers today. It underscores the vital importance of discerning the counsel we receive and cultivating a personal, unshakeable faith that is not solely dependent on the presence of a strong mentor or spiritual leader. While godly guidance is invaluable, our spiritual walk must ultimately be rooted in our own direct relationship with God, sustained by prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit. This narrative challenges us to be vigilant against the subtle allure of flattery and the insidious influence of ungodly associations, recognizing that compromise, even in seemingly small acts of listening, can lead to significant spiritual decline. It calls us to actively choose companions who sharpen our faith and to remain steadfast in our convictions, especially when circumstances change or trusted guides are no longer present.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who are the "princes of Judah" in your life, and what kind of counsel are you "hearkening" to?**
* **How deeply is your faith rooted in personal conviction, and how much is it dependent on the influence of others?**
* **What safeguards do you have in place to maintain spiritual vigilance when circumstances change or trusted mentors are no longer present?**
* **How do you discern between genuine encouragement and manipulative flattery in your relationships?**

### FAQ
**Who were "the princes of Judah" and why were they significant?**

Answer: The "princes of Judah" were likely influential officials, nobles, or tribal leaders within the kingdom. Their significance lies in their position of power and their apparent opposition to the righteous reforms instituted by Jehoiada. With Jehoiada, the king's long-standing mentor and the true power behind the throne, now deceased, these princes saw an opportunity to regain influence and potentially steer the kingdom back towards practices that served their own interests, including idolatry. Their approach to Joash was a strategic move to fill the power vacuum and establish their own counsel as paramount.

**What does "made obeisance" imply in this context?**

Answer: While "obeisance" (from the Hebrew _shachah_) typically means to bow down in reverence or worship, in this specific context, it carries a more nuanced and sinister implication. It suggests a calculated act of flattery and political maneuvering rather than genuine respect for Joash's righteous rule or God's covenant. By prostrating themselves before the king, they were likely seeking to butter him up, gain his trust, and subtly assert their loyalty, all with the underlying agenda of persuading him to abandon Jehoiada's reforms and revert to idolatrous practices, as confirmed by the subsequent verses ([2 Chronicles 24:18](/2_chronicles/24-18 "2 Chronicles 24:18 - Joash's Idolatry")).

**Why was Jehoiada's death such a turning point for King Joash?**

Answer: Jehoiada's death was a critical turning point because he had been Joash's primary spiritual and moral compass since childhood. He had rescued Joash from certain death ([2 Chronicles 22:11](/2_chronicles/22-11 "2 Chronicles 22:11 - Joash's Rescue")) and guided his entire early reign, ensuring the restoration of temple worship and adherence to God's Law ([2 Chronicles 24:4-14](/2_chronicles/24-4 "2 Chronicles 24:4-14 - Joash's Temple Restoration")). His presence provided a strong, unwavering anchor of godly influence and accountability. With Jehoiada gone, Joash was left vulnerable to ungodly counsel and lacked the internal fortitude or external accountability to resist the temptations presented by the "princes of Judah," leading directly to his tragic spiritual decline.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of King Joash in 2 Chronicles 24:17, marked by his susceptibility to ungodly counsel after the loss of his mentor, powerfully highlights the human need for a perfect and unfailing guide, a role uniquely fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Unlike Joash, whose righteousness was largely contingent on Jehoiada's presence, Christ's obedience was inherent and perfect, sustained by His divine nature and unwavering commitment to the Father's will, even when facing the most profound temptations in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus' Temptation")). Where Joash "hearkened" to manipulative princes and fell into apostasy, Jesus consistently "hearkened" to the Father, always doing what pleased Him ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). He is the true [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd") whose voice we are called to hear and follow, leading us not to destruction but to abundant life. In the New Covenant, believers are not left dependent on fallible human mentors alone, but are indwelt by the [Holy Spirit](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides"), who serves as our perpetual guide into all truth, convicting, teaching, and empowering us to live in faithful obedience. Our spiritual stability is not found in the presence of a human Jehoiada, but in our steadfast [abiding in Christ](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Me"), the King who never falters and whose counsel is always true, leading us into eternal life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 31:27

For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death?

Proverbs 29:12

¶ If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants [are] wicked.

Proverbs 7:21

With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

Proverbs 7:23

Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it [is] for his life.

Proverbs 26:8

As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so [is] he that giveth honour to a fool.

2 Chronicles 22:3

He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly.

2 Chronicles 22:4

Wherefore he did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab: for they were his counsellors after the death of his father to his destruction.