2 Kings 12:2

Context

This verse introduces King Jehoash (also known as Joash), the sole surviving son of Ahaziah, who was miraculously saved from the massacre orchestrated by his grandmother, Athaliah. Jehoiada, the high priest, played a pivotal role in hiding the infant Joash for six years in the temple and then leading a revolt to overthrow Athaliah and crown Joash as king at the age of seven. Therefore, Jehoiada served as Joash's guardian, mentor, and spiritual guide throughout his formative years and early reign. This verse sets the stage for Jehoash's rule, highlighting the profound influence of the priest on the young monarch's character and actions.

Key Themes

• Conditional Righteousness: The crucial phrase "wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him" indicates that Jehoash's faithfulness to the LORD was largely dependent on the guidance of his mentor. This foreshadows a significant shift in his reign after Jehoiada's death, where his commitment to God's ways would falter.
• The Power of Godly Mentorship: Jehoiada's influence is presented as instrumental in shaping Jehoash's early reign into one that honored God. This emphasizes the vital role of wise and godly counsel in leadership and personal development.
• Importance of Spiritual Guidance: The verse underscores the necessity of having spiritual mentors who can teach and direct one in doing what is right in the sight of the LORD, particularly for those in positions of authority.
• Human Frailty and Dependence: Even a king, chosen by God and raised in the temple, required constant spiritual oversight to maintain his righteous path, illustrating the human tendency to stray without consistent, strong guidance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD" is a common biblical idiom, often translated from the Hebrew hayashar b'eyney YHWH, signifying obedience to God's commandments and alignment with His will. The key nuance in this verse lies in the connective "wherein" (Hebrew: asher), which ties Jehoash's righteous conduct directly to the period and manner of Jehoiada's instruction. It suggests a strong, almost dependent, correlation between the king's actions and the priest's active guidance, rather than an inherent, unwavering personal conviction.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

• Seek Godly Mentors: Just as Jehoash benefited from Jehoiada, we all need mentors and spiritual guides who can offer wise counsel and direction. It highlights the blessing of having experienced individuals pour into our lives.
• Cultivate Personal Faith: While external guidance is crucial, the narrative of Jehoash's later reign (see 2 Chronicles 24:17-22) serves as a cautionary tale. It emphasizes the need to move beyond mere reliance on a mentor to cultivating a deep, personal relationship with God that sustains righteousness even when external influences change.
• Discerning Influences: The verse reminds us that our spiritual health and obedience can be significantly impacted by the people we allow to instruct and influence us. Choosing godly associations is paramount for maintaining a walk pleasing to the LORD.