2 Kings 12:21

KJV

For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

For Jozachar {H3108} the son {H1121} of Shimeath {H8100}, and Jehozabad {H3075} the son {H1121} of Shomer {H7763}, his servants {H5650}, smote {H5221} him, and he died {H4191}; and they buried {H6912} him with his fathers {H1} in the city {H5892} of David {H1732}: and Amaziah {H558} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

His servants Yozakhar the son of Shim'at and Y'hozavad the son of Shomer struck him, so that he died. They buried him with his ancestors in the City of David, and Amatzyah his son took his place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

His servants Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer struck him down, and he died. And they buried him with his fathers in the City of David, and his son Amaziah reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

For Jozacar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 12:21 meticulously records the tragic and ignominious end of King Joash of Judah, detailing his assassination by two of his own servants, Jozachar and Jehozabad. This verse marks the culmination of Joash's reign, which began with great promise under the guidance of High Priest Jehoiada but ultimately devolved into apostasy and the murder of a prophet. Following his violent death, the account notes his burial in Jerusalem, albeit not in the tombs of the kings, and the immediate succession of his son, Amaziah, thereby ensuring the continuity of the Davidic line despite the instability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement to the narrative of King Joash (also known as Jehoash) in 2 Kings 12. The preceding verses detail Joash's initial righteous reign, his commendable efforts in repairing the Temple, and the subsequent decline into apostasy after the death of his mentor, Jehoiada (compare with [2 Kings 12:2](/2_kings/12-2 "2 Kings 12:2 - Joash's Early Righteous Reign")). The immediate context in [2 Kings 12:17-20](/2_kings/12-17 "2 Kings 12:17-20 - Hazael's Invasion and Joash's Tribute") describes the invasion of Hazael, king of Aram, against Gath and Jerusalem, which Joash averted by sending all the sacred gifts and treasures from the Temple and palace to Hazael as tribute. This act of appeasement, combined with the earlier spiritual decline and the murder of Zechariah (as detailed in [2 Chronicles 24:20-22](/2_chronicles/24-20 "2 Chronicles 24:20-22 - Zechariah's Prophecy and Death")), sets the stage for the internal conspiracy that leads to Joash's death. Verse 21, therefore, provides the climax and resolution to Joash's personal story within the broader historical record of the kings of Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Joash reigned in Judah during the late 9th century BCE. His early life was marked by a dramatic rescue from Athaliah's purge of the royal family, hidden in the Temple for six years before being crowned king at age seven (see [2 Kings 11](/2_kings/11 "2 Kings 11 - Joash's Coronation")). The period was characterized by ongoing tensions with neighboring Aram (Syria), as evidenced by Hazael's invasion. Assassinations of monarchs, while not commonplace, were a recurring feature in the political landscape of both Judah and Israel, often signaling deep internal unrest or divine judgment. The mention of "his servants" as the perpetrators suggests an internal palace coup, possibly fueled by discontent over the heavy tribute paid to Aram, the king's perceived weakness, or his spiritual failures. The burial "in the city of David" (Jerusalem) was customary for Judahite kings, though the parallel account in [2 Chronicles 24:25](/2_chronicles/24-25 "2 Chronicles 24:25 - Joash's Burial") specifies he was not buried in the royal tombs, indicating a posthumous dishonor due to his apostasy and violent end.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it underscores the **consequences of apostasy**, illustrating how a king who began well and did "what was right in the eyes of the Lord" (as noted in [2 Kings 12:2](/2_kings/12-2 "2 Kings 12:2 - Joash's Early Righteous Reign")) could fall dramatically into sin, leading to a violent end. This serves as a stark warning about the necessity of sustained faithfulness. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine retribution**, implicitly portraying Joash's death as a judgment for his unfaithfulness, particularly his role in the murder of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who had faithfully served him (compare [2 Chronicles 24:22](/2_chronicles/24-22 "2 Chronicles 24:22 - Zechariah's Dying Words")). Thirdly, the immediate succession of Amaziah reinforces the **continuity of the Davidic covenant**, even amidst political turmoil and regicide, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promise to David despite the unfaithfulness of individual kings (see [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nakah_):** The verb נָכָה (_nakah_) is a common and versatile Hebrew verb often translated as "to strike," "to smite," or "to beat." In contexts involving persons, it frequently implies a fatal blow, as it does here. Its use emphasizes the direct, forceful, and violent nature of the assassination, leaving no ambiguity about the cause of Joash's death. It is a stark, unadorned description of regicide.
* **Servants (Hebrew, _‘eved_):** The term עֶבֶד (_‘eved_), plural עֲבָדִים (_‘avadim_), refers to a servant or slave, but in the context of a royal court, it often denotes high-ranking officials or trusted advisors. That the assassins were "his servants" highlights the betrayal and the internal nature of the plot, suggesting a deep-seated disaffection within the king's inner circle rather than an external enemy. This adds a layer of tragedy and irony to Joash's demise.
* **City of David (Hebrew, _‘ir david_):** עִיר דָּוִיד (_‘ir david_) is a specific designation for Jerusalem, particularly the ancient fortified core where King David established his capital. It was the traditional burial place for many kings of Judah. While the text notes his burial here, the parallel account in [2 Chronicles 24:25](/2_chronicles/24-25 "2 Chronicles 24:25 - Joash's Burial") explicitly states he was *not* buried in the tombs of the kings, indicating a posthumous disgrace. This subtle distinction underscores the narrative's judgment on Joash's reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died;":** This clause directly names the two conspirators responsible for Joash's assassination. Jozachar is identified as the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad as the son of Shomer. The detail that they were "his servants" underscores the betrayal from within his own trusted circle, highlighting the tragic irony of Joash's end. The verb "smote him" (וַיַּכּוּ אֹתוֹ) unequivocally states the violent and fatal nature of their act, leading immediately to the declaration "and he died," confirming the regicide.
* **"and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David:":** This part of the verse records the burial of Joash. The phrase "with his fathers" generally implies burial in the royal necropolis, signifying a king's legitimate place among his predecessors. However, as noted in [2 Chronicles 24:25](/2_chronicles/24-25 "2 Chronicles 24:25 - Joash's Burial"), he was buried "in the city of David" (Jerusalem) but *not* "in the tombs of the kings." This distinction, while subtle in 2 Kings, is a significant detail in the parallel account, implying a posthumous dishonor or a refusal to grant him the full honor of a righteous king's burial due to his apostasy and the circumstances of his death.
* **"and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.":** This final clause swiftly transitions from the death of Joash to the immediate succession of his son, Amaziah. This statement is crucial for establishing the continuity of the Davidic dynasty, even in the face of regicide and political upheaval. It ensures that the narrative flow of the kings of Judah remains unbroken, preparing the reader for the next chapter's account of Amaziah's reign.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 2 Kings 12:21 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Irony**, as King Joash, who was miraculously saved from assassination as an infant (see [2 Kings 11:2](/2_kings/11-2 "2 Kings 11:2 - Joash's Rescue")), ultimately meets his end through assassination by his own trusted servants. This reversal of fortune underscores the theme of divine judgment and the consequences of apostasy. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing** throughout the preceding narrative, where Joash's spiritual decline and the murder of Zechariah (as detailed in [2 Chronicles 24:20-22](/2_chronicles/24-20 "2 Chronicles 24:20-22 - Zechariah's Prophecy and Death")) implicitly point towards a negative outcome for his reign. The terse, factual reporting of the assassination and burial, followed by the immediate statement of succession, exemplifies **Conciseness**, a characteristic of the Deuteronomistic historian's style, which focuses on conveying key historical and theological points without unnecessary embellishment. This directness adds to the stark impact of the tragic event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The death of King Joash, as recorded in 2 Kings 12:21, stands as a profound theological statement on the consequences of spiritual decline and the principle of divine justice. While human agents carried out the assassination, the broader biblical narrative, particularly the parallel account in Chronicles, frames this event as a direct consequence of Joash's apostasy, especially his complicity in the murder of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who had faithfully guided him. This highlights the biblical truth that even those in positions of power are not exempt from accountability before God. It reinforces the Deuteronomistic theme that faithfulness to the covenant brings blessing, while disobedience leads to judgment and calamity, often manifesting through political instability or foreign invasion. Joash's story serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating that a good beginning does not guarantee a good end, and sustained faithfulness is paramount for divine favor and protection.

* [2 Chronicles 24:25](/2_chronicles/24-25 "2 Chronicles 24:25 - Joash's Assassination and Burial")
* [Proverbs 13:21](/proverbs/13-21 "Proverbs 13:21 - The Wicked and the Righteous")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic narrative of King Joash's end in 2 Kings 12:21 offers timeless and sobering lessons for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that spiritual vigilance is not a one-time decision but a lifelong commitment. Joash's initial righteousness, fostered by Jehoiada's mentorship, deteriorated once that godly influence was removed, leading to a path of apostasy and violence. This underscores the critical importance of surrounding ourselves with wise, godly counsel and remaining anchored in God's Word, rather than succumbing to the pressures of worldly influence or personal ambition. Furthermore, the account serves as a stark reminder that actions have consequences, both personal and communal. Joash's unfaithfulness brought not only personal demise but also weakened the kingdom, highlighting the ripple effect of leadership's spiritual state. We are called to persevere in faith, to cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with God that is not dependent on external influences, and to live with integrity, knowing that our choices impact not only our own lives but also those around us and the broader community of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What external influences or relationships currently sustain your spiritual walk, and how can you cultivate a more internal, personal reliance on God's Word and Spirit?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be starting well but risk complacency or drifting from God's path?**
* **How does the principle of "sowing and reaping" (as seen in Joash's life) encourage you to make faithful choices today?**
* **What steps can you take to ensure you are surrounded by wise, godly counsel that will speak truth into your life, even when it's uncomfortable?**

### FAQ
**Who were Jozachar and Jehozabad, and why did they assassinate King Joash?**

Answer: Jozachar (also known as Zabad in [2 Chronicles 24:26](/2_chronicles/24-26 "2 Chronicles 24:26 - The Assassins of Joash")) and Jehozabad were high-ranking servants or officials within King Joash's court. The biblical text does not explicitly state their motives, but the broader narrative suggests several factors. Joash's reign, after the death of High Priest Jehoiada, had descended into apostasy, including the murder of Zechariah, Jehoiada's son, who had rebuked the nation for their sins (see [2 Chronicles 24:20-22](/2_chronicles/24-20 "2 Chronicles 24:20-22 - Zechariah's Prophecy and Death")). Additionally, Joash had recently paid a heavy tribute to Hazael, king of Aram, to spare Jerusalem (as described in [2 Kings 12:17-18](/2_kings/12-17 "2 Kings 12:17-18 - Hazael's Invasion and Joash's Tribute")), which likely depleted the kingdom's resources and may have been perceived as a sign of weakness or poor leadership. It is probable that a combination of deep dissatisfaction with Joash's spiritual decline, his political failures, and perhaps personal grievances, led these trusted servants to conspire against him.

**Was King Joash buried with the other kings of Judah?**

Answer: 2 Kings 12:21 states that Joash was "buried him with his fathers in the city of David." This phrase typically implies burial in the royal tombs within Jerusalem. However, the parallel account in [2 Chronicles 24:25](/2_chronicles/24-25 "2 Chronicles 24:25 - Joash's Burial") provides a crucial clarification, stating that he was indeed buried "in the city of David" but *not* "in the tombs of the kings." This distinction indicates a posthumous dishonor, a symbolic rejection of his reign by the people or the chronicler, likely due to his apostasy and the unrighteous circumstances of his death, particularly his role in the murder of Zechariah. It signifies that while he was a legitimate king, his end was not considered worthy of the full honor bestowed upon the righteous kings of Judah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 12:21 details the tragic end of an Old Testament king, its narrative of betrayal, human failure, and the consequences of apostasy points forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who stands in stark contrast to Joash. Joash's reign, which began with promise but ended in ignominy due to his unfaithfulness and the murder of a prophet, highlights the inherent limitations and failures of human kingship. In contrast, Jesus, the true King of Israel, never faltered in His faithfulness, even unto death. Unlike Joash, who was betrayed by his servants and died for his own sins and the sins of his kingdom, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), was betrayed by one of His own disciples ([Judas Iscariot](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")) and willingly laid down His life, not for His own transgressions, but as a perfect, atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Furthermore, Joash's burial, marked by a subtle dishonor, contrasts sharply with Christ's burial, which, though in a tomb, was followed by His glorious resurrection, triumphing over death and sin ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel of Christ's Death and Resurrection")). Jesus fulfills the ideal of kingship that Joash and other Davidic monarchs failed to embody, establishing an eternal kingdom founded on righteousness and grace, where His reign is forever marked by perfect faithfulness and unfailing love ([Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - Christ's Eternal Kingship")).

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

2 Kings 14:1

¶ In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah.

2 Chronicles 24:26

And these are they that conspired against him; Zabad the son of Shimeath an Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith a Moabitess.

2 Chronicles 24:27

Now [concerning] his sons, and the greatness of the burdens [laid] upon him, and the repairing of the house of God, behold, they [are] written in the story of the book of the kings. And Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.