TRV
Translation
King James Version
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)
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.
World English Bible Messianic
For Jozacar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, struck him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his place.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Euen Iozachar the sonne of Shimeath, and Iehozabad the sonne of Shomer his seruants smote him, and he dyed: and they buried him with his fathers in the citie of Dauid. And Amaziah his sonne reigned in his stead.
Young's Literal Translation
yea, Jozachar son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad son of Shemer, his servants, have smitten him, and he dieth, and they bury him with his fathers in the city of David, and reign doth Amaziah his son, in his stead.
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Commentary on 2 Kings 12 verses 17–21
17 ¶ Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.
18 And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.
19 And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
20 And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla.
21 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.
When Joash had revolted from God and become both an idolater and a persecutor the hand of the Lord went out against him, and his last state was worse than his first.
I. His wealth and honour became an easy prey to his neighbours. Hazael, when he had chastised Israel (Kg2 10:32), threatened Judah and Jerusalem likewise, took Gath, a strong city (Kg2 12:17), and thence intended to march with his forces against Jerusalem, the royal city, the holy city, but whose defence, on account of its sinfulness, had departed. Joash had neither spirit nor strength to make head against him, but gave him all the hallowed things, and all the gold that was found both in his exchequer and in the treasures of the temple (Kg2 12:18), to bribe him to march another way. If it were lawful to do this for the public safety, better part with the gold of the temple than expose the temple itself; yet, 1. If he had not forsaken God, and forfeited his protection, his affairs would not have been brought to this extremity, but he might have forced Hazael to retire. 2. He diminished himself, and made himself very mean, lost the honour of a prince and a soldier, and of an Israelite too, in alienating the dedicated things. 3. He impoverished himself and his kingdom. And, 4. He tempted Hazael to come again, when he could carry home so rich a booty without striking a stroke. And it had this effect, for the next year the host of Syria came up against Jerusalem, destroyed the prince, and plundered the city, Ch2 24:23, Ch2 24:24.
II. His life became an easy prey to his own servants. They conspired against him and slew him (Kg2 12:20, Kg2 12:21), not aiming at his kingdom, for they opposed not his son's succeeding him, but to be avenged on him for some crime he had committed; and we are told in Chronicles that his murdering the prophet, Jehoiada's son, was the provocation. In this, how unrighteous soever they were (vengeance was not theirs, nor did it belong to them to repay), God was righteous; and this was not the only time that he let even kings know that it was at their peril if they touched his anointed and did his prophets any harm, and that, when he comes to make inquisition for blood, the blood of prophets will run the account very high. Thus fell Joash, who began in the spirit and ended in the flesh. God usually sets marks of his displeasure upon apostates, even in this life; for they, of all sinners, do most reproach the Lord.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 17–21. Public domain.
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Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
ON THE SECOND BOOK OF KINGS 12:20
“His servants arose, devised a conspiracy and killed Joash in the house of Millo, on the way that goes down to Silla.” When he reached the age of 130 years, the priest Jehoiada died. Joash, being persuaded by the advice of some of his princes, abandoned the true religion which he had piously served when Jehoiada was alive, and restored the idolatry introduced by the women of Sidon, which he had gloriously banished with the help of the high priest himself. And while Zechariah, son of Jehoiada, attempted to prevent [that impiety] with all his might, and being inflamed with the divine spirit and standing between the temple and the altar, reproached the king and his princes, he was stoned to death in the hall itself of the house of God. And that was an act of extreme cruelty on the part of Joash, and every person’s mind was disturbed because he, being oblivious of the benefits received from Jehoiada, allowed that the son of that very holy man was treated with such brutality before him and even incited [the crowd to stone him]. And [Zechariah], calling God as the witness of his innocence and his avenger, said, “May the Lord see and avenge.” The holy man foresaw the calamities that would shortly befall the king and his kingdom. One year later the Syrians invaded Judah and plundered the land so that Joash, in order to save his life, was forced to deprive himself of the goods of the royal house and of the temple but was, nevertheless, shamefully ill treated by his enemies; and eventually he fell ill and lay in bed. While Joash was ill in his own bed, he was the victim of a plot of his servants, who stabbed him to death.
Richard ChallonerAD 1781
The city of David: He was buried in the same city with his fathers, but not in the sepulchres of the kings. 2 Par. 14.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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, as noted in 2 Kings 12:2. The immediate context in 2 Kings 12:17-20 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), 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, emphasizing the tragic consequences of his later unfaithfulness.
Historical & Cultural Context: Joash reigned in Judah during the late 9th century BCE, a period marked by shifting geopolitical alliances and internal religious struggles. His early life was characterized 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, as recounted in 2 Kings 11. The ongoing tensions with neighboring Aram (Syria), evidenced by Hazael's invasion, highlight the precarious political climate. Assassinations of monarchs, while not an everyday occurrence, were a recurring feature in the political landscape of both Judah and Israel, often signaling deep internal unrest, divine judgment, or a combination of both. 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 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) 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). 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).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The narrative in 2 Kings 12:21 employs several effective literary devices that enhance its theological and dramatic impact. The most prominent is Irony, as King Joash, who was miraculously saved from assassination as an infant (see 2 Kings 11:2), ultimately meets his end through assassination by his own trusted servants. This stark reversal of fortune underscores the theme of divine judgment and the severe 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) implicitly point towards a negative outcome for his reign, suggesting that his violent end is a deserved recompense. 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. This directness adds to the stark impact of the tragic event, focusing the reader's attention on the key historical and theological points without unnecessary embellishment.
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.
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
FAQ
Who were Jozachar and Jehozabad, and why did they assassinate King Joash?
Answer: Jozachar (also known as Zabad in 2 Chronicles 24:26) 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). Additionally, Joash had recently paid a heavy tribute to Hazael, king of Aram, to spare Jerusalem (as described in 2 Kings 12:17-18), 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 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 who takes away the sin of the world, was betrayed by one of His own disciples (Judas Iscariot) 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). 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). 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).