2 Kings 12:2 Meaning and Explanation
“And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jehoash pleases the Lord through the faithful instruction of the high priest Jehoiada.
The Context of 2 Kings 12:2
Jehoiada, the priest who had hidden and protected Jehoash during Athaliah's reign, now serves as his spiritual mentor. The phrase 'all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him' points to the specific period of the priest's life and influence.
What Does 2 Kings 12:2 Mean?
A young king receives counsel from a man of God, and the result is faithfulness. Every decision Jehoash makes during Jehoiada's lifetime is guided by the priest's wisdom and fear of the Lord. There is no rebellion, no division, no searching after the gods of surrounding nations. Instead, a clarity emerges: right action springs from right instruction. The king who listens becomes the king whom the Lord calls righteous.
This sets before us a tender picture of how faith is transferred from one generation to the next. Jehoiada does not demand obedience through fear but teaches it through example and word. The young king thrives under such tutelage. Jesus emphasized this same principle: 'The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat' teach what is right, though their deeds may betray it. We too are called to seek out faithful teachers and to become faithful teachers to those younger in the faith.
How to Apply 2 Kings 12:2 Today
Compare the promise in Proverbs 22:6, 'Train up a child in the way he should go,' a principle beautifully embodied in Jehoiada's mentorship of the young king.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 12:2
What does 2 Kings 12:2 mean?
Jehoash pleases the Lord through the faithful instruction of the high priest Jehoiada.
What is the context of 2 Kings 12:2?
Jehoiada, the priest who had hidden and protected Jehoash during Athaliah's reign, now serves as his spiritual mentor. The phrase 'all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him' points to the specific period of the priest's life and influence.
How can I apply 2 Kings 12:2 today?
Compare the promise in Proverbs 22:6, 'Train up a child in the way he should go,' a principle beautifully embodied in Jehoiada's mentorship of the young king.