oash, of Judah, The temple repaired. (1-14) Joash falls into
idolatry, He is slain by his servants. (15-27)
Verses 1-14: Joash is more zealous about the repair of the temple than
Jehoiada himself. It is easier to build temples, than to be
temples to God. But the repairing of places for public worship
is a good work, which all should promote. And many a good work
would be done that now lies undone, if active men would put it
forward.
Verses 15-27: See what a great judgment on any prince or people, the
death of godly, zealous, useful men is. See how necessary it is
that we act in religion from inward principle. Then the loss of
a parent, a minister, or a friend, will not be losing our
religion. Often both princes and inferior people have been
flattered to their ruin. True grace alone will enable a man to
bring forth fruit unto the end. Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada,
being filled with the Spirit of prophecy, stood up, and told the
people of their sin. This is the work of ministers, by the word
of God, as a lamp and a light, to discover the sin of men, and
expound the providences of God. They stoned Zechariah to death
in the court of the house of the Lord. Observe the dying
martyr's words: The Lord look upon it, and require it! This came
not from a spirit of revenge, but a spirit of prophecy. God
smote Joash with great diseases, of body, or mind, or both,
before the Syrians departed from him. If vengeance pursue men,
the end of one trouble will be but the beginning of another. His
own servants slew him. These judgments are called the burdens
laid upon him, for the wrath of God is a heavy burden, too heavy
for any man to bear. May God help us to take warning, to be
upright in heart, and to persevere in his ways to the end.
oash, of Judah, The temple repaired. (1-14) Joash falls into
idolatry, He is slain by his servants. (15-27)