ehoash orders the repair of the temple. (1-16) He is slain by
his servants. (17-21)
Verses 1-16: It is a great mercy to young people, especially to all
young men of rank, like Jehoash, to have those about them who
will instruct them to do what is right in the sight of the Lord;
and they do wisely and well for themselves, when willing to be
counselled and ruled. The temple was out of repair; Jehoash
orders the repair of the temple. The king was zealous. God
requires those who have power, to use it for the support of
religion, the redress of grievances, and repairing of decays.
The king employed the priests to manage, as most likely to be
hearty in the work. But nothing was done effectually till the
twenty-third year of his reign. Another method was therefore
taken. When public distributions are made faithfully, public
contributions will be made cheerfully. While they were getting
all they could for the repair of the temple, they did not break
in upon the stated maintenance of the priests. Let not the
servants of the temple be starved, under colour of repairing the
breaches of it. Those that were intrusted did the business
carefully and faithfully. They did not lay it out in ornaments
for the temple, till the other work was completed; hence we may
learn, in all our expenses, to prefer that which is most
needful, and, in dealing for the public, to deal as we would for
ourselves.
Verses 17-21: Let us review the character of Jehoash, and consider what
we may learn from it. When we see what a sad conclusion there
was to so promising a beginning, it ought to make us seek into
our spiritual declinings. If we know any thing of Christ as the
foundation of our faith and hope, let us desire to know nothing
but Christ. May the work of the blessed Spirit on our souls be
manifest; may we see, feel, and be earnest, in seeking after
Jesus in all his fulness, suitableness, and grace, that our
souls may be brought over from dead works to serve the living
and true God.
ehoash orders the repair of the temple. (1-16) He is slain by
his servants. (17-21)