2 Kings 12: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Kings 12 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Jehoash began to reign in Jerusalem in the seventh year of Jehu and did right in Yahweh’s eyes under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest (vv. 1-2). However, the high places remained, and the people continued to sacrifice there (v.

Key verse

“But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in its lid, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one comes into Yahweh’s house; and the priests who kept the threshold put all the money that was brought into Yahweh’s house into it.”
2 Kings 12:9 (WEB)

Outline

2 Kings 12:1–2 Jehoash Becomes King
2 Kings 12:3 High Places Remain
2 Kings 12:4–8 Temple Repairs Initiated
2 Kings 12:9–15 Collection and Distribution of Funds
2 Kings 12:16 Offerings Not Brought to the Temple
2 Kings 12:17–21 Threat from Hazael and Joash's End

Discussion questions

In v2, what does Jehoash do that is described as 'right in Yahweh’s eyes'?
What action does Jehoash take in v5 regarding the money for repairs?
Jehoash's failure to repair the temple in v6: what does this suggest about the priests' priorities?
Jehoash sending treasures to Hazael in v18: what does this indicate about his understanding of security?
When have you faced a situation like Jehoash's in v7, where you relied on others but should have acted yourself?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Kings 12: 2 Chronicles 24, 2 Kings 22, 2 Kings 14.

Before next time: read 2 Kings 13.