Translations
Original
Notes
Hazael was a constant enemy of God’s people (2 Kings 8:28; 9:14–15; 10:32–33; 13:3). He killed the Aramean king Ben-hadad II and took the throne (2 Kings 8:15). Hazael likely attacked Israel and Judah after the Assyrian king Shamshi-adad V died in 811 BC and before Adad-nirari III, who ruled from 810 to 783 BC, began campaigns in 805 BC, capturing Damascus in 802 BC. Without Assyria's control, Hazael could attack southward.
There is debate about whether Gath is the well-known Philistine city (1 Samuel 5:8; 6:17) or a Hebrew city also called Gittaim (2 Samuel 4:3; Nehemiah 11:33).
The record of Joash's reign follows a typical format:
It describes when he became king (2 Kings 11:21–12:3)
It tells about his royal activities (2 Kings 12:4–18)
It gives the closing notice of his reign (2 Kings 12:19–21).
The main focus is Joash’s efforts to repair the temple of the Lord (2 Kings 12:4–16). Later, when the army of Aram [the Arameans] invaded, Joash took treasures from the temple and gave them away to protect his city (2 Kings 12:17–18).
Events
Parallels
People
Hazael: King of Aram (Syria), anointed by Elijah
Places
Gath: Philistine city; home of Goliath; refuge for David Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions Syria: Ancient region north of Israel, often in conflict
Glossary
Book of Amos Damascus Gath Hazael Jehoash Kings, Books of First and Second Temple
Topics
Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Jehoash, in Supervising the Repairs of the Temple Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Given to Propitiate Enemies Gath: Captured by Hazael Hazael: Conquests By Joash: Procured Peace from Hazael, King of Syria, by Gift of Dedicated Treasures from the Temple Prophecies Concerning Israel: Jehoash Succeeds Athaliah Rulers: Wicked: Hazael, Committing Pillage (Plundering) the First Temple: Treasures of Given by Jehoash to Propitiate the Syrians