2 Kings 12:2

• Joash was grateful to Jehoiada, the priest who guided him. Joash stayed loyal to the Lord while Jehoiada lived. However, after Jehoiada died, ungodly leaders persuaded Joash to abandon the Lord and adopt Canaanite customs (see 2 Chronicles 24:17–22).

• Joash's failure to destroy the pagan shrines led to spiritual compromise. Allowing these shrines in Judah had previously angered God (1 Kings 14:23–26) and would do so again during Joash's time (2 Chronicles 24:23–24).

The record of Joash's reign follows a typical format:

1. It describes when he became king (2 Kings 11:21–12:3)

2. It tells about his royal activities (2 Kings 12:4–18)

3. 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).