Verse 1

Joash. Compare 2 Kings 12:1, 2 Kings 12:2.

Verse 2

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

Verse 3

for him: i.e. Joash. Was this because the line was almost extinct, or from lack of faith?

Verse 4

it came to pass. Compare 2 Kings 12:4, 2 Kings 12:5.

to repair. See 2 Chronicles 24:7.

Verse 5

of all Israel. See note on 1 Kings 12:17.

money = silver.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

Verse 6

the king called. In the twenty-third year (2 Kings 12:6).

collection = the tribute of the half-shekel redemption money (Exodus 50:13-16). See App-51.

Moses the servant of the LORD. See note on Deuteronomy 34:5.

congregation = assembly.

tabernacle. Hebrew. "ohel. App-40.

Verse 7

sons of Athaliah. Ahaziah and his brethren before they were slain (2 Chronicles 21:17), which may have been allowed in consequence of their sin. Compare 2 Chronicles 21:10-12.

that wicked woman. The term found only here.

dedicated = holy. See note on Exodus 3:5.

Verse 9

Moses the servant of God. See note on 1 Chronicles 6:49.

Verse 12

such as did the work. Hebrew text reads sing, "him who did". The Authorized Version, following some codices, with Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulg, reads plural

Verse 13

by them: i.e. by their hand: i.e. by their direction.

Verse 15

an hundred and thirty years. Unprecedented since Joshua (2 Chronicles 24:29). Born in Solomon"s reign, he lived through six others.

Verse 16

among the kings. An honour refused to Joash. Compare 2 Chronicles 24:25.

Verse 17

made obeisance. With the view of obtaining the king"s consent to their renewal of idolatry.

Verse 18

groves. Hebrew. "Asherah. See App-42.

idols = grievous images.

wrath came. From Jehovah. Compare verses: 2 Chronicles 24:23-24.

Verse 19

they testified against them. The Vulgate reads quos protestantes = who in protesting against them. Thus, the first instance of the word "Protestant" is found in the Vulgate, and not in the history of the Reformation. Pro = for, and testans = witnessing, is positive, not negative. It denotes a witnessing for God and His truth, not merely against evil.

Verse 20

Spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9.

came upon = clothed.

Zechariah the son of Jehoiada. In Zechariah 1:1 and Matthew 23:35 a second name is given, "son of Barachias". On the use of two or more names see note on 1 Chronicles 25:11. It is quite needless to assume that there is any error, when so simple a solution lies on the surface.

saith = hath said. A rare form of the verb.

Verse 21

stoned him. One of nine persons stoned. See note on Leviticus 24:14.

at the commandment of the king. One of eleven rulers offended with God"s servants. See note on Exodus 10:28.

Verse 22

he: i.e. Zechariah.

and require it. The very words twice used by the Lord Jesus in Luke 11:50, Luke 11:51. Compare Matthew 23:35.

Verse 23

host = force.

destroyed all the princes. Who had led the People astray. This is how the "wrath came "(2 Chronicles 24:18).

Verse 25

sons. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Genus), App-6, for Jehoiada"s one son: thus emphasizing the son who was slain (2 Chronicles 24:20-21). The Septuagint and Vulgate read it "son" (without the Figure of speech)

not in the sepulchres. As Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28:27).

Verse 26

Zabad . . . Jehozabad. Slaves, but the executioners of God"s judgment. Zabad had another name (Jozachar), used in 2 Kings 12:21.

Shimrith. In 2 Kings 12:21 he has another name, "Shomer", if not his father"s name.

Verse 27

burdens laid upon him. By the king of Syria (2 Kings 12:18). repairing (verses: 2 Chronicles 24:4-14).

behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.

story = the commentary. See note on 2 Chronicles 13:22, the only other place in which the word is found.

his son. Not so in Israel. There they set up whom they chose (1 Kings 15:27; 1 Kings 16:15, 1 Kings 16:22). Here is seen Jehovah"s faithfulness, in "the sure mercies of David" (2 Samuel 7:16. Psalms 89:34-36).