And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.

2 KINGS 12:18KJV
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2 Kings 12:18 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 12:18 mean?

2 Kings 12:18 describes how King Jehoash of Judah took all the sacred items and treasures that had been dedicated by his ancestors and himself, along with all the gold from both the temple and the royal palace, and sent them as a payment to Hazael, the king of Syria, to persuade him to withdraw his attack from Jerusalem. This verse shows a moment when the king used the nation’s religious and royal wealth to buy peace and avoid destruction.

The setting is during a time when Jerusalem was threatened by Hazael, king of Syria. Jehoash, facing this military threat, chose to give away valuable and holy items—things set apart for God and the kingdom—to protect the city. This action is recorded as a significant decision, showing the pressure Jehoash was under and the lengths he went to in order to secure his reign and the safety of Jerusalem.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 12:18

  • The word for “hallowed things” is קֹדֶשׁ (qodesh), meaning items set apart as holy or sacred. These were not just ordinary treasures, but things dedicated to God, which adds weight to Jehoash’s decision to use them as tribute.
  • The verb “dedicated” is קָדַשׁ (qadash), meaning to set apart as holy. The verse emphasizes that not only Jehoash, but also his fathers—Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah—had set these things apart, highlighting the long-standing religious significance of the items.
  • The word for “treasures” is אוֹצָר (otzar), referring to stored wealth or valuables. The verse notes that both the temple and the king’s palace were sources for this tribute, showing the extent of the resources given up.
  • The verb “sent” is שָׁלַח (shalach), meaning to send or dispatch. Jehoash actively sent these treasures to Hazael, indicating a deliberate act to negotiate peace.

Why 2 Kings 12:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jehoash’s response to threat was not military resistance but a costly diplomatic move, using sacred and royal wealth to buy off an enemy.
  • The mention of items dedicated by previous kings shows that Jehoash’s decision affected not just his own reign, but the legacy and religious heritage of Judah.
  • This verse connects to the broader narrative of 2 Kings, where the faithfulness and decisions of Judah’s kings are often measured by how they treat the temple and its treasures, making Jehoash’s choice a significant moment in the history of Judah’s leadership.

Where else these words appear

“Jehoash” Hebrew H3060 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Kings 11:21 Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign.
  • 2 Kings 12:7 Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house? now therefore receive no more money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house.
  • 2 Kings 14:11 But Amaziah would not hear. Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Bethshemesh, which belongeth to Judah.

“Hazael” Hebrew H2371 · used in 21 verses

  • 1 Kings 19:15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:
  • 2 Kings 8:15 And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 13:3 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all their days.

“Jehoram” Hebrew H3088 · used in 26 verses

  • 1 Kings 22:50 And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoram his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 9:17 And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace?
  • 2 Chronicles 21:4 Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.

“Ahaziah” Hebrew H274 · used in 30 verses

  • 1 Kings 22:40 So Ahab slept with his fathers; and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 9:16 So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Jezreel; for Joram lay there. And Ahaziah king of Judah was come down to see Joram.
  • 1 Chronicles 3:11 Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son,