What does 2 Kings 12:20 mean?
"And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla." - 2 Kings 12:20
2 Kings 12:20 (KJV) states, "And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla."
This verse is part of the Old Testament, which tells the story of the kings of Israel and Judah. The book of 2 Kings specifically records the history of the kings of Judah and Israel from the time of Solomon's death until the fall of Jerusalem and the exile in Babylon. The verse in question takes place during the reign of Joash, who was the king of Judah.
The context of this verse is crucial in understanding its significance. Joash became king of Judah at the age of seven, and he reigned for forty years in Jerusalem. During the early years of his reign, Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as he was guided by the priest Jehoiada. Under his influence, Joash repaired the temple of the Lord, which had fallen into disrepair during the reign of the wicked queen Athaliah. He also reinstated the proper worship of the Lord and abolished idolatry in the land.
However, as Joash grew older, he turned away from the Lord and began to listen to the princes of Judah who led him into idolatry. The verse in 2 Kings 12:20 signifies the tragic end of Joash's reign. His servants, who had perhaps been influenced by the princes and their idolatrous ways, conspired against Joash and ultimately assassinated him in the house of Millo.
This historical event holds several significant themes and lessons that are relevant to the broader biblical narrative. One of the key themes is the consequences of turning away from the Lord. Joash began his reign with strong faith and devotion to God, but as he grew older, he allowed himself to be swayed by the influences of those around him. This led to his downfall and ultimately his death at the hands of his own servants. The verse serves as a warning about the dangers of succumbing to worldly influences and straying from the path of righteousness.
Another important theme in this verse is the idea of betrayal and conspiracy. Joash, who had once been a righteous and just ruler, fell victim to the treachery of those closest to him. This betrayal serves as a reminder of the fragility of human relationships and the potential for evil to exist even in the hearts of those we trust.
The house of Millo and Silla mentioned in the verse also hold symbolic significance. The house of Millo is believed to be a reference to the district in Jerusalem where the powerful and influential lived. Silla is thought to be a street or district leading to the lower city. The mention of these specific locations adds depth to the narrative, illustrating the extent to which Joash's assassination was a calculated and deliberate act carried out in the heart of the capital city.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 12:20 is a sobering and cautionary tale that serves as a warning about the consequences of straying from the path of faith and righteousness. It also highlights the vulnerability of humanity to betrayal and the insidious nature of conspiracy. Ultimately, the verse presents a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining steadfast in one's faith and the dangers of allowing worldly influences to lead us astray.
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2 Kings 12:20 - "And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla."
"And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla." - 2 Kings 12:20
2 Kings 20:12 - "¶ At that time Berodach-baladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick."
2 Kings 20:20 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 20:2 - "Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,"
2 Kings 2:20 - "And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him."
2 Kings 12:19 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 20:16 - "And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD."
2 Kings 10:20 - "And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it."
1 Kings 20:12 - "And it came to pass, when Ben-hadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he said unto his servants, Set yourselves in array. And they set themselves in array against the city."
2 Kings 25:20 - "And Nebuzar-adan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:"
2 Kings 12:14 - "But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 14:20 - "And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David."
2 Kings 20:21 - "And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 21:20 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did."
2 Kings 13:20 - "¶ And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year."
2 Kings 20:7 - "And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered."
2 Kings 11:20 - "And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king's house."
2 Kings 25:12 - "But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen."
2 Kings 8:20 - "¶ In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves."
2 Kings 12:16 - "The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the LORD: it was the priests'."
2 Kings 12:12 - "And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it."
2 Kings 7:20 - "And so it fell out unto him: for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died."
2 Kings 12:2 - "And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him."
1 Kings 20:2 - "And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Ben-hadad,"
2 Kings 10:12 - "¶ And he arose and departed, and came to Samaria. And as he was at the shearing house in the way,"
2 Kings 13:12 - "And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might wherewith he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 14:12 - "And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents."
2 Kings 12:6 - "But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house."
2 Kings 20:4 - "And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,"