2 Kings 12 · Grade 5
Borrowed Faith
Read and Think
Jehoash's reign began well. The verse states it carefully: he did right all his days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him. His faithfulness was tied to his mentor. The high places remained, a sign the reform was incomplete.
The temple repair project shows both delay and integrity. For twenty-three years the priests did not fix the breaches. Jehoiada's chest beside the altar created a new, open system, and the workers dealt so faithfully that no accounting was required. Generous giving and honest handling went together.
Yet the chapter ends sadly. Facing Hazael, Jehoash stripped the temple of the holy things his ancestors had dedicated and paid off the enemy instead of trusting God. Then his own servants killed him. Faith that leans entirely on another person may falter when that support is gone. In the New Testament, Paul urges believers to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in them (Philippians 2:12-13).
Show What You Know
To whom was Jehoash's faithfulness tied?
How long did the priests not fix the breaches?
What did Jehoash do instead of trusting God when Hazael came?
What does Paul urge in Philippians 2:12-13 in the New Testament?
Crossword
Across
- Then King ____ called for Jehoiada the priest.
- And set it beside the ____.
Down
- Now therefore take no more ____ from your treasurers.
- Then King Jehoash called for ____ the priest.
- When they saw that there was much money in the ____.
Think About It
Is your faith your own, or does it lean on others? How can you grow a faith that is truly yours?
The workers were trusted because they were faithful. How can you build a reputation for honesty?
Memory Verse
“Jehoash did that which was right in Yahweh’s eyes all his days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him.”
2 Kings 12:2 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for faithful workers. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- How can you keep your faith strong as you grow?
- How can your faith become your own?
- What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.