However, the humiliation that Jehoash displays goes too far, for he lowers himself to robbing the temple of the Lord. Amaziah had lost his messianic heart, and Jehoash shows no respect whatsoever for the temple of the Lord. Jehoash even takes hostages; the text does not say what his intentions are with them, but it could be a security deposit
that ensures that Judah will stick to specific agreements.
This episode shows a clear decay of both brother nations. Their kings do not stand out much from the rulers all around them. You may see this spiritual poverty as a plea that God may send a truly good and sincere King, Christ Jesus, to reign over his people. We, as New Testament people, may rejoice to live under his reign.
14 Il prit tout l'or et l'argent et tous les vases qui se trouvaient dans la maison de l'Eternel et dans les trésors de la maison du roi; il prit aussi des otages, et il retourna à Samarie.