2 Kings 12

It was  a time of decline in Judah.  Tribute was flowing from Judah to Syria, not the other way around.  Even the temple repairs were being neglected.  The priests probably felt it would be a waste of money to repair the temple, because it would never be as glorious as it had been in the past.  So, the state stepped in and managed the repairs.  Even good king Joash could not escape the depression that was eating away at the people.  It led two of his servants to assassinate him.  The people were letting the depression of the present seal away their hope for the future. 

LORD, our hope is in you.  It can never be lost, for you are immortal.