2 Chronicles 24:2

And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.

Study Bible

And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD
Joash, also known as Jehoash, was the king of Judah who began his reign at a young age. His actions being described as "right in the eyes of the LORD" indicates his adherence to the covenantal laws and practices that were expected of the kings of Judah. This phrase is often used in the Old Testament to denote a king's faithfulness to God, contrasting with those who did evil. Joash's early reign was marked by religious reforms and the restoration of the temple, aligning with the Deuteronomic history's emphasis on covenant fidelity. This phrase echoes the biblical theme of divine approval for those who follow God's commandments, similar to the commendations given to other righteous kings like David and Hezekiah.

all the days of Jehoiada the priest
Jehoiada was a high priest who played a crucial role in Joash's life, acting as a mentor and guide. His influence was significant in Joash's early years, ensuring that the king's actions were aligned with God's will. The phrase highlights the importance of godly counsel and leadership, as Jehoiada's presence was instrumental in maintaining Joash's faithfulness. This period of righteousness under Jehoiada's guidance underscores the biblical principle that wise and godly leadership can lead to national and spiritual prosperity. The eventual decline in Joash's faithfulness after Jehoiada's death serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of straying from godly influence, paralleling the warnings found in Proverbs about the importance of wise counsel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joash
Joash was the king of Judah who began his reign at a young age. He is noted for doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD during the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest.

2. Jehoiada the Priest
A godly priest who played a crucial role in guiding Joash and ensuring that he followed the ways of the LORD. His influence was significant in Joash's early reign.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Joash reigned as king. It was a time of both spiritual renewal and eventual decline.

4. Temple Restoration
Under Joash's reign and Jehoiada's guidance, there was a significant effort to restore the temple, which had fallen into disrepair.

5. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, whose standards and commandments were the measure of righteousness for the kings of Judah.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Godly Leadership
Joash's success in doing what was right was closely tied to the influence of Jehoiada. This underscores the importance of having godly mentors and leaders in our lives.

The Role of Accountability
Joash's adherence to God's ways was maintained through the accountability provided by Jehoiada. We, too, need accountability partners to help us stay true to our faith.

The Impact of Spiritual Guidance
The spiritual guidance provided by Jehoiada led to significant religious reforms, including the restoration of the temple. This shows the transformative power of spiritual leadership.

The Danger of Losing Godly Influence
After Jehoiada's death, Joash's reign took a negative turn, illustrating the danger of losing godly influence and the need to remain steadfast in faith.

The Legacy of Faithfulness
Jehoiada's legacy was one of faithfulness and dedication to God, which had a lasting impact on the kingdom. Our actions and faith can leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How did Jehoiada's influence shape Joash's reign, and what does this teach us about the importance of godly mentorship?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we have accountability in our spiritual lives, similar to Joash's relationship with Jehoiada?

3. What are some practical steps we can take to restore and maintain our "spiritual temples" in our personal lives?

4. How can we guard against the negative influences that may arise when godly leaders or mentors are no longer present in our lives?

5. Reflect on a time when a godly leader or mentor significantly impacted your faith journey. How can you emulate their positive influence in the lives of others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 12
This chapter provides a parallel account of Joash's reign, offering additional details about his actions and the temple restoration.

Proverbs 11:14
Highlights the importance of wise counsel, which is exemplified in Joash's reliance on Jehoiada.

Hebrews 13:7
Encourages believers to remember and follow the example of their leaders, similar to how Joash followed Jehoiada.

1 Corinthians 15:33
Warns about the influence of bad company, which becomes relevant later in Joash's life after Jehoiada's death.