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The work of Joash was to repair the temple and restore the sacrificial worship. The bright side of Joash's rule divides itself into the man and his mission — his motive and his method.

I. JOASH HAD TO CONQUER, SPIRITUALLY, HIS OWN HEART AS WELL AS THE HEART OF HIS PEOPLE. To know Joash you must understand —

1. His lineage. Heredity did little for, but much against, the formation in him of a pure character. Athaliah and Jezebel were his grandmother and great.grandmother.

2. His environment. This was Jehoiada.

(1)  He was a father to Joash.

(2)  He was the impersonation of piety.

(3)  His patriotism so blended with his piety that though separable in thought, they were scarcely distinguishable in action.

(4)  Jehoiada's philanthropy is seen in his self-restraint in the hour of triumph. Only two perished — Athaliah the usurper and the idolatrous priest.

II. THE MISSION OF JOASH WAS TO EFFECT AMONG HIS PEOPLE A GENUINE REFORMATION. The reconstruction of the temple he viewed as the road to religious revival and reformation. Destruction and reconstruction are alternating or synchronous processes ever manifesting themselves in the efforts of God's people. Joash is the resultant and embodiment of both these forces. Destruction is easy, and to wicked men only too natural (ver..7). Construction, and still more reconstruction, is as difficult as destruction is easy.

III. JOASH WAS UNSELFISH IN HIS MOTIVE.

1. The times called loudly for reform.

2. Joash aimed at a revival of religion.

(1)  Revivals take their rise in the individual heart.

(2)  Revivals of religion, if genuine, are contagious.

(3)  Revivals naturally induce co-operation.

IV. THE METHOD OF JOASH FOR INCREASING MEN'S INTEREST IN RELIGION WAS THE RESTORATION OF THE LORD'S HOUSE. A dilapidated temple of God is painfully significant. The great collection under Joash for the temple is a model for Christian beneficence. Dimly shadowed in the people's offering under Joash, but distinctly taught in the letters of Paul, are eight rules of Christian giving. We should give —

1. By principle and habit.

2. In the spirit of stewardship.

3. According to ability.

4. Willingly and cheerfully.

5. Secretly as a general thing, as unto the Lord, and not unto men.

6. As an act of worship.

7. In faith, venturing on God, as did the widow with her two mites.

8. Intelligently, as to the object.Application: Mankind is "the house of the Lord" in ruins. We are under solemn obligation to reconstruct this broken and shattered temple.

(W. Landrum, D. D.)

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KJV: And it came to pass after this, that Joash was minded to repair the house of the LORD.

WEB: It happened after this, that Joash was minded to restore the house of Yahweh.