In the spring, the army of Aram went to war against Joash. They entered Judah and Jerusalem and destroyed all the leaders of the people, and they sent all the plunder to their king in Damascus. At the turn of the yearThis phrase indicates a specific time, likely the spring, which was traditionally the season when kings went to war (2 Samuel 11:1). The Hebrew word for "turn" (תְּקוּפָה, tequfah) suggests a cyclical event, emphasizing the regularity and inevitability of God's judgment when His people stray from His commandments. This timing underscores the divine orchestration of events, reminding believers of God's sovereignty over time and history. the army of Aram marched against Joash They invaded Judah and Jerusalem destroyed all the leaders of the people and they sent all the plunder to the king of Damascus Persons / Places / Events 1. JoashKing of Judah who initially followed God under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest but later turned away from God after Jehoiada's death. 2. Aram A kingdom located in modern-day Syria, often at odds with Israel and Judah. 3. Judah and Jerusalem The southern kingdom of Israel and its capital, representing the heart of God's chosen people. 4. Leaders of the People The officials and nobles of Judah who were destroyed by the invading army. 5. King of Damascus The ruler of Aram, who received the plunder from the invasion. Teaching Points The Consequences of ApostasyJoash's departure from God after Jehoiada's death led to national disaster. This serves as a warning about the dangers of turning away from God and the importance of steadfast faith. Leadership and Accountability The destruction of Judah's leaders highlights the responsibility of leaders to guide their people in righteousness. Leaders are accountable to God for their actions and influence. God's Sovereignty in Judgment The invasion by Aram demonstrates God's control over nations and His use of them to execute judgment. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all events and uses them for His purposes. The Importance of Godly Counsel Joash thrived under the guidance of Jehoiada but faltered without it. This underscores the value of surrounding oneself with godly advisors and mentors. Bible Study Questions 1. How did Joash's relationship with God change after the death of Jehoiada, and what can we learn from this about the importance of spiritual mentors?2. In what ways does the invasion by Aram serve as a fulfillment of God's warnings to His people about the consequences of disobedience? 3. How can we apply the principle of accountability in leadership to our own roles and responsibilities, whether in the church, workplace, or home? 4. What does this passage teach us about God's sovereignty and His use of nations and events to accomplish His purposes? 5. How can we ensure that we remain faithful to God even when our spiritual mentors or leaders are no longer present in our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 12Provides a parallel account of Joash's reign and the invasion by Aram, offering additional context and details. 2 Chronicles 24:17-22 Describes the events leading up to the invasion, including Joash's apostasy and the murder of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada. Proverbs 14:34 Highlights the principle that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people, which is evident in the downfall of Judah under Joash. Isaiah 10:5-6 Illustrates how God uses foreign nations as instruments of judgment against His people when they turn away from Him.
People Amaziah, Aram, Athaliah, David, Jehoiada, Jehozabad, Joash, Levites, Shimeath, Shimrith, Syrians, Zabad, Zechariah, ZibiahPlaces Beersheba, Damascus, JerusalemTopics Aram, Aramaeans, Arameans, Army, Damascus, Death, Destroy, Destroyed, Entered, Force, Goods, Heads, Host, Invaded, Jerusalem, Joash, Jo'ash, Judah, Killed, Leaders, Marched, Officials, Pass, Plunder, Princes, Putting, Sending, Spoil, Spring, Syria, Syrians, TurnDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 24:23 5354 invasions Library The King's Farewell'Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 28. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. 29. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, 30. And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Joash Glad Givers and Faithful Workers The Channel of Power. The Prophet Joel. Conclusion The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close. Chronicles Links 2 Chronicles 24:23 NIV2 Chronicles 24:23 NLT 2 Chronicles 24:23 ESV 2 Chronicles 24:23 NASB 2 Chronicles 24:23 KJV 2 Chronicles 24:23 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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