The Influence of Jehoiada
Joash was heavily influenced by Jehoiada the priest, who guided him in doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest (2 Chronicles 24:2).

Restoration of the Temple
Under Joash's leadership and Jehoiada's guidance, the temple was restored. This demonstrates the importance of prioritizing worship and the house of God. They collected money and repaired the house of the LORD (2 Chronicles 24:12).

The Downfall After Jehoiada's Death
After Jehoiada's death, Joash listened to the wrong counsel, leading to idolatry and the eventual downfall of his reign. They abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherah poles and idols (2 Chronicles 24:18).

The Consequences of Disobedience
Joash's turning away from God led to judgment and his assassination. This highlights the severe consequences of forsaking God. His servants conspired against him and killed him (2 Chronicles 24:25).Seek Godly Counsel
Surround yourself with mentors and advisors who are grounded in biblical truth and can guide you in righteousness.

Prioritize Worship
Make the worship of God and the upkeep of His house a central part of your life.

Stay Faithful
Remain steadfast in your faith, even when those who have guided you are no longer present.

Guard Against Idolatry
Be vigilant against influences that draw you away from God, ensuring that He remains the center of your life.1. Joash
Joash was the king of Judah who began his reign at the age of seven and reigned for forty years in Jerusalem. He is noted for doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD during the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest (2 Chronicles 24:1-2).

2. Jehoiada
Jehoiada was the high priest who played a crucial role in the early years of Joash's reign. He guided Joash in doing what was right and was instrumental in the restoration of the temple (2 Chronicles 24:2, 6, 12, 14).

3. Zibiah
Zibiah of Beersheba was the mother of Joash (2 Chronicles 24:1).

4. The Levites
The Levites were responsible for collecting the tax imposed by Moses for the maintenance of the temple. They were initially slow to act, prompting Joash to urge them to hasten the collection (2 Chronicles 24:5).

5. The Officials
These were the leaders of Judah who, after the death of Jehoiada, influenced Joash to abandon the temple of the LORD and serve Asherah poles and idols (2 Chronicles 24:17-18).

6. Zechariah
Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada the priest, was a prophet who confronted the people for their disobedience to God. He was stoned to death by order of King Joash in the courtyard of the LORD's temple (2 Chronicles 24:20-21).

7. The Arameans
The Arameans invaded Judah and Jerusalem, executing judgment on Joash for his abandonment of the LORD. They left him severely wounded (2 Chronicles 24:23-24).

8. The Conspirators
These were the servants of Joash who conspired against him and killed him on his bed as retribution for the murder of Zechariah (2 Chronicles 24:25-26).

9. Jozabad
Jozabad, the son of Shimeath, was one of the conspirators who killed Joash (2 Chronicles 24:26).

10. Jehozabad
Jehozabad, the son of Shimrith, was another conspirator involved in the assassination of Joash (2 Chronicles 24:26).1. Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the central city where King Joash reigned. It is significant as the political and spiritual center of Judah. In Hebrew, "Jerusalem" (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, Yerushalayim) is often associated with peace and completeness.

2. Temple of the LORD
The Temple in Jerusalem is where Joash focused his efforts on restoration. It is the sacred place of worship for the Israelites, representing God's dwelling among His people. The Hebrew term for "temple" is הֵיכָל (heikal), meaning a large building or palace, often used for the temple.

3. Judah
The kingdom over which Joash ruled. Judah is one of the twelve tribes of Israel and represents the southern kingdom after the division of Israel. The Hebrew name יְהוּדָה (Yehudah) is derived from the root יָדָה (yadah), meaning "to praise."

4. Aram
The kingdom that came against Judah during Joash's reign. Aram, known today as Syria, was a significant power in the region. The Hebrew name אֲרָם (Aram) refers to the ancient region and people located in the area of modern-day Syria.1. Joash Becomes King
Joash was seven years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for forty years. His mother was Zibiah from Beersheba (2 Chronicles 24:1).

2. Joash's Righteousness Under Jehoiada
Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest (2 Chronicles 24:2). The Hebrew root for "right" (יָשָׁר, yashar) implies uprightness and moral integrity.

3. Jehoiada's Influence
Jehoiada took two wives for Joash, and he had sons and daughters (2 Chronicles 24:3).

4. Restoration of the Temple
Joash decided to restore the house of the LORD, which had been neglected (2 Chronicles 24:4).

5. Collection for the Temple Repair
Joash instructed the Levites to collect money from all Israel to repair the temple annually, but the Levites did not act quickly (2 Chronicles 24:5).

6. King's Command to Repair the Temple
Joash summoned Jehoiada and the priests, questioning why they had not required the Levites to bring in the tax from Judah and Jerusalem for the tent of the testimony (2 Chronicles 24:6).

7. Chest for Offerings
A chest was placed outside the gate of the temple, and a proclamation was made for the people to bring their contributions (2 Chronicles 24:8-9).

8. People's Generosity
The people and leaders rejoiced and brought their contributions, filling the chest with money (2 Chronicles 24:10).

9. Funds for Temple Repairs
The money collected was used to hire masons and carpenters to restore the temple, as well as workers in iron and bronze (2 Chronicles 24:12).

10. Completion of Repairs
The workmen labored, and the temple was restored to its original condition and strengthened (2 Chronicles 24:13).

11. Offerings and Worship
After the repairs, they offered burnt offerings in the house of the LORD continually all the days of Jehoiada (2 Chronicles 24:14).

12. Death of Jehoiada
Jehoiada lived to a ripe old age and died at 130 years old. He was buried with the kings because of his good deeds for God and His temple (2 Chronicles 24:15-16).

13. Joash's Apostasy
After Jehoiada's death, the officials of Judah influenced Joash, and he abandoned the house of the LORD, serving Asherah poles and idols (2 Chronicles 24:17-18).

14. Prophetic Warning
Prophets were sent to bring the people back to the LORD, but they would not listen (2 Chronicles 24:19).

15. Zechariah's Martyrdom
The Spirit of God came upon Zechariah, son of Jehoiada, who rebuked the people. They conspired against him and stoned him to death by the king's command (2 Chronicles 24:20-21).

16. Judgment on Joash
At the end of the year, the Aramean army attacked Judah and Jerusalem, destroying the leaders and sending the plunder to the king of Damascus (2 Chronicles 24:23).

17. Joash's Wounding and Assassination
Joash was severely wounded, and his servants conspired against him for killing the son of Jehoiada. They assassinated him on his bed (2 Chronicles 24:25).

18. Joash's Burial
Joash was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings (2 Chronicles 24:25).

19. Succession
Amaziah, Joash's son, became king in his place (2 Chronicles 24:27).Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'

Hebrews 10:25
Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.Pray for wisdom to seek and heed godly counsel in all areas of life.

Ask God to help you prioritize His worship and the care of His church.

Seek strength to remain faithful to God, regardless of changing circumstances or influences.

Pray for discernment to recognize and resist any form of idolatry in your life.

As we reflect on the life of Joash, may we learn from his successes and failures, striving to remain faithful to God throughout our lives.

1. How does Jehoiada's guidance influence Joash's early reign? Can you think of modern examples where mentorship has similarly shaped individuals?

2. Reflect on the efforts made to repair the Temple. How does this show the role of community in religious matters?

3. Why do you think Joash turned to idolatry after Jehoiada's death despite his initial devotion to God?

4. How does Joash's story highlight the impact of peer pressure or societal influence on our actions and beliefs?

5. How did Joash respond to Zechariah's prophecy? How should we respond to criticism or correction, especially when it's based on truth?

6. Compare and contrast the deaths of Jehoiada and Joash. What does this reveal about the consequences of our actions?

7. How can we resist negative influences and remain steadfast in our beliefs like Jehoiada, even when surrounded by unrighteousness?

8. How does Joash's story illustrate the biblical principle that "whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" (Galatians 6:7)?

9. How does the punishment of Joash relate to the concept of divine justice?

10. Why is it important to remember the source of our guidance, as seen in Joash's dependence on Jehoiada?

11. How can we ensure the integrity of our faith, avoiding the fate of Joash who fell into apostasy?

12. What lessons can we learn from Zechariah’s courage to speak truth to power, despite the cost?

13. What role does repentance play in our faith journey and how could it have changed Joash's fate?

14. How does the narrative of Joash reflect on the importance of personal responsibility for one's spiritual health?

15. How does Joash's downfall serve as a warning against complacency in our spiritual life?

16. What can we learn about the dangers of forsaking God's commands for worldly counsel?

17. How should we react when we see leaders or influential figures going astray, as Joash did?

18. What lessons can we glean from the community's initial support of Joash and their subsequent disloyalty?

19. How does this chapter highlight the role of prophecy in the narrative of the Bible?

20. How can we apply the lessons from Joash's life and reign to our own personal walk with God?