The assassination of Jehoash, also known as Joash, is a significant event in the history of the Kingdom of Judah, recorded in the Old Testament. Jehoash was the son of Ahaziah and became king at a young age after being hidden from the murderous rampage of Athaliah, his grandmother, who sought to destroy the royal lineage of David. His reign is detailed in 2 Kings 11-12 and 2 Chronicles 22-24.

Background and Reign

Jehoash ascended to the throne of Judah at the age of seven, under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, who played a crucial role in his early reign. Jehoiada's influence was instrumental in leading Jehoash to restore the worship of Yahweh and repair the Temple in Jerusalem, which had fallen into disrepair during the reign of Athaliah. The young king's reign was marked by a return to the covenantal faithfulness of his forefathers, as long as Jehoiada was alive.

2 Kings 12:2 states, "All the days that Jehoiada the priest instructed him, Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD." This period of religious reform and temple restoration was a high point in Jehoash's reign, demonstrating his commitment to the God of Israel.

Turning Away from God

However, after the death of Jehoiada, Jehoash's reign took a turn for the worse. Influenced by the officials of Judah, he abandoned the house of the LORD and turned to idolatry. This apostasy led to divine judgment, as God sent prophets to warn the king and the people, but they did not listen. One of these prophets was Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who was stoned to death by order of the king, an act that marked a significant moral and spiritual decline in Jehoash's leadership.

2 Chronicles 24:20-21 recounts, "Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said to them, 'This is what God says: Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has forsaken you.' But they conspired against Zechariah, and by order of the king, they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the house of the LORD."

Assassination

The assassination of Jehoash was a direct consequence of his departure from the ways of the LORD. His actions led to unrest and dissatisfaction among his own officials. In a time of political instability and external threats, Jehoash's failure to maintain the covenant with God and his betrayal of Jehoiada's legacy culminated in his assassination.

2 Kings 12:20-21 describes the event: "His servants conspired against him and killed Joash at Beth-millo, on the road that goes down to Silla. His servants Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer struck him down, and he died. They buried him with his fathers in the City of David, and his son Amaziah reigned in his place."

Jehoash's assassination serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of faithful leadership. His death marked the end of a reign that began with promise but ended in tragedy due to his failure to uphold the covenantal responsibilities of a king of Judah.