Jehoash, also known as Joash, was a king of Judah who reigned in Jerusalem. His account is primarily recorded in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Jehoash's reign is notable for his initial commitment to righteousness and the restoration of the temple, although his later years were marked by a departure from the ways of the LORD.

Early Life and Ascension to the Throne

Jehoash was the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah. After the death of his father, Jehoash was hidden by his aunt Jehosheba to protect him from the murderous rampage of Athaliah, his grandmother, who sought to destroy the royal line. Jehoash was concealed in the house of the LORD for six years while Athaliah reigned over the land (2 Kings 11:2-3).

At the age of seven, Jehoash was anointed king by the high priest Jehoiada, who orchestrated a coup against Athaliah. Jehoash's ascension to the throne was marked by a covenant renewal between the LORD, the king, and the people, emphasizing a return to the worship of Yahweh (2 Kings 11:17).

Righteous Reforms and Temple Restoration

Under the guidance of Jehoiada, Jehoash began his reign with a focus on righteousness and religious reform. "Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days Jehoiada the priest instructed him" (2 Kings 12:2). His commitment to the LORD was evident in his efforts to repair the temple, which had fallen into disrepair during the reign of Athaliah and her promotion of Baal worship.

Jehoash initiated a collection to fund the temple's restoration, demonstrating his dedication to the proper worship of God and the centrality of the temple in Judah's religious life (2 Kings 12:4-5). The repairs were carried out with integrity, as the funds were used directly for the work, and the workers acted faithfully (2 Kings 12:15).

Departure from Righteousness

Despite his promising start, Jehoash's later years were marked by a decline in his commitment to the LORD. After the death of Jehoiada, Jehoash was influenced by the officials of Judah, who led him away from the worship of Yahweh. The people abandoned the house of the LORD and served Asherah poles and idols, provoking the LORD's anger (2 Chronicles 24:17-18).

The LORD sent prophets to bring Jehoash and the people back to Him, but they would not listen. Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, was filled with the Spirit of God and confronted the people, but Jehoash ordered his execution, forgetting the kindness Jehoiada had shown him (2 Chronicles 24:20-22).

Legacy

Jehoash's reign serves as a reminder of the importance of steadfastness in faith and the dangers of turning away from the LORD. His initial righteousness and dedication to temple restoration were overshadowed by his later apostasy and the resulting judgment. Jehoash was eventually assassinated by his own officials, and he was not buried in the tombs of the kings, reflecting the tarnished legacy of his reign (2 Chronicles 24:25).