Joash, also known as Jehoash, was a king of Judah who reigned for forty years. His reign is documented in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Joash was the son of Ahaziah and was saved from the massacre of the royal family by his aunt Jehosheba, who hid him in the temple for six years while Athaliah usurped the throne. Under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, Joash was crowned king at the age of seven (2 Kings 11:2-4; 2 Chronicles 22:11-12).

During the early years of his reign, Joash was faithful to the LORD, largely due to the influence of Jehoiada. He initiated repairs to the temple, which had been neglected and desecrated during Athaliah's rule (2 Kings 12:4-15; 2 Chronicles 24:4-14). However, after Jehoiada's death, Joash's faithfulness waned. He succumbed to the influence of the officials of Judah, who led him into idolatry and away from the worship of Yahweh (2 Chronicles 24:17-18).

Joash's later years were marked by turmoil and tragedy. He faced military threats from the Arameans, who invaded Judah and inflicted heavy casualties. In an attempt to appease Hazael, king of Aram, Joash sent him treasures from the temple and the royal palace (2 Kings 12:17-18; 2 Chronicles 24:23-24). Despite these efforts, Joash's reign ended in betrayal and violence. He was assassinated by his own officials, Zabad and Jehozabad, as a consequence of his turning away from God and the murder of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who had prophesied against him (2 Kings 12:20-21; 2 Chronicles 24:25-26).

The burial of Joash is a significant event that reflects the judgment upon his unfaithfulness. Unlike his ancestors who were buried in the City of David, Joash was not laid to rest in the tombs of the kings. The chronicler notes, "They buried him in the city of David, but not in the tombs of the kings" (2 Chronicles 24:25). This exclusion from the royal sepulchers was a mark of dishonor, signifying the disapproval of his actions and the consequences of his apostasy.

Joash's burial serves as a somber reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of turning away from His commandments. His life and death underscore the biblical theme that leadership and obedience to God are paramount, and deviation from His ways leads to downfall and disgrace.