Introduction

Joash, also known as Jehoash, was a king of Judah whose reign is noted for its initial righteousness and reformative zeal. His account is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 11-12 and 2 Chronicles 22-24. Joash ascended to the throne at a young age and was significantly influenced by the priest Jehoiada, who played a crucial role in his early reign.

Background and Ascension

Joash was the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, and his life was preserved through divine providence during a tumultuous period marked by the usurpation of the throne by Athaliah, his grandmother. Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, sought to exterminate the royal lineage of David. However, Joash was hidden in the temple for six years by his aunt Jehosheba and her husband, the high priest Jehoiada. At the age of seven, Joash was anointed king in a dramatic coup orchestrated by Jehoiada, as recorded in 2 Kings 11:12 : "Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, 'Long live the king!'"

Righteous Beginnings

Under the guidance of Jehoiada, Joash began his reign with a commitment to restore the worship of Yahweh and repair the temple, which had been neglected and desecrated during Athaliah's rule. 2 Kings 12:2 states, "All the days that Jehoiada the priest instructed him, Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD." This period was marked by a return to covenant faithfulness and the reestablishment of proper temple worship.

Joash initiated a significant project to repair the temple, as detailed in 2 Kings 12:4-5 : "Then Joash said to the priests, 'Collect all the money brought as sacred offerings to the house of the LORD—the census money, the money from personal vows, and all the money that is voluntarily brought to the house of the LORD. Let every priest receive it from his constituency, and let it be used to repair any damage found in the temple.'" This effort demonstrated Joash's dedication to restoring the spiritual and physical integrity of the temple, which was central to the worship and identity of Judah.

Influence of Jehoiada

Jehoiada's influence was pivotal in Joash's early reign. As a godly mentor, Jehoiada ensured that Joash adhered to the laws of God and maintained the worship practices prescribed in the Mosaic Law. The high priest's role in Joash's life exemplifies the importance of godly counsel and leadership in guiding rulers to govern righteously. Jehoiada's presence provided stability and spiritual direction, which were crucial for the young king.

Challenges and Reforms

Despite the initial success, Joash's reign was not without challenges. The collection of funds for the temple repairs faced obstacles, prompting Joash to implement a more effective system, as described in 2 Kings 12:9 : "Then Jehoiada the priest took a chest, bored a hole in its lid, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one enters the house of the LORD. And the priests who guarded the threshold put into the chest all the money that was brought to the house of the LORD." This reform ensured the proper allocation of resources for the temple's restoration.

Conclusion

Joash's reign began with a strong commitment to righteousness and the restoration of true worship in Judah. His early years were marked by adherence to God's commandments and the influence of the godly priest Jehoiada. However, the later years of his reign would reveal the challenges of maintaining such a course without steadfast spiritual guidance.