Introduction:
Joash, also known as Jehoash, was a king of Judah who reigned during the 9th century BC. His account is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 11-12 and 2 Chronicles 22-24. Joash's reign is notable for his early commitment to righteousness and the restoration of the temple, largely influenced by the high priest Jehoiada.

Background:
Joash was the son of King Ahaziah of Judah. After Ahaziah's death, his mother, Athaliah, seized the throne and attempted to exterminate the royal lineage of David. However, Joash was saved by his aunt Jehosheba and hidden in the temple for six years (2 Kings 11:2-3). During this time, he was under the protection and tutelage of Jehoiada, the high priest.

Coronation and Early Reign:
At the age of seven, Joash was anointed king in a carefully orchestrated coup led by Jehoiada (2 Kings 11:12). The people of Judah rejoiced, and Athaliah was executed. Joash's early reign was marked by his adherence to the ways of the Lord, as he was guided by Jehoiada. "Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest" (2 Chronicles 24:2).

Religious Reforms and Temple Restoration:
One of Joash's significant achievements was the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem. The temple had fallen into disrepair during Athaliah's reign, as she and her followers had introduced Baal worship. Joash initiated a collection to fund the repairs, instructing the priests to gather money from the people (2 Kings 12:4-5). When the initial efforts were slow, Joash took a more direct approach, placing a chest at the temple gate to collect offerings (2 Kings 12:9). The funds were used to hire skilled workers who restored the temple to its former glory.

Influence of Jehoiada:
Jehoiada's influence on Joash was profound. As a godly mentor, Jehoiada ensured that Joash's reign began with a strong foundation in the worship of Yahweh. Jehoiada's presence provided stability and spiritual guidance, which was crucial for the young king. The high priest's leadership extended beyond religious matters, as he played a key role in the political and social restoration of Judah.

Challenges and Decline:
Despite his righteous beginnings, Joash's commitment to the Lord waned after Jehoiada's death. The Scriptures note a turning point: "After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them" (2 Chronicles 24:17). Joash succumbed to the influence of these officials, leading to the abandonment of the temple and the worship of idols. This apostasy brought divine judgment upon Judah, and prophets were sent to call the nation back to repentance.

Legacy:
Joash's legacy is a complex one. His early reign, marked by righteousness and temple restoration, stands as a testament to the positive influence of godly mentorship. However, his later years serve as a cautionary tale of the dangers of forsaking divine guidance. Joash's life underscores the importance of steadfastness in faith and the consequences of turning away from the Lord's commandments.