Joash, also known as Jehoash, is a significant figure in the history of the Kingdom of Judah, known for his reign as king and his efforts to restore the temple in Jerusalem. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Background and Early Life

Joash was the son of King Ahaziah of Judah and became king under extraordinary circumstances. After the death of Ahaziah, his mother, Athaliah, seized the throne and attempted to exterminate the royal family to secure her position. However, Joash was saved by his aunt Jehosheba, who was married to Jehoiada the priest. Jehosheba hid Joash in the temple of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled the land (2 Kings 11:1-3).

Ascension to the Throne

When Joash was seven years old, Jehoiada orchestrated a coup to dethrone Athaliah and place Joash on the throne. The priest gathered the commanders, the Carites, and the guards, and they anointed Joash as king in a public ceremony, declaring, "Long live the king!" (2 Kings 11:12). Athaliah was executed, and Joash began his reign under the guidance of Jehoiada (2 Kings 11:13-20).

Reign and Religious Reforms

Joash reigned for 40 years in Jerusalem, and his reign is noted for the restoration of the temple. Under the influence of Jehoiada, Joash initiated repairs to the temple, which had been neglected and desecrated during Athaliah's rule. He instructed the priests to collect money from the people to fund the repairs (2 Kings 12:4-5). When the priests failed to act promptly, Joash took direct action by placing a chest at the temple entrance to collect offerings, ensuring the work was completed (2 Kings 12:9-12).

Challenges and Decline

Despite his early successes, Joash's reign faced challenges, particularly after the death of Jehoiada. The king's reliance on his mentor was evident, and without Jehoiada's guidance, Joash's commitment to the LORD wavered. Influenced by the officials of Judah, he turned to idolatry, abandoning the temple worship he once championed (2 Chronicles 24:17-18).

This apostasy led to divine judgment. The LORD sent prophets to call Joash and the people back to righteousness, but they were ignored. Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, was filled with the Spirit of God and confronted Joash, saying, "Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has forsaken you" (2 Chronicles 24:20). In a tragic turn, Joash ordered Zechariah's execution, an act that marked a significant moral decline in his reign (2 Chronicles 24:21).

Death and Legacy

Joash's later years were marked by political instability and military defeat. Hazael, king of Aram, attacked Jerusalem, and Joash was forced to pay tribute by stripping the temple of its treasures (2 Kings 12:17-18). Eventually, Joash was assassinated by his own officials, who conspired against him due to his betrayal of Jehoiada's family (2 Kings 12:20-21).

Joash was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings, reflecting the mixed legacy of his reign (2 Chronicles 24:25). His life serves as a cautionary tale of the importance of steadfast faith and the dangers of turning away from the LORD.