Background and Lineage:
Joash, also known as Jehoash, was a significant king of Judah whose reign is detailed in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. He was the son of Ahaziah and the grandson of Athaliah, who was the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel. Joash's lineage placed him in the Davidic line, which was crucial for the fulfillment of God's covenant with David.

Preservation and Ascension:
Joash's early life was marked by turmoil and divine intervention. After the death of his father, King Ahaziah, his grandmother Athaliah seized the throne and attempted to exterminate the royal family to secure her position. However, Joash was saved by his aunt Jehosheba, the wife of Jehoiada the priest. She hid him in the temple of the LORD for six years, protecting him from Athaliah's murderous intent (2 Kings 11:2-3).

In the seventh year, Jehoiada orchestrated a coup to restore the rightful heir to the throne. He gathered the commanders, the Carites, and the guards, and revealed Joash to them. They swore allegiance to the young king and anointed him in a public ceremony, proclaiming him king with the acclamation, "Long live the king!" (2 Kings 11:12). Athaliah was executed, and Joash began his reign at the age of seven.

Reign and Religious Reforms:
Joash's reign was characterized by a return to the worship of Yahweh and the restoration of the temple, which had fallen into disrepair during Athaliah's rule. Under the guidance of Jehoiada, Joash initiated significant religious reforms. He ordered the collection of funds to repair the temple and ensured that the priests and Levites carried out their duties according to the Law of Moses (2 Kings 12:4-5; 2 Chronicles 24:4-5).

The temple restoration project was a major achievement of Joash's reign. He demonstrated a commitment to the covenantal traditions of Judah and sought to restore the spiritual integrity of the nation. The repairs were completed, and the temple was restored to its former glory, serving as a center for worship and sacrifice.

Challenges and Decline:
Despite his early successes, Joash's reign faced challenges, particularly after the death of Jehoiada. Influenced by the officials of Judah, Joash abandoned the house of the LORD and turned to idolatry. This apostasy led to divine judgment, and prophets were sent to call the king and the people back to faithfulness. However, Joash did not heed their warnings (2 Chronicles 24:17-19).

The decline of Joash's reign was marked by internal strife and external threats. He faced military pressure from Hazael, king of Aram, and was forced to pay tribute to avoid destruction (2 Kings 12:17-18). His failure to maintain the spiritual and political stability of Judah ultimately led to his assassination by his own officials, who conspired against him and killed him in his bed (2 Kings 12:20-21).

Legacy:
Joash's legacy is a complex one. He began his reign with promise and zeal for the LORD, but his later years were marred by unfaithfulness and political instability. His life serves as a reminder of the importance of steadfastness in faith and the dangers of turning away from God's commandments. Despite his failings, Joash's early efforts to restore the temple and renew the covenantal worship of Yahweh left a lasting impact on the religious life of Judah.