Introduction:
Joash, also known as Jehoash, was a king of Judah who reigned in the 9th century BC. His account is primarily recorded in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Joash's reign is notable for the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem and his initial faithfulness to God under the guidance of the priest Jehoiada.

Early Life and Ascension to the Throne:
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, who hid him in the Temple for six years (2 Kings 11:2-3). At the age of seven, Joash was anointed king in a coup led by the high priest Jehoiada, who orchestrated Athaliah's downfall (2 Kings 11:12-16).

Reign and Religious Reforms:
Under the tutelage of Jehoiada, Joash began his reign with a commitment to the worship of Yahweh. He is credited with initiating significant repairs to the Temple, which had fallen into disrepair during Athaliah's reign. Joash instructed the priests to collect funds for the restoration, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the house of the Lord (2 Kings 12:4-5). The project was successfully completed, demonstrating Joash's dedication to the spiritual and physical restoration of Judah.

Challenges and Decline:
Despite his early faithfulness, Joash's reign faced challenges. After Jehoiada's death, Joash's commitment to God waned. Influenced by the officials of Judah, he turned to idolatry, abandoning the covenant with Yahweh (2 Chronicles 24:17-18). This apostasy led to divine judgment, and prophets were sent to call Joash and the people back to repentance. Among them was Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who was stoned to death by Joash's command for his rebuke (2 Chronicles 24:20-22).

Military Conflicts and Assassination:
Joash's later years were marked by military conflicts. Hazael, king of Aram, threatened Jerusalem, prompting Joash to use the Temple's treasures to buy peace (2 Kings 12:17-18). His reign ended in tragedy when he was assassinated by his own officials at Beth Millo, due to his betrayal of Jehoiada's family and his failure to uphold the covenant with God (2 Kings 12:20-21).

Legacy:
Joash's legacy is a complex one. His early reign was marked by religious reform and dedication to God, but his later years were characterized by apostasy and moral decline. His life serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of forsaking divine guidance and the consequences of turning away from God's covenant. Joash was succeeded by his son Amaziah, who continued the Davidic line in Judah.