Background and Reign

Joash, also known as Jehoash, was the king of Judah who reigned from approximately 835 to 796 BC. He was the son of Ahaziah and was saved from the massacre of the royal family by his aunt Jehosheba, who hid him in the temple for six years while Athaliah usurped the throne (2 Kings 11:2-3). Joash was crowned king at the age of seven, under the guidance of the high priest Jehoiada, who played a significant role in his early reign (2 Kings 11:12).

Joash is noted for his initial faithfulness to God, particularly in his efforts to restore the temple in Jerusalem. Under Jehoiada's influence, Joash initiated repairs to the temple, which had been neglected and desecrated during Athaliah's reign (2 Kings 12:4-15). His early reign was marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh and the removal of Baal worship from Judah.

Turning Away from God

However, after the death of Jehoiada, Joash's reign took a turn for the worse. Influenced by the officials of Judah, Joash abandoned the house of the Lord and began to serve Asherah poles and idols (2 Chronicles 24:17-18). This apostasy led to divine wrath against Judah and Jerusalem, and prophets were sent to bring the king and the people back to the Lord, but they would not listen (2 Chronicles 24:19).

One of these prophets was Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who confronted Joash and the people for their transgressions. In a tragic turn of events, Joash ordered Zechariah to be stoned to death in the temple court, an act of betrayal against the family that had saved and supported him (2 Chronicles 24:20-22).

Military Defeat and Assassination

As a consequence of his unfaithfulness, God allowed the Aramean army to invade Judah. Despite their small numbers, the Arameans defeated Joash's forces, destroyed the leaders of the people, and sent the spoils to the king of Damascus (2 Chronicles 24:23-24). Joash was severely wounded during this invasion.

While he lay on his sickbed, Joash was assassinated by his own officials, who conspired against him as retribution for the murder of Zechariah. The conspirators, Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shimrith, struck him down, and he died (2 Kings 12:20-21; 2 Chronicles 24:25-26). Joash was buried in the City of David, but notably, he was not laid to rest in the tombs of the kings, reflecting the disgrace that marked the end of his reign (2 Chronicles 24:25).

Legacy

Joash's reign serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of turning away from God and the consequences of forsaking righteous counsel. His initial reforms and dedication to the temple were overshadowed by his later apostasy and the violent end to his life. The account of Joash underscores the importance of steadfast faith and the peril of succumbing to ungodly influences.