Who was King Joash in the Bible?

Early Life and Preservation

Joash—also rendered “Jehoash” in some translations—was born into the royal line of David during a tumultuous period in Judah’s history. After the death of King Ahaziah (Joash’s father), Queen Athaliah seized power, eliminating potential heirs to the throne (2 Kings 11:1). However, Joash was secretly rescued from this purge by his aunt Jehosheba and hidden in the House of the LORD for six years (2 Kings 11:2–3). Protected under the care of the high priest Jehoiada, Joash remained undiscovered until he was seven years old.

Ascension to the Throne

After this period of concealment, Jehoiada orchestrated Joash’s coronation. In an elaborate plan, temple guards were stationed to protect the boy-king, and when the moment arrived, Joash was anointed as king in a public ceremony. Scripture says, “Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and made him king” (2 Kings 11:12). Queen Athaliah’s tyranny ended that day as the people affirmed Joash's rightful place on the throne.

Reign and Temple Restoration

As a child king, Joash initially ruled under the guidance of the godly priest Jehoiada. During his early reign, he showed zeal for honoring the LORD by initiating the restoration of the Temple. According to 2 Kings 12:4–5, Joash ordered that offerings collected at the Temple be used to fund repairs. Craftsmen and builders were engaged to ensure the Temple would be structurally secure and fit for proper worship. This period highlights Joash’s commitment to the covenant with God, especially while Jehoiada lived (2 Chronicles 24:2).

Later Decline and Tragic Outcome

Despite his promising start, Joash’s faithfulness declined after Jehoiada’s death. Influenced by corrupt officials, he abandoned the faithful worship of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 24:17–18 notes that the people even served idolatrous symbols. When Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, confronted Joash about his turning away from their covenant with God, the king permitted Zechariah’s execution (2 Chronicles 24:20–21). This action brought condemnation upon Joash’s reign.

Eventually, Joash faced Aramean invasions and physical affliction. In a tragic end, his servants conspired against him and killed him on his bed (2 Kings 12:20–21; 2 Chronicles 24:25–26). While he was buried in the city of David, he was notably excluded from being laid in the tombs of the kings, underscoring the nation’s grief over his apostasy (2 Chronicles 24:25).

Historical and Archaeological Footnotes

Archaeological discussions surrounding a controversial artifact known as the “Jehoash Inscription” have drawn interest, as it references repairs to the Temple and potentially aligns with the biblical account of Joash’s repairs. While the inscription’s authenticity remains debated among scholars, the possibility that it points to real events of the ninth century BC has fueled further research into this portion of Judah’s history.

Additionally, excavations in the region of the City of David and other sites of the southern kingdom have unearthed various seals, bullae, and administrative records that corroborate the broader political climate described during the monarchy of Judah. These findings provide contextual evidence that the monarchy in Judah was well organized and consistent with the biblical narrative.

Legacy and Lessons

Joash’s life delivers multifaceted lessons on leadership, accountability, and genuine devotion to God. As a child, he demonstrated promise in seeking the LORD's ways, a direction he maintained under the mentorship of Jehoiada. His downfall underscores the danger of neglecting ongoing dependence on divine guidance.

Covenant loyalty, as displayed in his early years, reveals the blessings that come with aligning leadership with God’s commands. Joash’s later apostasy illustrates how quickly human hearts can turn from righteousness in the absence of consistent obedience and wise counsel.

Above all, the biblical account of Joash encourages readers to remain vigilant in faith throughout life, grounding one’s devotion in God’s truth rather than in transient human influences.