Why would Joash brutally execute Zechariah (2 Chronicles 24:20–21), the son of his mentor, if he truly revered Jehoiada’s guidance?

Historical Background of Joash’s Reign

Joash became king at a young age, rescued by Jehoshabeath from the massacre orchestrated by Athaliah (2 Chronicles 22:10–12). Under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, he embarked on significant reforms, including the restoration of the temple (2 Chronicles 24:4–14). During these years, he benefited greatly from the spiritual and paternal mentorship of Jehoiada.

Joash’s initial devotion to true worship is highlighted in the narrative: “Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest” (2 Chronicles 24:2). This sets the stage for a stark contrast once Jehoiada passed away.

Jehoiada’s Influence and Legacy

Jehoiada, more than a high priest, served as a stabilizing force in Joash’s life. He protected Joash during Athaliah’s reign and orchestrated his ascension to the throne. By instituting the renewal of the covenant between Yahweh, the king, and the people (2 Chronicles 23:16), Jehoiada preserved the worship of the true God and upheld fidelity to the ancestral faith.

This guiding presence shaped Joash’s early years. The fact that Joash oversaw temple repairs (2 Chronicles 24:8–14) underscores his allegiance to Jehoiada’s teachings. After Jehoiada’s death, however, an era of spiritual decline began (2 Chronicles 24:15–16).

Zechariah’s Role in Joash’s Court

Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, was presumably a priestly figure who continued the lineage of faithfulness exemplified by his father. His prophetic declarations in 2 Chronicles 24:20–21 indicate that he stood firm for righteousness.

The text states: “Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said to them, ‘This is what God says: “Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has also forsaken you.”’ But they conspired against him, and by order of the king they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the house of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 24:20–21).

Erosion of Joash’s Faith After Jehoiada’s Death

Scripture recounts that after Jehoiada’s passing, certain officials influenced Joash to abandon the proper worship of Yahweh (2 Chronicles 24:17–18). This time of spiritual decay led to Joash’s tolerance—if not outright endorsement—of idolatry or syncretistic worship.

With Jehoiada no longer present to restrain or counsel him, Joash was susceptible to flattery and pressure from these new counselors. Their suggestions likely conflicted with the faithful service to Yahweh that Jehoiada had instilled in him. This demonstrates how vital consistent spiritual leadership was in Joash’s life—and how quickly matters changed once that leadership ended.

Why Joash Executed Zechariah

1. Challenge to Authority: Zechariah’s rebuke effectively exposed the king’s guilt and the corruption within Judah’s leadership. Rulers in ancient Near Eastern cultures were often guided by prophets, but a prophet’s words could also be perceived as treacherous if they threatened the monarchy’s stability or personal pride. Zechariah’s proclamation against the king’s idolatry dismantled any pretense of righteousness that Joash maintained.

2. Influence of Unfaithful Advisors: Upon Jehoiada’s death, advisors with self-serving agendas surrounded Joash (2 Chronicles 24:17). They championed practices contrary to God’s commandments. Zechariah’s call to repentance conflicted with the direction the new counselors wished to take, so they conspired against him, pressuring Joash to view Zechariah as a troublemaker rather than a spiritual conscience.

3. Personal Resentment and Betrayal: Joash may have felt both exposed and betrayed when confronted publicly. Pride, resentment, and fear of losing power or status can drive individuals to extremes. In this case, the king was willing to overlook the kindness shown by Jehoiada and to violently suppress any threat to his reputation.

4. Drifting from True Worship: The death of a spiritual mentor can sometimes reveal how deeply personal convictions run. Without Jehoiada’s influence, Joash’s underlying wavering faith emerged. His drift away from Yahweh’s commands became evident in his sanctioning of Zechariah’s execution. Thus, Joash’s brutality is a stark warning of how easily one can forsake godly heritage under the pull of worldly influences.

Theological and Moral Implications

1. Consequences of Forsaking God: Zechariah’s words—“Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has also forsaken you” (2 Chronicles 24:20)—highlight a covenant principle: turning from God invites divine judgment, a pattern observed throughout Israel’s history (Deuteronomy 28).

2. Godly Mentorship vs. Independent Faith: Joash’s faithfulness was closely bound to Jehoiada’s mentorship. This raises the cautionary lesson that genuine faith must be personal and enduring, not merely borrowed from a mentor. Once Jehoiada was gone, Joash lapsed quickly, revealing that his dependency had not matured into a stable, individual commitment.

3. Prophetic Boldness: Zechariah’s confrontation underscores the call of true prophets: to speak truth even when it is costly. His willingness to stand firm, despite lethal consequences, reflects the seriousness with which faithful servants of God address sin. Jesus later alludes to this tragic episode, tying it into the broader narrative of persecuted prophets (Luke 11:51).

4. Remembering Past Kindness: Second Chronicles 24:22 records, “Thus King Joash failed to remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had shown him...”. In Scripture, failing to remember acts of divine favor or the good deeds of servants of God is continually portrayed as a moral failing. Joash’s ingratitude reflects a heart that has grown cold toward righteousness and truth.

Lessons and Practical Application

• Guard Against Complacency: A shift in leadership or life circumstances can cause spiritual decline if one’s devotion is not rooted personally in God’s Word. Believers must continually examine their motivations and loyalties.

• Choose Counsel Wisely: Joash’s downfall illustrates the danger of heeding advisors who oppose the pure worship of God. Scripture constantly encourages seeking out counselors who align with biblical truth (Proverbs 12:15; 15:22).

• Recognize the Power of Influence: Even a king can be persuaded to great wickedness by peers and advisors. Vigilance against cultural, societal, or relational pressures remains vital.

• Honor Legacy but Stand Independently: Joash’s partial dependence on Jehoiada’s faith calls readers to nurture a personal relationship with God. Mentors guide and teach, but each individual must stand firmly before God in faith.

• Consequences of Turning from God’s Commandments: Joash’s willingness to harm the very son of his greatest benefactor reveals the terrifying reach of sin once the heart turns from God. This highlights the scriptural theme that sin, left unchecked, leads to greater arrogance and cruelty.

Conclusion

Joash’s brutality toward Zechariah seems incongruous given his earlier reverence for Jehoiada. Yet it aligns with the tragic reality that once godly influence was removed, Joash ceased to honor his mentor’s legacy. Manipulative advisors, unchecked ego, and a faltering commitment to God’s commands culminated in this shocking act of ingratitude.

This passage offers strong counsel on the importance of sustaining a personal, ever-present devotion to God’s revealed word. It also warns that outside pressures—or inner failings—can destroy even a promising spiritual heritage. Joash’s story illustrates how remembering the faith of spiritual mentors must translate into one’s own enduring covenant loyalty to the Lord, lest one fall into grievous error despite extraordinary beginnings.