2 Chronicles 24:25

And when the Arameans had withdrawn, they left Joash severely wounded. His own servants conspired against him for shedding the blood of the son of Jehoiada the priest, and they killed him on his bed. So he died and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.

Study Bible

And when the Arameans had withdrawn
The Arameans, also known as Syrians, were a significant power in the region during this period. Their withdrawal indicates a temporary retreat or cessation of hostilities, possibly due to achieving their immediate military objectives or other strategic reasons. This event follows their invasion, which was a divine judgment against Judah for their unfaithfulness (2 Chronicles 24:23-24). The Arameans' presence and actions were part of God's plan to discipline His people, as seen in other instances where foreign nations were used as instruments of judgment (Isaiah 10:5-6).

they left Joash severely wounded
Joash, the king of Judah, was left in a vulnerable state, both physically and politically. His severe wounds symbolize the consequences of his departure from faithfulness to God. Joash's reign began with promise under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, but after Jehoiada's death, Joash turned to idolatry and abandoned the temple of the Lord (2 Chronicles 24:17-18). His physical wounds reflect his spiritual decline and the resulting divine judgment.

His own servants conspired against him
The conspiracy by Joash's servants highlights the internal strife and discontent within his administration. This act of betrayal can be seen as a fulfillment of the principle that those who shed innocent blood will themselves face violence (Genesis 9:6). The servants' conspiracy was motivated by Joash's actions against Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, which had caused unrest and dissatisfaction among those loyal to the priestly line.

for shedding the blood of the son of Jehoiada the priest
Joash's murder of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, was a grave sin that led to his downfall. Zechariah's death is a significant event, as he was a prophet who spoke against the people's idolatry (2 Chronicles 24:20-22). This act of shedding innocent blood was a direct violation of God's commandments and a betrayal of the covenant relationship between the king and the priesthood. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's appointed leaders and the prophetic voice.

and they killed him on his bed
The assassination of Joash while he was on his bed indicates a cowardly and treacherous act, reflecting the depth of his betrayal by those closest to him. This manner of death contrasts with the honorable deaths of faithful kings and underscores the ignominy of Joash's end. It serves as a warning of the ultimate judgment that befalls those who forsake God's ways.

So he died and was buried in the City of David
Joash's burial in the City of David signifies his royal status, as this was the traditional burial place for the kings of Judah. However, his burial here does not imply honor, as the subsequent phrase clarifies. The City of David, located in Jerusalem, was a place of great historical and spiritual significance, being the site of King David's original fortress and the center of Jewish worship.

but not in the tombs of the kings
Joash's exclusion from the tombs of the kings indicates a lack of honor and respect at his death. This exclusion was a significant statement by the people of Judah, reflecting their disapproval of his actions and his failure to uphold the covenant with God. It serves as a stark contrast to the honor given to Jehoiada, who was buried among the kings for his faithfulness (2 Chronicles 24:16). This distinction underscores the biblical theme that true honor comes from obedience to God and righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joash
King of Judah who initially did what was right in the eyes of the Lord under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest but later turned away from God.

2. Arameans
A group of people from Aram (modern-day Syria) who attacked Judah and left Joash severely wounded.

3. Jehoiada the Priest
A godly priest who mentored Joash and helped him restore the temple; his son was murdered by Joash.

4. Servants of Joash
These individuals conspired against Joash and killed him as retribution for his actions against Jehoiada's son.

5. City of David
The burial place of Joash, though he was not honored with a burial in the tombs of the kings due to his unfaithfulness.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Godly Counsel
Joash thrived under Jehoiada's guidance but faltered when he ignored godly counsel. We must seek and heed wise, godly advice.

Consequences of Betrayal
Joash's betrayal of Jehoiada's family led to his demise. Betraying trust and righteousness has severe consequences.

The Danger of Turning Away from God
Joash's account is a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning away from God after initially following Him. Consistent faithfulness is crucial.

Justice and Retribution
The conspiracy against Joash was a form of divine justice for his actions. God's justice may not be immediate, but it is certain.

Legacy and Honor
Joash was not buried with the kings, signifying a loss of honor due to his unfaithfulness. Our actions determine the legacy we leave behind.

Bible Study Questions

1. How did Joash's relationship with Jehoiada influence his early reign, and what changed after Jehoiada's death?

2. What lessons can we learn from Joash's failure to remain faithful to God throughout his life?

3. How does the principle of sowing and reaping manifest in Joash's life, and how can we apply this principle to our own lives?

4. In what ways can we ensure that we are surrounded by godly counsel and avoid the pitfalls of turning away from God?

5. How does Joash's account challenge us to consider the legacy we are building through our actions and decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 12
Provides a parallel account of Joash's reign, highlighting his initial reforms and subsequent downfall.

2 Chronicles 24:17-22
Details the turning point in Joash's reign when he abandoned the temple of the Lord and killed Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada.

Galatians 6:7
Relates to the principle of sowing and reaping, as Joash's actions led to his downfall.

Proverbs 29:1
Warns about the consequences of hardening one's heart against correction, which Joash exemplified.