Jehoash, also known as Joash, was the king of Judah who reigned from approximately 835 to 796 BC. His reign is noted for both religious reforms and political challenges, including the significant event of paying tribute to Hazael, the king of Aram (Syria). This event is recorded in the biblical narrative, specifically in 2 Kings 12:17-18 and 2 Chronicles 24:23-24.

Historical Context

Jehoash ascended to the throne as a child after the tumultuous period of Athaliah's usurpation and the subsequent restoration of the Davidic line by the priest Jehoiada. Under Jehoiada's guidance, Jehoash initiated repairs to the Temple in Jerusalem, reflecting a commitment to the worship of Yahweh. However, after Jehoiada's death, Jehoash's reign faced significant challenges, both internally and externally.

The Threat from Hazael

Hazael, the king of Aram, was a formidable adversary during Jehoash's reign. He had previously expanded his influence over Israel and posed a significant threat to Judah. The biblical account in 2 Kings 12:17-18 states: "At that time Hazael king of Aram went up and fought against Gath and captured it. Then he turned to attack Jerusalem. So King Jehoash of Judah took all the sacred objects dedicated by his fathers—Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah, the kings of Judah—along with his own consecrated items and all the gold found in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and of the royal palace. And he sent these things to Hazael king of Aram, who then withdrew from Jerusalem."

The Tribute

Faced with the threat of an Aramean invasion, Jehoash chose to send a substantial tribute to Hazael to avert the attack on Jerusalem. This tribute included sacred objects and gold from both the Temple and the royal palace. The decision to pay tribute rather than engage in battle reflects the dire circumstances and the strategic considerations of Jehoash's reign. It also underscores the vulnerability of Judah during this period, as well as the political and military pressures exerted by neighboring powers.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Jehoash's tribute to Hazael can be seen as a moment of compromise and a departure from reliance on divine protection. The act of taking sacred objects from the Temple to appease a foreign king may be viewed as a failure to trust in the LORD's deliverance, contrasting with earlier instances in Israel's history where faith in God led to miraculous victories. This event serves as a reminder of the consequences of political expediency over spiritual fidelity.

Aftermath and Legacy

The tribute to Hazael did succeed in sparing Jerusalem from immediate destruction, but it also marked a period of decline for Jehoash's reign. The narrative in 2 Chronicles 24:23-24 highlights that despite the tribute, the Arameans later returned and inflicted significant damage on Judah, further emphasizing the temporary nature of Jehoash's solution. Ultimately, Jehoash's reign ended in tragedy, as he was assassinated by his own officials, reflecting the instability and discontent that characterized his later years.

Jehoash's tribute to Hazael remains a significant episode in the history of Judah, illustrating the complex interplay of faith, politics, and survival in the ancient Near East.