The reign of King Jehoash (also known as Joash) of Judah is a significant period in the history of the Southern Kingdom, particularly concerning the role and activities of the priests. Jehoash ascended to the throne as a child, under the guidance of the high priest Jehoiada, who played a crucial role in his early reign and religious reforms.

Background and Context

Jehoash was the son of Ahaziah and became king after being hidden in the temple for six years to escape the murderous intentions of Athaliah, his grandmother. His rise to power was orchestrated by Jehoiada, who was instrumental in restoring the Davidic line to the throne (2 Kings 11:4-12). Jehoash's reign is marked by a close relationship with the priesthood, particularly during the early years when Jehoiada was alive.

Religious Reforms

One of the notable actions during Jehoash's reign was the repair of the temple in Jerusalem. The temple had suffered neglect and damage during the reigns of previous kings, and Jehoash sought to restore it to its former glory. The priests were tasked with collecting funds for the temple repairs. According to 2 Kings 12:4-5 , "Then Jehoash said to the priests, 'Collect all the money brought as sacred offerings to the house of the LORD—the census money, the money from vows, and all the money that is voluntarily given.'"

However, the initial efforts to collect and utilize these funds were met with inefficiency. The priests did not repair the temple promptly, leading to a change in the management of the funds. Jehoash then instructed that a chest be placed at the temple entrance to collect the offerings directly from the people, ensuring that the money was used appropriately for the temple's restoration (2 Kings 12:9-10).

Role of Jehoiada

Jehoiada's influence was pivotal during Jehoash's reign. As the high priest, he not only guided the young king but also ensured that the worship of Yahweh was maintained and that the temple functioned as the center of religious life in Judah. Jehoiada's leadership helped to stabilize the kingdom and promote adherence to the covenant with God.

Challenges and Decline

After Jehoiada's death, Jehoash's commitment to the reforms and the covenant waned. The narrative in 2 Chronicles 24:17-18 highlights that the officials of Judah led Jehoash astray, and he abandoned the house of the LORD, turning to idolatry. This apostasy led to divine judgment, and the kingdom faced invasions and internal strife.

The priests, who had once been central to Jehoash's reforms, found themselves in a compromised position as the king's allegiance shifted. The decline in Jehoash's faithfulness underscores the challenges faced by the priesthood in maintaining religious purity and devotion amidst political and spiritual instability.

Conclusion

The period of Jehoash's reign illustrates the complex relationship between the monarchy and the priesthood in ancient Judah. While initially marked by cooperation and religious reform, the later years reveal the difficulties in sustaining such reforms without steadfast leadership and commitment to the covenant. The priests under Jehoash played a crucial role in the attempted restoration of the temple, reflecting the ongoing struggle to preserve the worship of Yahweh in the face of external and internal challenges.2 Kings 12:7
Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests, and said to them, Why repair you not the breaches of the house? now therefore receive no more money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 24:5,6
And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out to the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that you hasten the matter. However, the Levites hastened it not.
Nave's Topical Index

Manner of Covenanting.
... turn away from us." That He, the priests and Levites ... serve him, and that ye should
minister unto him ... people of Judah and Jerusalem, both under Jehoash and Josiah ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

The Sixt Part.
... intimating the union betwene People and Minister, that they ... of the people, because
colde Priests make bolde ... the truth of the fashionable Christian) what is it ...
/.../ward/a coal from the altar to kindle the holy fire of zeale/the sixt part.htm

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