Topical Encyclopedia Joash, also known as Jehoash, is a significant biblical figure whose early life is marked by tragedy and divine providence. He was the son of King Ahaziah of Judah and became an orphan at a very young age due to the violent upheavals in the royal family. His account is primarily found in 2 Kings 11-12 and 2 Chronicles 22-24.Background and Early Life Joash was born into the royal lineage of David, but his life took a perilous turn when his father, King Ahaziah, was killed. Following Ahaziah's death, Joash's grandmother, Athaliah, seized the throne of Judah and sought to eliminate all potential heirs to secure her power. In this brutal purge, Joash's life was in grave danger. However, divine intervention came through Jehosheba, the sister of Ahaziah and wife of Jehoiada the priest. Jehosheba courageously rescued the infant Joash from the massacre and hid him in the temple of the LORD for six years. During this time, Joash was raised in secret, under the protection and guidance of Jehoiada. Ascension to the Throne When Joash was seven years old, Jehoiada orchestrated a coup to dethrone Athaliah and place Joash on the throne of Judah. The priest gathered the commanders, the Carites, and the guards, and made a covenant with them in the house of the LORD. The young king was brought out, crowned, and anointed, as the people rejoiced and declared, "Long live the king!" (2 Kings 11:12). Athaliah was executed, and Joash began his reign as king. Reign and Religious Reforms Joash's reign is noted for its religious reforms, largely influenced by Jehoiada, who served as his mentor and guide. Under Jehoiada's counsel, Joash initiated the restoration of the temple, which had fallen into disrepair during Athaliah's reign. He instructed the priests to collect funds for the temple's repair, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the house of the LORD (2 Kings 12:4-5). The temple restoration project was a significant achievement of Joash's reign, reflecting his commitment to the worship of Yahweh and the spiritual renewal of Judah. As long as Jehoiada lived, Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD (2 Kings 12:2). Later Years and Downfall Tragically, after Jehoiada's death, Joash's reign took a negative turn. Influenced by the officials of Judah, he abandoned the house of the LORD and turned to idolatry. This apostasy led to divine judgment, and prophets were sent to call the king and the people back to faithfulness. However, they did not listen (2 Chronicles 24:18-19). Joash's downfall was marked by the murder of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who had confronted the king about his unfaithfulness. In a tragic irony, Joash ordered the stoning of Zechariah in the temple court, disregarding the loyalty and protection Jehoiada had once shown him (2 Chronicles 24:20-22). Joash's reign ended in turmoil. He was assassinated by his own officials, and his death was a somber conclusion to a life that began with promise but ended in spiritual decline. Despite his early reforms, Joash's legacy is marred by his later actions and the consequences of turning away from the LORD. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 11:1-12And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. Nave's Topical Index Library The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources Who were the daughters of Zelophehad? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Muhammad? | GotQuestions.org Who was Billy Sunday? | GotQuestions.org Orphan: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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