Topical Encyclopedia Jehoash, also known as Joash, was a king of Judah whose reign is noted for its religious reforms and efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Jehoash ascended to the throne at a young age, following a tumultuous period marked by the usurpation of the throne by his grandmother, Athaliah, who had attempted to eradicate the Davidic line.Early Life and Ascension to the Throne Jehoash was the son of King Ahaziah and was hidden from Athaliah's murderous purge by his aunt Jehosheba and her husband, Jehoiada the priest. He was concealed in the temple for six years (2 Kings 11:2-3). At the age of seven, Jehoash was anointed king in a coup orchestrated by Jehoiada, which led to Athaliah's execution (2 Kings 11:12-16). Religious Reforms Under the guidance of Jehoiada, Jehoash initiated significant religious reforms aimed at restoring the worship of Yahweh and repairing the temple, which had fallen into disrepair during Athaliah's reign. 2 Kings 12:4-5 records Jehoash's command to the priests: "Let every priest receive it from his acquaintance, and they shall repair the damages to the temple wherever any damage is found." Jehoash's zeal for the temple's restoration is further emphasized in 2 Chronicles 24:4 : "Some time later, Joash set his heart on repairing the house of the LORD." This restoration project was funded by a collection from the people, demonstrating Jehoash's commitment to involving the nation in the renewal of their covenant with God. Challenges and Decline Despite his early zeal, Jehoash's reign faced challenges, particularly after the death of Jehoiada. The king's reliance on Jehoiada's counsel was evident, and after the priest's death, Jehoash's commitment to religious reforms waned. Influenced by the officials of Judah, he turned away from the worship of Yahweh, leading to idolatry and the wrath of God (2 Chronicles 24:17-18). The decline in Jehoash's religious zeal culminated in the murder of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who had rebuked the king and the people for their apostasy. This act of ingratitude and betrayal marked a significant departure from Jehoash's earlier devotion (2 Chronicles 24:20-22). Legacy Jehoash's reign is a complex narrative of initial religious fervor and subsequent decline. His early efforts to restore the temple and reestablish the worship of Yahweh highlight the potential for religious renewal under godly leadership. However, his later years serve as a cautionary tale of the dangers of forsaking divine guidance and succumbing to external influences. Jehoash's life underscores the importance of steadfastness in faith and the perils of deviating from God's commandments. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 12:2-16And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him. Nave's Topical Index Library Manner of Covenanting. Resources Should wine or grape juice be used for communion? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Paul in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org How many times did Jesus cleanse the temple? Why did He cleanse the temple? | GotQuestions.org Zeal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: David Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Elijah Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Israelites Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Jehoiada Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Jehu Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Josiah Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Moses and Levites Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Phinehas Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Samuel Religious Zeal without Knowledge Religious Zeal: Andrew and Philip Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Religious Zeal: General Scriptures Concerning Religious Zeal: Paul and Barnabas Religious Zeal: Peter Rebuking Jesus Religious Zeal: The Healed Deaf-Mute Man Religious Zeal: The Restored Leper Religious Zeal: Two Blind Men Proclaiming the Miracle of Healing Zeal: Provokes Others to do Good Zeal: should be Exhibited for the Glory of God Zeal: should be Exhibited for the Welfare of Saints Zeal: should be Exhibited in Contending for the Faith Zeal: should be Exhibited in Desiring the Salvation of Others Zeal: should be Exhibited in Missionary Labours Zeal: should be Exhibited in Spirit Zeal: should be Exhibited in Well-Doing Zeal: should be Exhibited: Against Idolatry Zeal: Sometimes not According to Knowledge Zeal: Sometimes Wrongly Directed Zeal: Ungodly Men Sometimes Pretend To Related Terms |
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