The period following the death of Jehoiada the priest marks a significant downturn in the spiritual and moral state of the Kingdom of Judah. Jehoiada had been a stabilizing force, guiding King Joash and the nation in the ways of the Lord. His influence was pivotal in the restoration of true worship and the repair of the temple, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 24:4-14. However, the narrative takes a tragic turn after Jehoiada's passing, highlighting the vulnerability of leadership and the consequences of abandoning divine guidance.

Jehoiada's Influence and Legacy

Jehoiada served as a high priest during a critical time in Judah's history. His leadership was instrumental in overthrowing the usurper Queen Athaliah and establishing Joash as the rightful king (2 Chronicles 23:1-21). Under Jehoiada's mentorship, Joash initiated significant religious reforms, including the restoration of the temple and the reestablishment of proper worship practices. Jehoiada's long life and service are noted in 2 Chronicles 24:15-16, where he is honored with a burial among the kings due to his faithful service to God and the nation.

The Turning Point: Jehoiada's Death

The death of Jehoiada marked a pivotal turning point for King Joash and the nation of Judah. Without Jehoiada's godly influence, Joash's reign took a drastic turn. 2 Chronicles 24:17-18 states, "After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them. They abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherah poles and idols. So wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for their guilt."

The Consequences of Apostasy

The departure from the worship of Yahweh led to severe consequences for Judah. The nation's leaders, having turned to idolatry, incurred the wrath of God. Prophets were sent to call the people back to the covenant, but their messages were ignored. Among these prophets was Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who boldly confronted the people and King Joash. His message, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 24:20 , was a direct indictment: "Thus says God: ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has also forsaken you.’"

The Murder of Zechariah

Tragically, the response to Zechariah's prophetic warning was one of violence and betrayal. King Joash, forgetting the kindness and loyalty of Jehoiada, ordered the stoning of Zechariah in the temple courts (2 Chronicles 24:21). This act of murder against a prophet of God marked a deep moral and spiritual decline, highlighting the extent of Joash's departure from the faith he once upheld.

Divine Retribution

The murder of Zechariah did not go unpunished. The narrative in 2 Chronicles 24:23-24 describes how the Aramean army invaded Judah, executing judgment upon Joash and his officials. The text emphasizes that the small Aramean force was able to defeat a much larger Judean army because "they had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers." Joash himself was severely wounded and later assassinated by his own servants, as retribution for his betrayal of Jehoiada's family (2 Chronicles 24:25-26).

Legacy and Lessons

The downfall after Jehoiada's death serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of steadfast faith and the dangers of turning away from God. Joash's reign, which began with promise and reform, ended in tragedy and judgment due to his failure to remain faithful to the covenant. This period in Judah's history underscores the necessity of godly leadership and the peril of forsaking divine commandments.