What lessons can we learn from Joash's actions in 2 Chronicles 24:22? Setting the Scene • Joash began his reign under the godly mentorship of Jehoiada the priest (2 Chron 24:1–3). • After Jehoiada’s death, Joash succumbed to ungodly counsel, turned to idolatry, and silenced prophetic rebuke by murdering Jehoiada’s son, Zechariah. • 2 Chronicles 24:22: “Thus King Joash failed to remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, had shown him, but killed his son. As Zechariah lay dying, he said, ‘May the LORD see this and call you to account.’” Key Observations from the Verse • Joash “failed to remember” past kindness. • He committed premeditated violence against God’s messenger. • Zechariah’s dying words invoked divine justice. Lessons Drawn from Joash’s Actions 1. Gratitude Matters to God – Forgetting covenant kindness is treated as sin (cf. Proverbs 17:13). – Ingratitude often precedes deeper rebellion (Romans 1:21). 2. Spiritual Momentum Is Not Guaranteed – Early faithfulness can be reversed if ongoing dependence on the Lord is neglected (Galatians 5:7). – Joash’s good start was nullified by later compromise (Ezekiel 18:24). 3. Choose Counsel Carefully – After Jehoiada’s death, Joash listened to princes who promoted idolatry (2 Chron 24:17–18). – “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). 4. Persecuting God’s Word Brings Inevitable Accountability – Rejecting prophetic correction led Joash to attack the messenger (cf. 2 Timothy 4:3–4). – “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked…” (Galatians 6:7). 5. Blood Guilt Demands Divine Response – Zechariah’s plea, “May the LORD see this and call you to account,” echoes Genesis 4:10. – Jesus later referenced this martyrdom as a marker of accumulated guilt (Matthew 23:35). 6. Hidden Sin Eventually Surfaces – Within a year, Aramean invaders executed judgment; Joash was wounded and later assassinated by his own servants (2 Chron 24:23–25). – “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). Supporting Scriptures • Psalm 9:12 – “He who avenges bloodshed remembers; He does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.” • Hebrews 10:30–31 – “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay… It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” • Deuteronomy 8:11 – Warning against forgetting the LORD after receiving His blessings. Practical Takeaways • Cultivate a thankful memory of God’s past mercies and the people He used to bless you. • Sustain obedience through consistent exposure to Scripture and godly mentors. • Evaluate influences that shape your decisions; dismiss counsel that draws you from wholehearted devotion to Christ. • Respond humbly to correction; attacking the messenger invites divine discipline. • Trust that God sees every injustice and will settle every account in His perfect timing. |
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