What lessons can we learn from Joash's early reign about godly mentorship?

The Setting: A Child on the Throne

“Joash was seven years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zibiah of Beersheba.” (2 Chronicles 24:1)

• A literal seven-year-old now carries Judah’s crown—clearly unable to rule alone.

• God sovereignly preserves David’s line (2 Chron 22:10-12) and immediately supplies the help Joash needs: the high priest Jehoiada.

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The Mentor God Provided

“And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.” (2 Chron 24:2)

• Jehoiada is older, godly, and courageous (23:1-11).

• He guides public policy, marriage choices (24:3), and temple repairs (24:4-14).

• His steady presence keeps Joash’s heart aligned with God’s Word.

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Lessons on Godly Mentorship

1. Mentors step in early

– Joash’s faithfulness begins “all the days of Jehoiada.” Waiting until adulthood would have been too late (cf. Proverbs 22:6).

2. Mentors model righteousness

– Jehoiada leads national worship reform (23:16-19). Paul echoes the pattern: “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

3. Mentors provide accountability

– Funds for temple repair pass through appointed overseers (24:11-13), preventing corruption. “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17).

4. Mentors transfer vision

– Joash “set his heart on repairing the house of the LORD” (24:4) because Jehoiada prized the same goal.

5. Mentors connect mentees to Scripture

– The covenant renewal in 23:16 roots the young king in God’s promises (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

6. Mentors invest long term

– Jehoiada serves until age 130 (24:15). True mentorship is measured in decades, not days (2 Timothy 2:2).

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A Sobering Contrast

• After Jehoiada’s death, Joash listens to ungodly officials and drifts into idolatry (24:17-22).

• Without continued godly counsel, even a good start can unravel (Galatians 5:7).

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Take-Home Principles

• Seek out mature believers; don’t walk alone.

• Allow mentors to speak into every sphere—spiritual, personal, vocational.

• Keep Scripture central; mentorship that drifts from the Word loses its anchor.

• Remember the goal: reproduce faithfulness in the next generation (Psalm 78:5-7).

The early reign of Joash shouts a timeless truth: God uses devoted mentors to shape, safeguard, and strengthen His people. Walking closely with such counselors is not optional—it’s essential.