Topical Encyclopedia The assassination of King Joash of Judah is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, highlighting themes of covenant fidelity, divine justice, and the consequences of apostasy. Joash, also known as Jehoash, was the son of Ahaziah and became king at a young age after being saved from the massacre of the royal family by his aunt Jehosheba and the high priest Jehoiada (2 Kings 11:2-3; 2 Chronicles 22:11-12).Background and Reign Joash's reign began under the tutelage of Jehoiada, who played a crucial role in restoring the Davidic line to the throne and re-establishing the worship of Yahweh. Under Jehoiada's guidance, Joash initiated repairs to the Temple, demonstrating a commitment to the covenant with God (2 Kings 12:4-16; 2 Chronicles 24:4-14). The Berean Standard Bible notes, "Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest" (2 Chronicles 24:2). However, after Jehoiada's death, Joash's fidelity to God waned. Influenced by the officials of Judah, he abandoned the house of the LORD and turned to idolatry, provoking divine wrath (2 Chronicles 24:17-18). The prophet Zechariah, son of Jehoiada, confronted Joash and the people, declaring, "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" (2 Chronicles 24:20). In response, Joash ordered Zechariah's execution, an act of profound ingratitude and apostasy (2 Chronicles 24:21). Assassination The assassination of Joash is a direct consequence of his departure from the covenant and his betrayal of Jehoiada's legacy. The narrative in 2 Kings 12:19-21 and 2 Chronicles 24:23-27 describes how Joash faced external threats from the Arameans, who invaded Judah and inflicted heavy casualties. The BSB states, "Although the Aramean army had come with only a few men, the LORD delivered into their hands a very great army, because Judah had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers" (2 Chronicles 24:24). Wounded and weakened, Joash was left vulnerable to internal conspiracies. His own servants, Zabad and Jehozabad, conspired against him and assassinated him in the house of Millo, on the road that goes down to Silla (2 Kings 12:20-21; 2 Chronicles 24:25-26). The BSB records, "They buried him in the city of David, but not in the tombs of the kings" (2 Chronicles 24:25), signifying his dishonor and the divine disapproval of his later actions. Theological Implications The assassination of Joash serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of covenant faithfulness and the dangers of apostasy. Joash's initial reforms and dedication to the Temple underscore the blessings of obedience, while his later actions illustrate the peril of forsaking God's commandments. The narrative emphasizes the role of divine justice, as Joash's betrayal of Jehoiada and the murder of Zechariah ultimately led to his downfall. This event underscores the biblical principle that leadership carries the responsibility of upholding God's covenant, and deviation from this path invites divine retribution. |