Joah, the son of Joahaz, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. His role is primarily noted in the narrative concerning the Assyrian invasion during the reign of Hezekiah, a period marked by significant political and religious challenges for the Kingdom of Judah.

Biblical References:

Joah is mentioned in 2 Kings 18:18 and 2 Kings 18:26, as well as in the parallel account in Isaiah 36:3 and Isaiah 36:11. These passages describe a critical moment when the Assyrian king Sennacherib sent his field commander, the Rabshakeh, to Jerusalem to demand its surrender. Joah, along with Eliakim son of Hilkiah and Shebna the scribe, was sent by King Hezekiah to meet the Assyrian envoy.

Role and Significance:

Joah held the position of a recorder, a significant administrative role in the royal court. The recorder was responsible for chronicling events, maintaining official records, and possibly advising the king. This position indicates that Joah was a trusted official within Hezekiah's administration, tasked with handling sensitive diplomatic communications.

In the encounter with the Assyrian envoy, Joah, Eliakim, and Shebna were faced with a psychological warfare tactic employed by the Assyrians. The Rabshakeh spoke in Hebrew, intending to demoralize the people of Jerusalem by making them aware of the dire situation and the futility of resistance. Joah and his colleagues requested that the Rabshakeh speak in Aramaic, a diplomatic language, to prevent the people on the city walls from understanding and becoming fearful. However, the Rabshakeh refused, further escalating the tension.

Historical and Theological Context:

The period of Joah's service was one of great turmoil and testing for Judah. The Assyrian Empire was the dominant power in the region, and its military campaigns were both feared and formidable. King Hezekiah's reign is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to centralize worship in Jerusalem, as well as his reliance on the prophet Isaiah for guidance during the Assyrian threat.

Joah's involvement in this episode highlights the importance of faithful service and the challenges faced by those in leadership during times of crisis. His presence in the narrative underscores the collaborative efforts of Hezekiah's administration to seek divine intervention and wisdom in the face of overwhelming odds.

Legacy:

While Joah's personal actions and character are not extensively detailed in the biblical text, his inclusion in this significant historical event suggests that he played a vital role in the administration of Judah during a pivotal moment. His service under King Hezekiah reflects the broader theme of faithfulness and reliance on God amidst external threats, a recurring motif in the biblical narrative of the kings of Judah.