Joash, also known as Jehoash, was a king of Judah who initially followed the ways of the Lord under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest. His reign is chronicled in 2 Kings 11-12 and 2 Chronicles 22-24. Joash ascended to the throne at a young age after being hidden in the temple for six years to protect him from the murderous intentions of Athaliah, his grandmother. His early reign was marked by a commitment to restoring the temple and adherence to the covenant with God, largely due to the influence of Jehoiada.

Early Reign and Reforms

Under Jehoiada's mentorship, Joash initiated significant religious reforms. He ordered the repair of the temple, which had fallen into disrepair during the reign of his predecessors. 2 Kings 12:4-5 states, "Then Joash said to the priests, 'Collect all the money brought as sacred offerings to the house of the LORD—the census money, the money from personal vows, and all the money voluntarily given to the house of the LORD. Let every priest receive it from his constituency, and let it be used to repair any damage found in the temple.'"

This period of reform and dedication to the Lord's work was a high point in Joash's reign, demonstrating his initial commitment to the covenant and the religious life of Judah.

The Turning Point

The turning point in Joash's reign came after the death of Jehoiada. Without the priest's godly influence, Joash's fidelity to the Lord waned. 2 Chronicles 24:17-18 records, "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 this guilt of theirs."

Joash's apostasy was marked by a departure from the worship of Yahweh to idolatry, influenced by the officials of Judah. This shift not only led to spiritual decline but also invoked divine judgment upon the nation.

The Prophetic Warning and Its Rejection

In response to the nation's apostasy, God sent prophets to call the people back to Him. Among them was Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who delivered a stern warning. 2 Chronicles 24:20 states, "Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, 'This is what God says: Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has forsaken you.'"

Tragically, Joash rejected this prophetic warning. In a grievous act of ingratitude and defiance, he ordered the stoning of Zechariah in the temple courts, an act that demonstrated the depth of his apostasy and betrayal of the covenant.

Consequences of Apostasy

Joash's apostasy had severe consequences. His reign, once marked by promise and reform, ended in turmoil and divine retribution. The Arameans invaded Judah, and Joash was severely wounded. 2 Chronicles 24:24 notes, "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, judgment was executed on Joash."

Ultimately, Joash was assassinated by his own officials, a tragic end to a king who had begun his reign with such potential. His account serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of forsaking the Lord and the importance of steadfast faithfulness to God's covenant.