Background and Context:

Joash, also known as Jehoash, was a king of Judah who reigned during a tumultuous period in the history of the divided kingdom. His ascent to the throne is a remarkable account of divine providence and the preservation of the Davidic line. Joash was the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, and his mother was Zibiah of Beersheba. His account is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 11-12 and 2 Chronicles 22-24.

The Political and Religious Climate:

The period leading up to Joash's reign was marked by political instability and idolatry. After the death of Ahaziah, Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah and daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, seized the throne of Judah. In a bid to secure her power, Athaliah attempted to exterminate the royal family of Judah. This act was not only a political maneuver but also a spiritual attack on the Davidic covenant, which promised that David's lineage would endure.

Joash's Preservation:

In the midst of Athaliah's massacre, Joash was miraculously preserved. Jehosheba, the sister of Ahaziah and wife of Jehoiada the priest, secretly rescued Joash, who was just an infant at the time. She hid him and his nurse in a bedroom, and later in the house of the LORD for six years while Athaliah reigned over the land (2 Kings 11:2-3).

The Coronation of Joash:

In the seventh year, Jehoiada the priest orchestrated a coup to restore the rightful heir to the throne. He gathered the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards, and made a covenant with them in the house of the LORD. Jehoiada revealed Joash to them and secured their loyalty to the young king (2 Kings 11:4).

On the appointed day, Jehoiada brought Joash out and crowned him in a public ceremony. He anointed Joash, gave him a copy of the covenant, and proclaimed him king. The people clapped their hands and shouted, "Long live the king!" (2 Kings 11:12). Athaliah, hearing the commotion, came to the temple and was seized and executed outside the temple grounds (2 Kings 11:13-16).

Religious Reforms:

Joash's reign began with a strong emphasis on religious reform, guided by Jehoiada the priest. The covenant between the LORD, the king, and the people was renewed, committing them to be the LORD's people. The temple of Baal was destroyed, and its altars and images were broken in pieces (2 Kings 11:17-18).

Joash took a keen interest in the repair of the temple, which had suffered neglect and damage during Athaliah's reign. He instructed the priests to collect funds for the restoration work. However, when the repairs were delayed, Joash took direct action to ensure the temple was properly restored (2 Kings 12:4-15).

Later Years and Challenges:

Joash's early reign was marked by faithfulness to God, largely due to the influence of Jehoiada. However, after Jehoiada's death, Joash's commitment wavered. He succumbed to the influence of other leaders and allowed idolatry to resurface in Judah. This apostasy led to divine judgment, and Joash faced military challenges from the Arameans (2 Chronicles 24:17-24).

Joash's reign ended tragically when he was assassinated by his own officials, who conspired against him due to his actions against the son of Jehoiada, Zechariah, whom Joash had ordered to be stoned for prophesying against the king's idolatry (2 Chronicles 24:25-26).

Legacy:

Joash's reign is a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line despite human failings. His account serves as a reminder of the importance of godly counsel and the dangers of turning away from the LORD. Joash was succeeded by his son Amaziah, continuing the lineage of David.