Joash the Abiezrite is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Judges, primarily known as the father of Gideon, one of Israel's most prominent judges. Joash belonged to the clan of Abiezer, which was part of the tribe of Manasseh. His account is set during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, characterized by cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance.

Background and Context

The narrative of Joash is situated in the time of the Judges, a period marked by Israel's repeated turning away from God, leading to oppression by surrounding nations. The Israelites would cry out to God, who would then raise a judge to deliver them. Joash's family lived in Ophrah, a town in the territory of Manasseh, during the Midianite oppression, which lasted seven years (Judges 6:1).

Joash's Role in Gideon's Call

Joash is introduced in the context of his son Gideon's divine calling. The Angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon while he was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The angel commissioned Gideon to save Israel from Midian's hand, declaring, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12).

Joash's household was involved in idolatry, as evidenced by the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole on his property. Despite this, Joash's response to Gideon's actions against these idols reveals a significant shift. When Gideon, obeying God's command, destroyed the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah pole, the townspeople demanded his death. Joash, however, defended his son, saying, "If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar" (Judges 6:31). This act of defiance against Baal worship marked a turning point for Joash and his family, aligning them with the true worship of Yahweh.

Significance and Legacy

Joash's defense of Gideon is a pivotal moment that underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and the futility of idol worship. By standing up for his son, Joash inadvertently affirmed the supremacy of the God of Israel over the Canaanite deities. This incident also set the stage for Gideon's leadership and the subsequent deliverance of Israel from Midianite oppression.

Joash's transformation from a custodian of Baal's altar to a defender of his son's divinely appointed mission illustrates the power of God's call to bring about change and redemption. His account serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the courage to stand against cultural and religious pressures.

References in Scripture

Joash the Abiezrite is mentioned in the following passages:

· Judges 6:11-32: The account of Gideon's call and Joash's defense of his son.
· Judges 8:32: The mention of Joash in the context of Gideon's death and burial.

Joash's legacy is primarily tied to his son Gideon, whose leadership brought peace to Israel for forty years. Through Joash's initial act of courage, the stage was set for one of the most significant deliverances in Israel's history, highlighting the transformative power of faith and obedience to God.