Joash, also known as Jehoash, was a king of Judah who reigned from approximately 835 to 796 BC. His account is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 11-12 and 2 Chronicles 22-24. Joash's reign began under extraordinary circumstances, as he was the sole surviving heir of the Davidic line after the massacre ordered by his grandmother, Athaliah. Rescued by his aunt Jehosheba and hidden in the temple for six years, Joash was crowned king at the age of seven under the guidance of the high priest Jehoiada.

Early Reign and Reforms

During the early years of his reign, Joash was heavily influenced by Jehoiada, who acted as his mentor and advisor. Under Jehoiada's guidance, Joash initiated significant religious reforms, including the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem. 2 Kings 12:2 notes, "All the days that Jehoiada the priest instructed him, Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD." The king's commitment to restoring the temple demonstrated his initial dedication to the worship of Yahweh and adherence to the covenant.

Turning Away from God

However, the death of Jehoiada marked a turning point in Joash's reign. 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." This apostasy led to a spiritual decline in Judah, as the people followed their king into idolatry.

Prophetic Warnings and Rejection

In response to this spiritual rebellion, God sent prophets to call Joash and the people of Judah back to righteousness. Despite these warnings, Joash and his officials refused to listen. The most notable of these prophets was Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada. Filled with the Spirit of God, Zechariah confronted the people, saying, "Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has forsaken you" (2 Chronicles 24:20). Tragically, Joash ordered Zechariah to be stoned to death in the temple courtyard, an act of profound ingratitude and betrayal against the family that had saved his life and supported his reign.

Divine Judgment and Downfall

Joash's rejection of God's prophets and his descent into idolatry brought about divine judgment. The LORD allowed the Arameans to invade Judah, and although their army was small, they inflicted significant damage. 2 Chronicles 24:24 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." Joash was severely wounded during this invasion.

In his weakened state, Joash faced further retribution from within his own ranks. His officials conspired against him, motivated by his murder of Zechariah, and assassinated him on his bed. Joash was buried in the City of David, but notably, not in the tombs of the kings, reflecting the disgrace that marked the end of his reign (2 Chronicles 24:25).

Joash's life serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of forsaking godly counsel and turning away from the LORD. His initial promise and subsequent downfall highlight the importance of steadfast faithfulness to God and the consequences of spiritual apostasy.