Topical Bible: Citizens: Wicked: Jozachar and Jozabad

◄ Citizens: Wicked: Jozachar and Jozabad ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Jozachar and Jozabad are two figures mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the assassination of King Joash of Judah. Their actions are recorded in 2 Kings 12:20-21 and 2 Chronicles 24:25-26, where they are identified as conspirators who played a pivotal role in the murder of the king. This act of regicide marks them as wicked citizens within the biblical narrative, as they violated the divinely instituted order by taking the life of the anointed king.

Biblical Account

In 2 Kings 12:20-21 , the account states: "His servants conspired against him and killed Joash at Beth-millo, on the road that goes down to Silla. His servants Jozachar the son of Shimeath and Jehozabad the son of Shomer struck him down, and he died. And they buried him with his fathers in the City of David, and his son Amaziah reigned in his place."

Similarly, 2 Chronicles 24:25-26 provides additional details: "When they had withdrawn, leaving him severely wounded, his servants conspired against him because of the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and they killed him on his bed. So he died and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings. Those who conspired against Joash were Zabad the son of Shimeath the Ammonitess and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith the Moabitess."

Context and Motivation

The assassination of King Joash by Jozachar and Jozabad is set against a backdrop of political and religious turmoil. Joash, who initially began his reign under the guidance of the godly priest Jehoiada, later turned away from the Lord after Jehoiada's death. He succumbed to idolatry and even sanctioned the murder of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who had rebuked the people for their unfaithfulness to God (2 Chronicles 24:20-22). This act of betrayal against the house of Jehoiada, who had been instrumental in his rise to power, sowed seeds of discontent and ultimately led to his downfall.

The conspirators, Jozachar and Jozabad, are described as being motivated by the blood of Jehoiada's sons, suggesting a possible act of vengeance or justice in their eyes. However, from a biblical perspective, their actions are seen as wicked, as they took justice into their own hands rather than leaving it to God, who is the ultimate judge.

Theological Implications

The account of Jozachar and Jozabad serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God and the dangers of political intrigue. It highlights the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and the perils of forsaking divine guidance for personal or political gain. The narrative underscores the biblical principle that God holds individuals accountable for their actions, and that wickedness, even when seemingly justified by human standards, leads to disorder and divine judgment.

In the broader biblical context, the actions of Jozachar and Jozabad reflect the recurring theme of the struggle between righteousness and wickedness, a motif that runs throughout the Scriptures. Their account is a reminder of the need for godly leadership and the importance of adhering to God's commandments in both personal and public life.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 12:19-21
And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 14:5
And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.
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