Topical Bible: Conspiracy of Servants, Against Joash

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The conspiracy against King Joash of Judah is a significant event recorded in the biblical narrative, highlighting themes of betrayal, divine justice, and the consequences of turning away from God. This event is chronicled in 2 Kings 12:19-21 and 2 Chronicles 24:17-26.

Background

Joash, also known as Jehoash, was the son of Ahaziah and became king of Judah at a young age after being hidden from the murderous rampage of Athaliah, his grandmother. His reign began under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, who played a crucial role in his early years, ensuring that Joash followed the ways of the Lord. Under Jehoiada's influence, Joash initiated repairs to the temple, demonstrating his initial commitment to the worship of Yahweh (2 Kings 12:4-16; 2 Chronicles 24:4-14).

Turning Away from God

After the death of Jehoiada, Joash's fidelity to God waned. Influenced by the officials of Judah, he abandoned the temple of the Lord and turned to idolatry, provoking the Lord's anger. Prophets were sent to bring him back to the covenant, but Joash and his officials refused to listen. The most notable prophet during this time was Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who was stoned to death by order of the king (2 Chronicles 24:17-22). This act of ingratitude and murder marked a significant moral and spiritual decline in Joash's reign.

The Conspiracy

The conspiracy against Joash was orchestrated by his own servants. According to the biblical account, Joash was severely wounded by the Arameans during a campaign against Judah. While he lay in his bed recovering, two of his servants, Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer, conspired against him and assassinated him in the house of Millo, on the road that goes down to Silla (2 Kings 12:20-21; 2 Chronicles 24:25-26). The motivations behind the conspiracy are not explicitly detailed in the text, but it is implied that the murder of Zechariah and Joash's apostasy played a role in the servants' decision to betray him.

Theological Implications

The conspiracy against Joash serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of forsaking God's commandments and the protection that comes from obedience to His will. Joash's initial faithfulness and subsequent apostasy illustrate the importance of steadfastness in one's spiritual journey. The narrative also underscores the principle of divine retribution, as Joash's betrayal of Jehoiada's family and his abandonment of God ultimately led to his downfall.

Legacy

Joash's assassination marked the end of his forty-year reign and the beginning of a turbulent period in Judah's history. He was succeeded by his son Amaziah, who also faced challenges in maintaining the spiritual and political stability of the kingdom. The account of Joash's conspiracy is a poignant example of the complexities of leadership and the enduring need for faithfulness to God.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 12:20
And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goes down to Silla.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Kingdom of Judah.
... Reigned 2 years and was slain by a conspiracy of his servants. 16. ... (4) Sin blinds
men to their best interests, turns them against their best friends and ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiv the kingdom of.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... Euphrates upon rafts of inflated skins, he marched his columns against Oarchemish. ...
to mention El himself, Besheph, Hadad, and the Cabin, the servants of Besheph ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... part taken by Nathan in the conspiracy which raised ... chance was in his favour and
against the Armenian. ... the whole train of horses, asses, servants, and artisans ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... the battle of Carchemish"Nebuchadrezzar II.: his policy with regard to Media"The
conquests of Cyaxares and the struggles of the Mermnadae against the Greek ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm