The assassination of King Joash of Judah is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, illustrating the consequences of turning away from God and the resulting political instability. Joash, also known as Jehoash, was the son of Ahaziah and became king at a young age after being saved from the massacre of the royal family by his aunt Jehosheba and the high priest Jehoiada (2 Kings 11:2-3, 2 Chronicles 22:11-12).

Joash's reign began with promise, as he was guided by Jehoiada, who restored the worship of Yahweh and repaired the temple (2 Kings 12:2, 2 Chronicles 24:4-14). However, after Jehoiada's death, Joash's fidelity to God waned. Influenced by the officials of Judah, he abandoned the house of the LORD and served idols, leading to divine wrath against Judah and Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 24:17-18).

The turning point in Joash's reign came when he ordered the stoning of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who had prophesied against the people's idolatry. As Zechariah died, he called for divine retribution, saying, "May the LORD see this and call you to account" (2 Chronicles 24:22).

The fulfillment of this curse came swiftly. The Aramean army invaded Judah, and although they were a small force, they inflicted heavy casualties, as God delivered Judah into their hands due to their abandonment of Him (2 Chronicles 24:23-24). Joash was severely wounded during this invasion.

In the aftermath, Joash's own servants conspired against him. The Bible records that they assassinated him on his bed, motivated by his murder of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada (2 Kings 12:20-21, 2 Chronicles 24:25). The conspirators, Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shimrith, were driven by a sense of justice for the blood of Zechariah, highlighting the principle of divine retribution (2 Chronicles 24:26).

Joash's assassination underscores the biblical theme that turning away from God and committing acts of injustice, especially against His prophets, leads to divine judgment. His death marked the end of a reign that began with potential but ended in tragedy due to his unfaithfulness. Joash was buried in the City of David, but notably, not in the tombs of the kings, signifying his fall from grace (2 Chronicles 24:25).2 Kings 12:20,21
And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goes down to Silla.
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