In the biblical narrative, the murder of King Joash of Judah is a significant event that underscores the divine justice meted out to those who commit homicide. Joash, who initially reigned as a king who did what was right in the eyes of the LORD under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, eventually turned away from God after Jehoiada's death. This apostasy led to his downfall and assassination.

The account of Joash's murder is found in 2 Chronicles 24:17-25. After the death of Jehoiada, the leaders of Judah influenced Joash to abandon the house of the LORD and serve Asherah poles and idols. This provoked the LORD's anger, and He sent prophets to bring the people back to Him, but they would not listen. Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, was one such prophet who was stoned to death by the king's command in the courtyard of the LORD's temple (2 Chronicles 24:20-21).

The murder of Zechariah marked a turning point, and divine retribution soon followed. The Aramean army invaded Judah and Jerusalem, executing judgment against Joash. Despite their small numbers, the Arameans defeated a much larger Judean army, as the LORD delivered Judah into their hands because they had forsaken Him (2 Chronicles 24:23-24).

Joash's own servants conspired against him and assassinated him on his bed as a consequence of his actions, particularly for the blood of Zechariah. The conspirators, Zabad son of Shimeath the Ammonitess and Jehozabad son of Shimrith the Moabitess, executed the king, and he was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings (2 Chronicles 24:25-26).

This narrative illustrates the biblical principle that God holds individuals accountable for the shedding of innocent blood. The murderers of Joash, though initially successful in their conspiracy, acted as instruments of divine justice. The account serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views the crime of murder and the inevitable justice that follows such acts.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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