Joash, also known as Jehoash, was a king of Judah who reigned during the 9th century BC. His account is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 11-12 and 2 Chronicles 22-24. Joash's life and reign provide a poignant example of ingratitude, particularly in his relationship with Jehoiada the priest.

Background and Early Reign

Joash was the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah. After Ahaziah's death, his mother, Athaliah, seized the throne and attempted to exterminate the royal family. However, Joash was saved by his aunt Jehosheba and hidden in the temple for six years. During this time, he was under the protection and guidance of Jehoiada, the high priest. At the age of seven, Joash was crowned king in a coup orchestrated by Jehoiada, who played a crucial role in his early reign.

Under Jehoiada's influence, Joash began his reign well. He was committed to restoring the temple and ensuring the proper worship of Yahweh. 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." This period of his reign was marked by religious reform and a return to the worship of the God of Israel.

Ingratitude and Apostasy

Despite the positive start, Joash's reign took a dramatic turn after the death of Jehoiada. The Scriptures highlight Joash's ingratitude towards the man who had saved his life and established him as king. 2 Chronicles 24:17-18 states, "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."

Joash's failure to remember the kindness and guidance of Jehoiada led him to forsake the covenant with God. He turned to idolatry, influenced by the officials of Judah, and abandoned the reforms he had once championed. This apostasy was a direct result of his ingratitude and forgetfulness of the foundational role Jehoiada played in his life.

The Murder of Zechariah

The depth of Joash's ingratitude is further illustrated in his treatment of Jehoiada's son, Zechariah. When Zechariah, filled with the Spirit of God, confronted the people for their unfaithfulness, Joash ordered his execution. 2 Chronicles 24:20-21 recounts, "Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said to them, 'This is what God says: Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has forsaken you.' But they conspired against him, and by order of the king, they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the house of the LORD."

This act of violence against the son of his benefactor underscores Joash's profound ingratitude. Zechariah's dying words, "May the LORD see this and call you to account" (2 Chronicles 24:22), highlight the gravity of Joash's betrayal.

Consequences and Legacy

Joash's ingratitude and subsequent apostasy had severe consequences. His reign ended in turmoil, and he was assassinated by his own officials. 2 Chronicles 24:25 records, "When the Arameans withdrew, they left Joash severely wounded. His own officials conspired against him for murdering the son of Jehoiada the priest, and they killed him in his bed."

Joash's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ingratitude. His failure to honor the legacy of Jehoiada and his turning away from God led to his downfall. The narrative of Joash reminds believers of the importance of gratitude and faithfulness to God and those who guide us in righteousness.2 Chronicles 24:22
Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The LORD look on it, and require it.
Nave's Topical Index

Joash
... of the blackest ingratitude to the man who had saved his infant life, and put him
on the throne, an outrage on the claims of family connections, for Joash and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/joash.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Beeri,** was never weary of reproaching the tribes with their ingratitude, and
persisted ... he preached "in the days of Jeroboam, the son of Joash (Jehoash), King ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

What were the quail mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about ingratitude/unthankfulness? | GotQuestions.org

Where/how do you draw the line between helping someone and allowing someone to take advantage of you? | GotQuestions.org

Ungrateful: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus