Joash, also known as Jehoash, was the son of Ahaziah and became the king of Judah at a young age. His reign is noted for both its initial promise and its tragic decline. Joash's life and reign are chronicled in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where his health and eventual demise are briefly mentioned.

Background and Reign

Joash ascended to the throne of Judah after being hidden for six years in the temple by his aunt Jehosheba and the high priest Jehoiada, following the massacre of the royal family by his grandmother Athaliah (2 Kings 11:1-3). Under the guidance of Jehoiada, Joash initiated significant religious reforms, including the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem (2 Kings 12:4-16). His early reign was marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh and adherence to the covenant.

Spiritual Decline and Consequences

After the death of Jehoiada, Joash's reign took a turn for the worse. Influenced by the officials of Judah, he abandoned the house of the LORD and turned to idolatry (2 Chronicles 24:17-18). This apostasy led to divine judgment upon Judah, as God sent prophets to call the nation back to Him, but they were not heeded (2 Chronicles 24:19).

Diseases and Death

The Bible does not provide specific details about any diseases that Joash may have suffered during his lifetime. However, his end was marked by violence and betrayal. Joash was assassinated by his own officials at Beth Millo, on the road that goes down to Silla, as a consequence of his turning away from God and the murder of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada (2 Kings 12:20-21; 2 Chronicles 24:25).

The lack of mention of specific diseases in the biblical account suggests that Joash's physical health was not the primary focus of his narrative. Instead, the spiritual and moral decline of his reign, culminating in his assassination, is emphasized as a cautionary tale of the consequences of forsaking the covenant with God.

Conclusion

Joash's life serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of turning away from His commandments. While the Bible does not detail any diseases he may have suffered, his story underscores the spiritual maladies that can afflict a leader and a nation when they stray from divine guidance. Joash's reign, which began with promise and ended in tragedy, highlights the need for steadfastness in faith and the perils of abandoning one's spiritual heritage.2 Chronicles 24:25
And when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great diseases,) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died: and they buried him in the city of David, but they buried him not in the sepulchers of the kings.
Nave's Topical Index

The Fall of the House of Ahab
... Jehoram of Israel, Ahaziah of Judah, and Jezebel the queen ... When she saw that her
son, the king of Judah ... were destroyed, save one, a babe named Joash, whom the ...
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