Topical Encyclopedia Joash, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, is primarily recognized in the Bible as the father of Gideon, one of Israel's most notable judges. His account is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 6-8. Joash resided in Ophrah, a town associated with the Abiezrites, a clan within the tribe of Manasseh.Background and Family Joash was the head of his household and the father of Gideon, who would later become a mighty warrior and deliverer of Israel. The family lived during a tumultuous period when the Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites due to their disobedience to God. This oppression led the Israelites to cry out to the Lord for deliverance. Religious Context Joash's household, like many in Israel at the time, was influenced by the surrounding Canaanite culture, which included the worship of Baal and Asherah. Joash had an altar to Baal and an Asherah pole on his property, indicating that he participated in or at least tolerated the syncretistic practices that had infiltrated Israelite worship. Gideon's Call and Joash's Response The narrative of Joash becomes significant when the Angel of the Lord appears to Gideon, calling him to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Gideon is instructed to destroy his father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. In obedience, Gideon takes ten of his servants and does so at night, fearing his family and the men of the city. The following morning, when the townspeople discover the desecration of the altar, they demand Gideon's life. Joash, however, defends his son with a bold statement: "If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar" (Judges 6:31). This response not only saves Gideon but also challenges the legitimacy of Baal worship, suggesting a turning point in Joash's own faith journey. Legacy Joash's defense of Gideon and his subsequent actions indicate a shift from idolatry towards a renewed faith in the God of Israel. His son Gideon goes on to lead Israel to victory over the Midianites, reaffirming the covenant relationship between God and His people. Joash's account, though brief, highlights the tension between cultural assimilation and covenant faithfulness, a recurring theme in the history of Israel. Joash's legacy is primarily seen through the life and leadership of Gideon, who is remembered as a judge who, despite his initial hesitations, trusted in the Lord and delivered Israel from its oppressors. Joash's initial tolerance of idolatry and his subsequent defense of his son serve as a reminder of the complexities of faith and leadership in a time of spiritual and national crisis. Nave's Topical Index Judges 6:11,29,31And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained to Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites. Nave's Topical Index Judges 7:14 Judges 8:13,29-32 Library The Story of Gideon and his Three Hundred Soldiers Gideon's Brave Band The Crowning of Abimelech The Children's Bible The Service Common to the Holy Angels and Other Bodiless Ones. Miller's views on the Second Coming of Christ. A Cloud of Witnesses. The Channel of Power. Christ is Glorious --Let us Make Him Known The Antiquities of the Jews Resources When is civil disobedience allowed for a Christian? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the kings of Israel and Judah? | GotQuestions.org How many prophets are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Joash: (Son of Ahaziah and King of Judah): Anointed King by the Priest, Jehoiada Joash: (Son of Ahaziah and King of Judah): Conspired Against and Slain Joash: (Son of Ahaziah and King of Judah): Diseases of Joash: (Son of Ahaziah and King of Judah): Prophecy Against Joash: (Son of Ahaziah and King of Judah): Put Jehoiada's Son to Death Joash: (Son of Ahaziah and King of Judah): Repaired the Temple Joash: (Son of Ahaziah and King of Judah): Righteousness of, Under Influence of Jehoiada Joash: (Son of Ahaziah and King of Judah): Wickedness of, After Jehoiada's Death Joash: Keeper of the Stores of Oil Joash: One of David's officers Joash: Procured Peace from Hazael, King of Syria, by Gift of Dedicated Treasures from the Temple Joash: Saved from his Grandmother by Jehosheba, his Aunt, and Hidden for Six Years Joash: Son of Ahab, King of Israel Related Terms |
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