Topical Bible: Polygamy: Joash

◄ Polygamy: Joash ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Joash, also known as Jehoash, was a king of Judah who reigned in the 9th century BC. His account is primarily recorded in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Joash's reign is notable for both his early dedication to the Lord and his later departure from faithful worship, influenced by the leaders around him.

Background and Reign

Joash was the son of Ahaziah and became king at a young age after being hidden from the murderous rampage of Athaliah, his grandmother, who sought to destroy the royal family. He was saved and raised by Jehoiada the priest, who played a significant role in his early reign. Under Jehoiada's guidance, Joash restored the temple and reestablished proper worship practices (2 Kings 12:1-16; 2 Chronicles 24:1-14).

Polygamy in Joash's Life

The practice of polygamy was not uncommon among the kings of Israel and Judah, and Joash was no exception. While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Joash's marriages, it is noted that he had multiple wives. In 2 Chronicles 24:3, it is recorded, "Jehoiada chose two wives for him, and he had sons and daughters." This indicates that Joash's polygamous relationships were established with the influence and approval of Jehoiada, the priest who had been a father figure to him.

Biblical Context of Polygamy

Polygamy in the Old Testament is a complex issue. While it was practiced by several key figures, including patriarchs like Abraham, Jacob, and kings like David and Solomon, it often led to familial strife and spiritual decline. The Mosaic Law provided regulations for polygamous relationships (Exodus 21:10; Deuteronomy 21:15-17), but it did not explicitly endorse the practice. Instead, these laws sought to protect the rights of wives and children within such arrangements.

Spiritual Decline and Consequences

Joash's later years were marked by a departure from the faithfulness he exhibited under Jehoiada's influence. After Jehoiada's death, Joash listened to the advice of other leaders who led him away from the worship of Yahweh. He allowed idolatry to flourish, which ultimately brought judgment upon him and the nation (2 Chronicles 24:17-19).

The Bible does not directly link Joash's polygamy to his spiritual decline, but the narrative suggests that his failure to remain faithful to God was influenced by the people around him, including his wives and advisors. This pattern is consistent with other biblical accounts where polygamy contributed to spiritual and familial discord, as seen in the lives of Solomon and David.

Conclusion

Joash's life serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges associated with polygamy in the biblical narrative. While he began his reign with a commitment to God, his later years were marred by unfaithfulness and idolatry, influenced by those around him. The biblical account of Joash highlights the importance of spiritual integrity and the potential pitfalls of deviating from God's design for marriage.