Topical Bible: Revivals: Jehoash and Jehoiada

◄ Revivals: Jehoash and Jehoiada ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The revival during the reign of King Jehoash (also known as Joash) and the high priest Jehoiada is a significant event in the history of Judah, illustrating a period of religious reform and renewal. This revival is documented in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, providing insight into the spiritual and political dynamics of the time.

Historical Context

Jehoash was the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, and his life was preserved through the courageous actions of his aunt Jehosheba, who hid him from the murderous campaign of Athaliah, his grandmother. Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, had usurped the throne of Judah after the death of her son Ahaziah and sought to eliminate the royal lineage of David. Jehoash was hidden in the temple of the LORD for six years while Athaliah reigned over the land (2 Kings 11:1-3; 2 Chronicles 22:10-12).

The Role of Jehoiada

Jehoiada, the high priest, played a pivotal role in the revival and restoration of true worship in Judah. In the seventh year of Athaliah's reign, Jehoiada orchestrated a coup to overthrow her and place Jehoash on the throne. He gathered the commanders, the Carites, and the guards, making a covenant with them in the house of the LORD. They anointed Jehoash as king, and the people rejoiced, declaring, "Long live the king!" (2 Kings 11:4-12; 2 Chronicles 23:1-11).

Jehoiada's influence extended beyond the political realm; he was instrumental in leading a spiritual revival. He renewed the covenant between the LORD, the king, and the people, committing them to be the LORD's people. The people then destroyed the temple of Baal, smashed its altars and idols, and killed Mattan, the priest of Baal, before the altars (2 Kings 11:17-18; 2 Chronicles 23:16-17).

Reforms Under Jehoash

Under the guidance of Jehoiada, Jehoash initiated significant religious reforms. One of his notable achievements was the restoration of the temple, which had fallen into disrepair during the reign of Athaliah. Jehoash instructed the priests to collect money from the people to fund the repairs. However, when the repairs were delayed, Jehoiada took a more direct approach by placing a chest at the entrance of the temple to collect offerings. The funds gathered were used to hire workers who restored the temple to its former glory (2 Kings 12:4-15; 2 Chronicles 24:4-14).

Jehoash's reign was marked by a return to the worship of the LORD, and as long as Jehoiada lived, Jehoash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD (2 Kings 12:2; 2 Chronicles 24:2). Jehoiada's influence was crucial in maintaining the spiritual integrity of the nation during this period.

Challenges and Decline

Despite the initial success of the revival, Jehoash's reign faced challenges after the death of Jehoiada. The king's reliance on Jehoiada's counsel became evident when, following the high priest's death, Jehoash succumbed to the influence of the officials of Judah, who led him away from the LORD. They abandoned the temple of the LORD, and idolatry once again took root in the land (2 Chronicles 24:17-18).

The LORD sent prophets to bring the people back to Him, but they would not listen. Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, was filled with the Spirit of God and confronted the people, but he was stoned to death by order of the king, marking a tragic turn in Jehoash's reign (2 Chronicles 24:19-22).

Legacy

The revival under Jehoash and Jehoiada serves as a testament to the power of godly leadership and the importance of covenant faithfulness. It highlights the potential for spiritual renewal when leaders and people commit to the ways of the LORD. However, it also underscores the fragility of such revivals when they are not deeply rooted in the hearts of the people and reliant on enduring faithfulness to God.

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2 Kings 11:1
And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal.
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2 Kings 12:1
In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba.
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2 Chronicles 23:1
And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him.
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2 Chronicles 24:1
Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Zibiah of Beersheba.
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