Jehoash, also known as Joash, was a king of Israel who reigned during the 8th century BC. His rule is chronicled in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where he is depicted as a monarch who perpetuated the sinful practices initiated by Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. Jehoash's reign is marked by a continuation of idolatry and disobedience to the covenantal laws established by God for His people.

Background and Reign

Jehoash was the son of Jehoahaz and the grandson of Jehu, who had eradicated the house of Ahab and the worship of Baal from Israel. Despite this purging, Jehoash did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam, who had led Israel into idolatry by setting up golden calves at Bethel and Dan. These actions were a direct violation of the first and second commandments, which prohibit the worship of other gods and the making of graven images (Exodus 20:3-4).

2 Kings 13:10-11 states, "In the thirty-seventh year of Joash king of Judah, Jehoash son of Jehoahaz became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria sixteen years. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and did not turn away from all the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit; he continued in them."

Religious Practices and Idolatry

Jehoash's adherence to the idolatrous practices of Jeroboam is a significant aspect of his reign. Jeroboam's establishment of alternative worship centers was a political move to prevent the Israelites from returning to Jerusalem, the spiritual heart of the united kingdom. This act of rebellion against God's command to worship in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 12:5-14) set a precedent for subsequent kings, including Jehoash, who failed to restore true worship.

The persistence of these practices under Jehoash's rule highlights the deep-seated nature of idolatry in Israel and the king's unwillingness to lead the nation back to the worship of Yahweh alone. This failure to reform religious practices contributed to the spiritual decline of the northern kingdom.

Military Campaigns and Relations with Judah

Jehoash's reign was also characterized by military conflicts, particularly with the kingdom of Judah. One notable encounter was with Amaziah, king of Judah, who challenged Jehoash to battle. The confrontation is recorded in 2 Kings 14:8-14 , where Jehoash warns Amaziah with a parable about a thistle and a cedar, ultimately defeating him and capturing Jerusalem. This victory, however, did not translate into spiritual reform or a return to covenantal faithfulness.

Legacy and Impact

Jehoash's reign is a testament to the enduring influence of Jeroboam's sins on the northern kingdom. His failure to break away from these practices underscores the challenges faced by Israelite kings in leading their people according to God's statutes. The continuation of idolatry under Jehoash's rule contributed to the eventual downfall of the northern kingdom, as prophesied by the prophets who warned of impending judgment due to persistent disobedience.

In summary, Jehoash's reign is a reflection of the broader narrative of Israel's struggle with idolatry and the consequences of following the wicked example set by Jeroboam. His account serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of departing from God's commandments and the importance of faithful leadership in guiding a nation towards righteousness.2 Kings 13:10,11
In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years.
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