Topical Bible: Rulers: Wicked: Joash, Killing Zechariah

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Topical Encyclopedia

Joash, also known as Jehoash, was a king of Judah who initially began his reign with promise and adherence to the ways of the Lord, largely influenced by the high priest Jehoiada. However, after Jehoiada's death, Joash's reign took a tragic turn towards wickedness, culminating in the murder of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada.

Background and Early Reign

Joash ascended to the throne at a young age, following the tumultuous period of Athaliah's usurpation. Under the guidance of Jehoiada, Joash restored the temple and reestablished the worship of Yahweh, as recorded in 2 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 24. His early reign was marked by religious reforms and a commitment to the covenant with God.

Turning Away from God

After the death of Jehoiada, Joash's fidelity to God waned. Influenced by the officials of Judah, he abandoned the house of the Lord and turned to idolatry. This apostasy provoked the wrath of God, and prophets were sent to call the king and the people back to righteousness. However, they were not heeded.

The Murder of Zechariah

The most grievous act of Joash's later reign was the killing of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada. Zechariah, filled with the Spirit of God, stood against the king and the people, warning them of their transgressions. In 2 Chronicles 24:20-21 , it is recorded: "Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said to them, 'This is what God says: Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has forsaken you.' But they conspired against him, and by order of the king, they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the house of the LORD."

This act of murder was not only a betrayal of the covenant but also a personal betrayal, as Jehoiada had been a father figure to Joash. The killing of Zechariah marked a significant moral and spiritual decline in Joash's reign.

Divine Retribution

The murder of Zechariah did not go unpunished. As prophesied, calamity befell Joash. The Arameans invaded Judah, and Joash was severely wounded. In his weakened state, he was assassinated by his own officials, as recounted in 2 Chronicles 24:25 : "When the Arameans withdrew, they left Joash severely wounded. His own servants conspired against him for shedding the blood of the son of Jehoiada the priest, and they killed him on his bed. So he died and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings."

Joash's reign serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of turning away from God and the consequences of wicked leadership. His initial promise was overshadowed by his later actions, which led to his downfall and the judgment of God upon his house.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 24:2,17-25
And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.
Nave's Topical Index

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The Hebrew Prophecies.
... in the days of Jeroboam, son of Joash, king of ... armies she finally fell; sometimes
her rulers entered into ... message of the gospel: "Let the wicked forsake his way ...
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