Topical Bible: Fatherless: Joash

◄ Fatherless: Joash ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Joash, also known as Jehoash, is a significant biblical figure whose early life was marked by tragedy and divine providence. He was the son of King Ahaziah of Judah and became king at a very young age after the violent upheaval that followed his father's death. Joash's account is primarily found in 2 Kings 11-12 and 2 Chronicles 22-24.

Background and Early Life

Joash was born into the royal lineage of David, but his early years were fraught with danger. After the death of his father, King Ahaziah, his grandmother Athaliah seized the throne of Judah. In a ruthless bid to secure her power, Athaliah attempted to destroy the entire royal family. However, Joash was saved from this massacre by his aunt Jehosheba, the wife of the priest Jehoiada. Jehosheba hid Joash in the temple of the LORD for six years, during which time Athaliah ruled the land.

The Role of Jehoiada

Jehoiada, the high priest, played a crucial role in Joash's life, acting as his protector and mentor. In the seventh year, Jehoiada orchestrated a coup to overthrow Athaliah and place Joash on the throne. The priest gathered the commanders, the Carites, and the guards, and they anointed Joash as king in a dramatic ceremony at the temple. The people rejoiced, and Athaliah was executed. This event is recorded in 2 Kings 11:12-14 : "Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, 'Long live the king!'"

Reign and Religious Reforms

Joash began his reign at the tender age of seven, under the guidance of Jehoiada. His early reign was marked by a commitment to restoring the worship of Yahweh and repairing the temple, which had fallen into disrepair during Athaliah's reign. Joash's dedication to the temple is highlighted in 2 Kings 12:4-5 : "Then Joash said to the priests, 'Collect all the money brought as sacred offerings to the house of the LORD—the census money, the money from personal vows, and all the money voluntarily given to the house of the LORD.'"

Under Jehoiada's influence, Joash led a revival of true worship and adherence to the covenant. The high priest's mentorship was instrumental in guiding the young king's decisions and maintaining the spiritual integrity of the nation.

Challenges and Decline

Despite his promising start, Joash's reign faced challenges, particularly after the death of Jehoiada. Without the priest's guidance, Joash's commitment to the LORD wavered. Influenced by the officials of Judah, he turned away from the LORD, leading to idolatry and apostasy. This spiritual decline is noted in 2 Chronicles 24:17-18 : "After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them. They abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherah poles and idols."

Joash's later years were marred by conflict and tragedy. He faced military threats from the Arameans and suffered personal betrayal. In a tragic turn of events, Joash ordered the stoning of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who had rebuked the people for their unfaithfulness. This act of ingratitude and violence against the family that had saved him marked a significant moral and spiritual decline.

Death and Legacy

Joash's reign ended in turmoil. He was assassinated by his own officials, a consequence of his departure from the ways of the LORD. Despite his early promise and the reforms he initiated, Joash's legacy is overshadowed by his later failures. His life serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of steadfast faith and the dangers of turning away from divine guidance.

Joash's account, as a fatherless child who rose to the throne, underscores the themes of divine providence, the influence of godly mentorship, and the consequences of spiritual apostasy. His life is a testament to the complexities of human leadership and the enduring need for faithfulness to God's covenant.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 11:1-12
And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Prophet Hosea.
... and He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam, the son of Joash." (2.) The ... fundamental
thought is expressed in ver.4 (3): "For in Thee the fatherless findeth mercy ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet hosea.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... brother offend? (1 Corinthians 8:13) Where is Dorcas, with her garments she
used to make for the widow, and for the fatherless? (Acts 9 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm