(story told in 2 Kings 11:1-12:21; 2 Chronicles 22:11-24:27)
Joash, also known as Jehoash, became king of Judah when he was only seven years old. After his grandmother Athaliah tried to destroy the royal family, he was saved as a baby by his aunt Jehosheba and raised secretly in the temple. When the time was right, the priest Jehoiada revealed him to the people, and they crowned Joash king. Under Jehoiada’s guidance, Joash began his reign with wisdom and faith in God.
With Jehoiada’s help, Joash led Judah back to worshiping the Lord. He ordered that the temple, which had been neglected and damaged, be repaired. The people willingly gave offerings, and soon the temple was restored to its former beauty. As long as Jehoiada was alive, Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and enjoyed peace and success.
However, after Jehoiada’s death, everything changed. Without the priest’s guidance, Joash listened to corrupt officials who led him away from God. The people began worshiping idols again, and when Jehoiada’s son Zechariah warned them to return to the Lord, Joash ordered him to be killed in the temple courtyard. This terrible act showed how far Joash’s heart had drifted from God.
Soon after, judgment came. Enemies from Aram attacked Jerusalem and left Joash wounded. His own servants later turned against him and killed him while he lay in bed, ending his reign in disgrace.
Joash’s story began with rescue and promise but ended in tragedy. It reminds us that faith must be personal and lasting—not dependent on others. True devotion to God must be rooted in our own hearts, or it can easily fade away.