Main Highlights
Joash reigns well under Jehoiada's guidance, but after Jehoiada's death, he turns away from God, even killing Jehoiada's son Zechariah, and suffers judgment.
Key Verses
And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest.- 2 Chronicles 24:2 After the death of Jehoiada the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them.- 2 Chronicles 24:17 Then the Spirit of God clothed Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, and he stood above the people, and said to them, 'Thus says God, "Why do you break the commandments of the Lord, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you."'- 2 Chronicles 24:20 Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, had shown him, but killed his son. And when he was dying, he said, 'May the Lord see and avenge!'- 2 Chronicles 24:22
Related Scripture
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!- 1 Corinthians 10:12
Scholar Insight
"Joash's tragic downfall illustrates the importance of consistent faithfulness and the danger of relying on human wisdom rather than God's guidance. His story reminds us that even initial success does not guarantee lasting righteousness. – Peter T. Leithart, 1 & 2 Chronicles, p. 215."
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
God holds people accountable for their actions, even after periods of obedience. His justice is certain, even if it's delayed. We learn about his disappointment. And when they departed from him, leaving him severely wounded, his own servants conspired against him because of the blood of the son of Jehoiada the priest, and they struck him down on his bed, so that he died. And they buried him in the city of David, but they did not bury him in the tombs of the kings. (2 Chronicles 24:25)
Christological Connection
Zechariah's martyrdom foreshadows the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus, who also came speaking God's truth and was rejected by the religious leaders.
Systematic Theology
Apostasy: The abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief or principle.
Law & Grace
The law is broken by Joash's idolatry and murder of Zechariah. Grace is seen in the initial period of Joash's good rule, under Jehoiada's guidance.
Personal Application
We must be vigilant in guarding our hearts against temptation and remaining faithful to God, even when we face pressure from others. We should be grateful for those who speak truth to us, even when it's difficult to hear. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. (1 Corinthians 10:12)