Joash יוֹאָשׁ
King of Judah, son of Ahaziah
Who is Joash in the Bible?
Joash, also known as Jehoash, was a king of Judah and the son of Ahaziah who ascended to the throne at just seven years old (2 Kings 11:2, 2 Chronicles 22:11). He had been hidden and protected by his aunt Jehosheba for six years after the usurper Athaliah seized power, but was later proclaimed king and reigned for forty years (2 Kings 12:1, 2 Chronicles 24:1). Early in his reign, Joash undertook significant repairs to the temple of the Lord under the guidance of the priest Jehoiada, demonstrating his initial commitment to restoring proper worship (2 Kings 12:4-7, 2 Chronicles 24:4). However, after Jehoiada's death, Joash abandoned his faith and permitted idolatry in Judah, even ordering the execution of the prophet Zechariah when he condemned these practices (2 Chronicles 24:17-22). His spiritual decline resulted in military defeats and his own assassination by servants (2 Chronicles 24:23-25), making his reign a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning from God.
Biography
Joash, also known as Jehoash, was the king of Judah and the son of Ahaziah. He became king at the age of seven, after being hidden by his aunt Jehosheba for six years following the usurpation of the throne by Athaliah (2Ki.11.2; 2Ch.22.11). During his forty-year reign (2Ki.12.1; 2Ch.24.1), Joash initiated repairs to the temple of the Lord, which had fallen into disrepair (2Ki.12.4-7; 2Ch.24.4).
However, after the death of his mentor, Jehoiada the priest, Joash turned away from the Lord and allowed the worship of idols (2Ch.24.17-18). When Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, prophesied against this wickedness, Joash ordered his execution (2Ch.24.20-22).
Consequently, Judah faced military defeats and Joash was wounded (2Ch.24.23-24). He was eventually assassinated by his own servants and succeeded by his son Amaziah (2Ki.12.20-21; 2Ch.24.25-27). Joash's reign was marked by both early reforms and later apostasy, highlighting the importance of godly leadership and the consequences of turning away from the Lord.
Family
Parents
In Scripture
3 biblical books2 Kings 5 verses
- 2 Kings 11:2
"But Jehosheba daughter of King Joram, the sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being murdered. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah, and he was not killed."
- 2 Kings 12:19
"As for the rest of the acts of Joash, along with all his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?"
- 2 Kings 12:20
"And the servants of Joash rose up and formed a conspiracy and killed him at Beth-millo, on the road down to Silla."
- 2 Kings 13:1
"In the twenty-third year of the reign of Joash son of Ahaziah over Judah, Jehoahaz son of Jehu became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria seventeen years."
- 2 Kings 13:10
"In the thirty-seventh year of the reign of Joash over Judah, Jehoash son of Jehoahaz became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned sixteen years."
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 3:11
"Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son,"
2 Chronicles 5 verses
- 2 Chronicles 22:11
"But Jehoshabeath daughter of King Jehoram took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being murdered, and she put him and his nurse in a bedroom. Because Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King Jehoram and the wife of Jehoiada the priest, was..."
- 2 Chronicles 24:1
"Joash was seven years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem forty years. His mother’s name was Zibiah; she was from Beersheba."
- 2 Chronicles 24:2
"And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest."
- 2 Chronicles 24:4
"Some time later, Joash set his heart on repairing the house of the LORD."
- 2 Chronicles 24:22
"Thus King Joash failed to remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had extended to him. Instead, Joash killed Jehoiada’s son. As he lay dying, Zechariah said, “May the LORD see this and call you to account.”"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יוֹאָשׁ |
| Named | Hebrew | יְהוֹאָשׁ |