King Joash, strong start with an unfortunate end

King Joash: A Reformed Perspective

King Joash (also called Jehoash) of Judah is a fascinating figure whose life encapsulates themes of covenant faithfulness, the dangers of incomplete reform, and the necessity of genuine, enduring devotion to God.  Joash’s life demonstrates God’s providence, the role of godly mentorship, and the tragic consequences of superficial faith.

Joash’s early life was marked by divine preservation. Born into the Davidic line, he was hidden as an infant to escape the murderous purge of Queen Athaliah, who sought to destroy the royal family and usurp the throne (2 Kings 11:1-3; 2 Chronicles 22:10-12). Jehoiada the priest, under God’s providential care, sheltered Joash in the temple for six years. At age seven, Joash was crowned king in a dramatic restoration of the Davidic dynasty, fulfilling God’s covenant promise to preserve David’s lineage. This episode underscores God’s sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant promises, even amid human evil.

As king, Joash initially showed promise under the guidance of Jehoiada. He implemented significant reforms, including the restoration of the temple, which had fallen into disrepair during Athaliah’s reign (2 Kings 12:4-16; 2 Chronicles 24:4-14). His actions demonstrated zeal for God’s worship and a desire to honor the covenant. Jehoiada’s godly influence was instrumental in Joash’s early success, illustrating the importance of spiritual mentorship and covenant community in fostering faithfulness.

However, Joash’s devotion proved shallow. After Jehoiada’s death, Joash’s faithfulness to God wavered. Without the priest’s guidance, Joash succumbed to the pressures of ungodly advisors and the people’s idolatrous tendencies (2 Chronicles 24:17-18). He abandoned the temple and turned to false gods, leading Judah into covenant unfaithfulness. God sent prophets to call Joash and the nation to repentance, but they were ignored. This highlights the emphasis on the insufficiency of outward reforms without true heart transformation, which only the Holy Spirit can effect.

Joash’s moral and spiritual decline culminated in tragic acts of ingratitude and rebellion. When Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, rebuked him for forsaking the Lord, Joash ordered his execution, betraying the family that had preserved his life (2 Chronicles 24:20-22). This act demonstrated Joash’s hard-heartedness and rejection of God’s covenant, inviting divine judgment.

God’s judgment on Joash came swiftly. Judah faced invasions from the Arameans, and Joash’s own servants conspired against him, assassinating him in his bed (2 Chronicles 24:23-25). His reign, which began with such promise, ended in disgrace, underscoring that mere external adherence to religion cannot save. True faith must endure, rooted in a heart transformed by God’s grace.

In summary, King Joash’s life is a sobering reminder of the dangers of superficial faith and the consequences of abandoning God’s covenant. His story highlights the necessity of godly leadership, the dangers of forsaking biblical guidance, and the enduring faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, even amid human failure. Ultimately, Joash’s failures point forward to Christ, the perfect King who secures lasting redemption and leads His people in true covenant faithfulness.