II Chronicles 24: A King's Rise and Fall
Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Zibiah of Beer–sheba.
And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest.
And Jehoiada took for him two wives; and he begat sons and daughters.
And it came to pass after this, that Joash was minded to repair the house of the Lord.
And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened it not.
And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the collection, according to the commandment of Moses the servant of the Lord, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?
For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the Lord did they bestow upon Baalim.
And at the king’s commandment they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of the Lord.
And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to the Lord the collection that Moses the servant of God laid upon Israel in the wilderness.
And all the princes and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and cast into the chest, until they had made an end.
Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the king’s office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there was much money, the king’s scribe and the high priest’s officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.
And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the Lord, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the Lord, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the Lord.
So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.
And when they had finished it, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, whereof were made vessels for the house of the Lord, even vessels to minister, and to offer withal, and spoons, and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the Lord continually all the days of Jehoiada.
But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died.
And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.
Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.
And they left the house of the Lord God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.
Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the Lord; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.
And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the Lord, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the Lord, he hath also forsaken you.
And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the Lord.
Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The Lord look upon it, and require it.
And it came to pass at the end of the year, that the host of Syria came up against him: and they came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people, and sent all the spoil of them unto the king of Damascus.
For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the Lord delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers. So they executed judgment against Joash.
And when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great diseases,) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died: and they buried him in the city of David, but they buried him not in the sepulchres of the kings.
And these are they that conspired against him; Zabad the son of Shimeath an Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith a Moabitess.
Now concerning his sons, and the greatness of the burdens laid upon him, and the repairing of the house of God, behold, they are written in the story of the book of the kings. And Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.
II Chronicles 24 offers a poignant narrative of King Joash, whose reign serves as a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of spiritual commitment when it's not deeply rooted in the heart. This chapter chronicles his initial devotion to God, fueled by the godly influence of Jehoiada the priest, followed by a tragic descent into idolatry and ultimately, a violent end. This chapter serves as a warning about the importance of maintaining a steadfast faith and remembering God's faithfulness.
The Influence of Jehoiada (II Chronicles 24:1-14)
Joash ascended to the throne at the tender age of seven, a life spared by Jehoiada's courageous wife from the murderous clutches of Athaliah (II Chronicles 22:10-12). For the first part of his forty-year reign (II Chronicles 24:1), Joash "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD" (II Chronicles 24:2). This initial righteousness was largely attributed to the guidance and influence of Jehoiada the priest (II Chronicles 24:2).
A significant act of Joash's early reign was the restoration of the Temple of the LORD (II Chronicles 24:4). The Temple had fallen into disrepair, a consequence of Athaliah's wicked reign, during which sacred objects were even used in the worship of false gods (II Chronicles 24:7). Joash, recognizing the importance of restoring God's house, commanded the Levites to collect funds for the renovation (II Chronicles 24:4-5).
The people responded generously. They willingly paid the temple tax, as prescribed by Moses, and even gave beyond that requirement (II Chronicles 24:9). This outpouring of support enabled the complete renovation of the temple and the creation of new articles for worship (II Chronicles 24:11-14). This period represents a time of spiritual renewal and a return to the proper worship of God in Judah.
The Downward Spiral (II Chronicles 24:15-22)
The narrative takes a dark turn after the death of Jehoiada at the remarkable age of 130 (II Chronicles 24:15). With Jehoiada's godly influence removed, Joash underwent a complete spiritual reversal. He abandoned the Temple of the LORD and began to worship idols (II Chronicles 24:17-18). This shift highlights the vulnerability of a faith that is dependent on external influences rather than being internally driven.
Despite having witnessed the devastating consequences of idolatry on Judah, Joash's heart was never fully committed to the Lord. The void left by Jehoiada was filled by advisors who led him astray (II Chronicles 24:17). God, in His mercy, sent prophets to warn the people of Judah, but they refused to listen (II Chronicles 24:19).
The most egregious act of Joash's apostasy was his treatment of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada. When Zechariah, filled with the Spirit of God, confronted Joash and the people for forsaking the Lord (II Chronicles 24:20), Joash ordered him to be stoned to death (II Chronicles 24:21). This act of violence was a profound betrayal, a blatant disregard for the kindness and protection that Jehoiada had shown him as a child. The Chronicler poignantly notes that Joash "did not remember the kindness Jehoiada his father had shown him, but killed his son" (II Chronicles 24:22).
Judgment and Retribution (II Chronicles 24:23-27)
Joash's act of silencing God's prophet did not prevent the fulfillment of God's judgment. Within a year, the Aramean army invaded Judah. The LORD handed Judah over to them because they had forsaken Him (II Chronicles 24:23-24). The Arameans inflicted heavy losses on Judah, and Joash himself was severely wounded (II Chronicles 24:25).
Ultimately, Joash's own servants conspired against him and assassinated him in his bed (II Chronicles 24:25). His death was a direct consequence of his treachery against the family of Jehoiada (II Chronicles 24:25). The chapter concludes with the somber note that Joash was buried in the city of David, but not in the tombs of the kings (II Chronicles 24:25), a final indignity reflecting his fall from grace.
II Chronicles 24 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of a genuine and unwavering commitment to God. It highlights the dangers of spiritual complacency and the devastating consequences of abandoning God's ways. Joash's story is a cautionary tale, urging us to examine our own hearts and ensure that our faith is rooted in a deep and personal relationship with the Lord, rather than being swayed by external influences. It also underscores the principle that actions have consequences, and that ultimately, we will reap what we sow.
Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Zibiah of Beer–sheba.
And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest.
And Jehoiada took for him two wives; and he begat sons and daughters.
And it came to pass after this, that Joash was minded to repair the house of the Lord.
And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened it not.
And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the collection, according to the commandment of Moses the servant of the Lord, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?
For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the Lord did they bestow upon Baalim.
And at the king’s commandment they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of the Lord.
And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to the Lord the collection that Moses the servant of God laid upon Israel in the wilderness.
And all the princes and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and cast into the chest, until they had made an end.
Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the king’s office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there was much money, the king’s scribe and the high priest’s officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.
And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the Lord, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the Lord, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the Lord.
So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.
And when they had finished it, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, whereof were made vessels for the house of the Lord, even vessels to minister, and to offer withal, and spoons, and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the Lord continually all the days of Jehoiada.
But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died.
And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.
Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.
And they left the house of the Lord God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.
Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the Lord; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.
And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the Lord, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the Lord, he hath also forsaken you.
And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the Lord.
Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The Lord look upon it, and require it.
And it came to pass at the end of the year, that the host of Syria came up against him: and they came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people, and sent all the spoil of them unto the king of Damascus.
For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the Lord delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers. So they executed judgment against Joash.
And when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great diseases,) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died: and they buried him in the city of David, but they buried him not in the sepulchres of the kings.
And these are they that conspired against him; Zabad the son of Shimeath an Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith a Moabitess.
Now concerning his sons, and the greatness of the burdens laid upon him, and the repairing of the house of God, behold, they are written in the story of the book of the kings. And Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.
II Chronicles 24 offers a poignant narrative of King Joash, whose reign serves as a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of spiritual commitment when it's not deeply rooted in the heart. This chapter chronicles his initial devotion to God, fueled by the godly influence of Jehoiada the priest, followed by a tragic descent into idolatry and ultimately, a violent end. This chapter serves as a warning about the importance of maintaining a steadfast faith and remembering God's faithfulness.
The Influence of Jehoiada (II Chronicles 24:1-14)
Joash ascended to the throne at the tender age of seven, a life spared by Jehoiada's courageous wife from the murderous clutches of Athaliah (II Chronicles 22:10-12). For the first part of his forty-year reign (II Chronicles 24:1), Joash "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD" (II Chronicles 24:2). This initial righteousness was largely attributed to the guidance and influence of Jehoiada the priest (II Chronicles 24:2).
A significant act of Joash's early reign was the restoration of the Temple of the LORD (II Chronicles 24:4). The Temple had fallen into disrepair, a consequence of Athaliah's wicked reign, during which sacred objects were even used in the worship of false gods (II Chronicles 24:7). Joash, recognizing the importance of restoring God's house, commanded the Levites to collect funds for the renovation (II Chronicles 24:4-5).
The people responded generously. They willingly paid the temple tax, as prescribed by Moses, and even gave beyond that requirement (II Chronicles 24:9). This outpouring of support enabled the complete renovation of the temple and the creation of new articles for worship (II Chronicles 24:11-14). This period represents a time of spiritual renewal and a return to the proper worship of God in Judah.
The Downward Spiral (II Chronicles 24:15-22)
The narrative takes a dark turn after the death of Jehoiada at the remarkable age of 130 (II Chronicles 24:15). With Jehoiada's godly influence removed, Joash underwent a complete spiritual reversal. He abandoned the Temple of the LORD and began to worship idols (II Chronicles 24:17-18). This shift highlights the vulnerability of a faith that is dependent on external influences rather than being internally driven.
Despite having witnessed the devastating consequences of idolatry on Judah, Joash's heart was never fully committed to the Lord. The void left by Jehoiada was filled by advisors who led him astray (II Chronicles 24:17). God, in His mercy, sent prophets to warn the people of Judah, but they refused to listen (II Chronicles 24:19).
The most egregious act of Joash's apostasy was his treatment of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada. When Zechariah, filled with the Spirit of God, confronted Joash and the people for forsaking the Lord (II Chronicles 24:20), Joash ordered him to be stoned to death (II Chronicles 24:21). This act of violence was a profound betrayal, a blatant disregard for the kindness and protection that Jehoiada had shown him as a child. The Chronicler poignantly notes that Joash "did not remember the kindness Jehoiada his father had shown him, but killed his son" (II Chronicles 24:22).
Judgment and Retribution (II Chronicles 24:23-27)
Joash's act of silencing God's prophet did not prevent the fulfillment of God's judgment. Within a year, the Aramean army invaded Judah. The LORD handed Judah over to them because they had forsaken Him (II Chronicles 24:23-24). The Arameans inflicted heavy losses on Judah, and Joash himself was severely wounded (II Chronicles 24:25).
Ultimately, Joash's own servants conspired against him and assassinated him in his bed (II Chronicles 24:25). His death was a direct consequence of his treachery against the family of Jehoiada (II Chronicles 24:25). The chapter concludes with the somber note that Joash was buried in the city of David, but not in the tombs of the kings (II Chronicles 24:25), a final indignity reflecting his fall from grace.
II Chronicles 24 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of a genuine and unwavering commitment to God. It highlights the dangers of spiritual complacency and the devastating consequences of abandoning God's ways. Joash's story is a cautionary tale, urging us to examine our own hearts and ensure that our faith is rooted in a deep and personal relationship with the Lord, rather than being swayed by external influences. It also underscores the principle that actions have consequences, and that ultimately, we will reap what we sow.