At age one, King Joash’s mother killed his brothers and took over the nation as queen. Jehoida the priest and his wife hid him for six years. Jehoida made a carefully devised plan to dethrone the queen and restore the throne to Joash. It took six years, but his mother was executed for her crimes and Jehoida crowned Joash King of Judah. [1]
“Joash did what was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest.” However, after Jehoida died, Joash listened to other leaders. Their advice was to serve wooden images and idols. Consequently, God’s wrath came upon the land. The Lord sent prophets to them to bring them back to the Lord, but they would not listen. [2]
Jehoida the priest had a son named Zechariah. Zechariah spoke to Joash by the Spirit of the Lord. He declared, “Thus says God: ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the Lord, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the Lord, He also has forsaken you.’” [3]
King Joash had Zechariah stoned to death. He “did not remember the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him but killed his son.” As Zechariah died, he said, “The Lord look on it, and repay!” [4]
The Lord did repay. A small company of Syrians defeated Judah’s large army. The Lord delivered Judah into their hand because they had forsaken Him. Joash was wounded in this battle and Joash died soon afterwards by the hands of assassins. [5]
What a parable of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ! Jehoida represents God the Father. He preserved Joash from his wicked mother when he could not protect himself. Jehoida also ensured that Joash received his rightful inheritance due to him by birthright. He crowned him king. Zechariah represents God’s Son. He sacrificed his life to bring Joash back to God. In a sense, Joash represents sinners. Sinners are apt to take God’s blessings, then forsake Him, and afterwards turn against Him and His SON. When Joash betrayed God, his life took a hard turn for the worse. In fact, he died a horrible death.
It is important to know and to obey God’s Word. God warns us to keep His Word carefully:
“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” [6]
“For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” [7]
“Even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” [8]
“My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” [9]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive our sins that cost Your Son His life on the cross. Please grant us grace to teach and obey Your Word faithfully all our days. For Your glory and for the salvation of our listeners. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
[1] 2 Chronicles 22:10-11; chapter 23; and 24:1
[2] 2 Chronicles 24:2; 17-19
[3] 2 Chronicles 24:20
[4] 2 Chronicles 24:20-22
[5] 2 Chronicles 24:23-25
[6] 1 Timothy 4:16
[7] Revelation 22:18-19
[8] Galatians 1:8
[9] James 3:1
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