Joash, the great grandson of King Jehoshaphat was made the King of Judah at the age of 7 and he ruled in Judah for 40 years (2 Chronicles.24:1) ( BC 836 – 796). The Godly chief Priest Jehoiada was instrumental in crowning him as King (2 Chronicles.23). At the crowning ceremony itself, Jehoiada gave “a copy of the covenant” to the 7 year old King and brought him up in Godly ways. Jehoiada even chose Godly wives for the King (24:2). Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years of Jehoiada the priest.(24:2)

Because of this Godly influence, King Joash took the initiative “to restore the temple of the Lord”(24:4). The Temple of the Lord was abandoned and even its objects were used for Baal worship by Queen Athaliah.(23:17; 24:7).

After the death of Jehoiada, King Joash listened to the advice of the wicked people. “They abandoned the temple of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and worshipped Asherah poles and idols.”(24:18) Although the Lord sent prophets to bring them back to Him, they didn’t listen. King even ordered the killing of Zechariah, son of Jehoiada for trying to bring him back to God.(24:19-21). As a result, the anger of God came upon Judah and Jerusalem.(24:18)

The army of Aram invaded Judah and Jerusalem, killed all the leaders, looted the country and left Joash severely wounded. Later Joash was killed by his own people.(24:23-25) “Because Judah had forsaken the Lord, the God of their fathers, judgement was executed on Joash”. 24:24. King Joash and Judah paid a big cost for forsaking the Lord of their fathers.

The life of King Joash is a good example of the influence of Godly people and worldly people in a person’s life.

Is our life controlled by God and His Word or by worldly people?
What kind of people are influencing us and our children?
How much time do we and our children spend with GOD and His Word in a day?

Rev.C.V.Abraham.