The young Prince Joash has now been made King in Jerusalem, where he reigns for 40 years. Initially he reigned well, following after the LORD's ways and was even eager to have the house of God repaired from the damage that Queen Athaliah's sons had done to it. He instructed the Levites to go out throughout the country and gather money for the repairs, but they were so slow to do so that Joash ordered a chest to be made which was set outside the temple for contributions.
The princes and people rejoiced in bringing their money and the chest was filled day after day. This was used to pay the workmen who repaired the temple and to make silver and gold vessels for use in the temple.
The priest, Jehoida, then died aged 130 years old and was given honour in his death being buried among the kings. Following his death the princes of Judah came to Joash, and worshipped him and influenced him to leave off serving God and join in the pagan worship. When reprimanded by God via prophets he ignored them, and when Jehoida's son, Zechariah, spoke the Lord's words to him, he ordered him to be stoned.
As he died, Zechariah, said, 'The LORD look upon it, and require it'. This is now seen in the events that follow:
Jerusalem is invaded by a small army of Syrians, to whom God gave the victory - the Judean princes were killed, Joash much wounded and the people plundered. Joash is then killed by a conspiracy of his own servants, and not given honour in his death, not being buried in the kings sepulchers.
The chapter finishes by recording the new king, Amaziah, Joash's son.
What a sad chapter this is! Joash, who seemed to have such good beginnings, turned from God, and even killed the son of the man who had helped save his life and throne and perhaps been like a father.
It only appeared to take the flattery of the princes for him to listen to them and go with them to serve pagan gods and idols. Were these the same princes that rejoiced to put money into the box to repair the temple? Were they just doing this to appear virtuous, or to gain Joash's good favour? Joash had been very eager for the temple repair work to be done when Jehoida was alive, which makes me wonder if he only had an interest in the temple as a recognition for the place of safety which it had been during his childhood. Or perhaps, this indicates a character easily influenced by those closest to him and consequently, whilst Jehoida was alive he supported the upkeep of the temple.
We do not know what happened in his dying minutes, but it is not recorded that he had any change of heart or prayer to the LORD for forgiveness, and the fact that his servants conspired against him suggests that he hadn't changed after being wounded, but we certainly see him reap what he sowed and God's judgement on him.
This is a warning to us to be careful who we associate with, that we are not influenced away from following God. To be careful not to listen to the flattering tongues of those who would do our souls harm...It may even be in more subtle ways that we are influenced, such as what we read, watch or listen to, or hobbies or work, that gradually take all our time and thoughts from serving God.
The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:11-18 to use God's armour to stand against the 'wiles of the devil'. May we be enabled to put this on so that with Gods help we may be discerning and resist bad influences.
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