Question 1

Who was King Joash (Jehoash) and how long did he reign in Judah?

Accepted Answer

King Joash, also called Jehoash, was a king of Judah who began to reign in the seventh year of King Jehu of Israel. He ruled in Jerusalem for forty years, and his mother was Zibiah from Beer-sheba. While the priest Jehoiada guided him, Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. His reign is remembered for his early concern for the temple, his failure to remove the high places, his later compromise when threatened by Syria, and the sad way his life ended in a conspiracy.

Question 2

What were the “high places” and why were they not taken away?

Accepted Answer

The “high places” were local worship sites on hills or raised areas where people offered sacrifices and burned incense. God had already set Jerusalem and the temple as the proper place for sacrifice, so these high places were not in line with His command, and often mixed in wrong worship. Even though Joash tried to honor God in many ways, he did not remove these high places. This shows that his reforms were only partial and that the people held tightly to old habits of worship that God did not want.

Question 3

Why did Joash set up a chest in the temple, and how did it work?

Accepted Answer

Joash first told the priests to use the temple money to repair the building, but many years passed and the work was still not done. So he changed the plan. Jehoiada took a chest, drilled a hole in the lid, and placed it by the altar where people came in. The priests who guarded the door put into the chest all the money brought to the temple. When the chest was full, the king’s scribe and the high priest counted it and handed it directly to the overseers of the repair work.

Question 4

What does this passage show about handling money and honesty in God’s work?

Accepted Answer

This passage highlights clear and honest handling of money given for God’s work. Once the chest system was set up, the money went straight from the chest to the overseers, and from them to the workers. The text notes that they did not even require a detailed accounting from these men because they dealt faithfully. The money was used first for necessary repairs, not for extra silver or gold items. It gives a picture of simple, transparent systems and trustworthy people serving without greed or misuse of offerings.

Question 5

Why did Joash send the temple treasures to Hazael king of Syria?

Accepted Answer

When Hazael, king of Syria, captured Gath and then turned toward Jerusalem, Joash chose to send him treasures instead of trusting God to protect the city. He took holy things that earlier kings had dedicated, along with his own dedicated things and the gold from the temple and palace, and sent them to Hazael. Hazael then withdrew from Jerusalem. This act shows Joash’s fear and decline, trading what belonged to God to buy safety, instead of relying on the Lord who had helped him earlier in his reign.

Question 6

Why was Joash killed by his own servants, and what does that show?

Accepted Answer

Joash was killed in a conspiracy by his servants Jozachar and Jehozabad in the house of Millo. This was not a random event but part of his sad ending after a good start. Elsewhere we read that in his later years he turned from God and even went against the family of Jehoiada, who had helped him. His death at the hands of his own servants, away from honor, shows how turning from God can lead to loss of respect, stability, and safety, even for a king who once walked in the right way.

Question 7

What is the importance of Jehoiada’s influence on Joash’s early reign?

Accepted Answer

Jehoiada the priest played a key role in Joash’s life. While Jehoiada was alive and instructing him, Joash did what was right in the sight of the Lord. Jehoiada’s teaching and example helped shape Joash’s concern for the temple and for proper worship. This shows how much a godly mentor can affect a leader’s choices. When that influence faded, Joash’s faithfulness weakened. It reminds us that steady, wise guidance can help keep a person on the right path, especially someone in a place of authority.

Question 8

How can this passage about Joash and the temple repairs apply to believers today?

Accepted Answer

This passage can speak to our lives in several ways. First, Joash’s care for the temple points to the need to care for the worship life God has given us, not letting it fall into neglect. Second, the honest handling of offerings encourages integrity and transparency in any ministry or church work. Third, Joash’s later fear and compromise warn us not to start well with God and then drift when pressure comes. It gently pushes us to seek steady counsel, keep trusting God in trouble, and avoid half-hearted obedience.

2 Kings 12:1

In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Zibiah of Beer-sheba.

Joash Repairs the Temple

Joash (Jehoash) Reigns over Judah

The Temple to Be Repaired

The Death of Joash

Joash (Jehoash) Succeeded by Amaziah in Judah

Joash Repairs the Temple

Joash (Jehoash) Reigns over Judah

Cross References

2 Kings 12:1

In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Zibiah of Beer-sheba.

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Joash Repairs the Temple

Joash (Jehoash) Reigns over Judah

The Temple to Be Repaired

The Death of Joash

Joash (Jehoash) Succeeded by Amaziah in Judah

Joash Repairs the Temple

Joash (Jehoash) Reigns over Judah

Cross References