Joash was seven years old when he became king and reigned forty years in Jerusalem, doing right in the Lord's sight all the days of Jehoiada the priest, who arranged two wives for him. Joash determined to restore the temple which Athaliah's sons had damaged and plundered for Baal worship, and when the Levites delayed, he had a chest placed outside the temple gate where the people brought their contributions joyfully until enough was gathered to hire craftsmen and restore the house to its original specifications. After Jehoiada died at 130 years old and was buried among the kings for the good he had done, the leaders of Judah persuaded Joash to abandon the temple and serve Asherim and idols; when Zechariah son of Jehoiada prophesied against them, Joash ordered his execution in the temple court, and Zechariah's dying words called for divine vengeance, which came when a small Syrian army defeated Judah's great host, the wounded Joash was murdered by his own servants for the blood of Jehoiada's sons, and he was buried without royal honors.
Read 2 Chronicles Chapter 24 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
Builder of the temple and Israel's most glorious king
Reforming king who restored temple worship and trusted God against Assyria
Young king who led the greatest revival, rediscovered the Law
Godly king known for his prayer and trust in God during battle
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
Prophet and Lawgiver
King of Israel
Prophet of Messianic Visions
Priest of Bethel who Opposed Amos
Places in This Chapter
Beersheba, meaning "Well of the Oath," was the southernmost major city of Israel. Abraham and Isaac both dug wells and made covenants here. It marked the traditional southern boundary of Israel in the phrase "from Dan to Beersheba." Hagar wandered in its wilderness, and Elijah fled here.
The Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary that Israel built according to God's instructions at Mount Sinai. It served as God's dwelling place among His people during the wilderness wanderings and early settlement in Canaan. It contained the Ark of the Covenant, the altar, and the holy place.
The wilderness refers to the desert regions of Sinai and Judea. Israel wandered here for 40 years after the Exodus. John the Baptist preached in the wilderness of Judea, and Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days. It represents testing, preparation, and encounter with God.
Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and plays a significant role in biblical history. It was on the road to Damascus that Saul of Tarsus had his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ and was converted, becoming the apostle Paul. The prophet Elijah was told to anoint Hazael as king of Syria in Damascus. The city is mentioned throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
Position in Book
Alternating faithful and unfaithful kings, with special attention to reformers like Hezekiah and Josiah.