2Ch 24:1 | KingComments | STEP | Joash’s government clearly shows two parts. These two parts show an opposite situation. Both parts show that Joash has no independent relationship with the LORD, but is influenced by advisers in his direct environment. The first part of his reign ( ) is characterized by the influence of a good counselor, Jehoiada ( ), when he does what is right in the eyes of the LORD. The second part of his reign ( ) is characterized by the bad influence of the princes of Judah ( ). Joash is still very young when he becomes king, he is only seven years old ( ). The duration of his reign is forty years. The chronicler mentions his mother’s name: Zibiah, which means ‘gazelle’. He also mentions the place where she comes from: Beersheba, which is situated southerly. Zibiah will certainly have supported her son in advice and deed during the first years of his reign, but the greatest influence on the reign of Joash has been Jehoiada. Joash does, as long as he is under the good guidance of Jehoiada, what is right in the sight of the LORD ( ). Even when it comes to Joash’s marriage, Jehoiada arranges everything ( ). Jehoiada takes two wives for him. This is the custom of the time, but it is not the original plan of God Who already established monogamous marriage at creation. The motif of Jehoiada with the two wives is that he wants the royal line to continue. This happens, because Joash conceives sons and daughters with his wives.

‏ 2 Chronicles 24:1

Introduction

Joash’s government clearly shows two parts. These two parts show an opposite situation. Both parts show that Joash has no independent relationship with the LORD, but is influenced by advisers in his direct environment. The first part of his reign (2Chr 24:1-16) is characterized by the influence of a good counselor, Jehoiada (2Chr 24:2 ; 14), when he does what is right in the eyes of the LORD. The second part of his reign (2Chr 24:17-27) is characterized by the bad influence of the princes of Judah (2Chr 24:17).

Joash King of Judah

Joash is still very young when he becomes king, he is only seven years old (2Chr 24:1). The duration of his reign is forty years. The chronicler mentions his mother’s name: Zibiah, which means ‘gazelle’. He also mentions the place where she comes from: Beersheba, which is situated southerly. Zibiah will certainly have supported her son in advice and deed during the first years of his reign, but the greatest influence on the reign of Joash has been Jehoiada. Joash does, as long as he is under the good guidance of Jehoiada, what is right in the sight of the LORD (2Chr 24:2).

Even when it comes to Joash’s marriage, Jehoiada arranges everything (2Chr 24:3). Jehoiada takes two wives for him. This is the custom of the time, but it is not the original plan of God Who already established monogamous marriage at creation. The motif of Jehoiada with the two wives is that he wants the royal line to continue. This happens, because Joash conceives sons and daughters with his wives.