Faithful Leadership: A Study on Joash and Jehoiada
"And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest." - 2 Chronicles 24:2
In the book of 2 Chronicles 24:2 KJV, we read, "And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest." This simple yet powerful verse encapsulates a profound truth about leadership, mentorship, and the divine influence that can shape a life dedicated to God.
Joash, also known as Jehoash, became king of Judah at a young age after a tumultuous beginning, marked by the ruthless actions of his grandmother Athaliah, who sought to destroy all the royal heirs. However, his life was spared by Jehoiada, the high priest, who took him and hid him in the temple of the Lord. Jehoiada not only saved Joash's life, but he also became his mentor and guide, providing Joash with the godly instruction needed to navigate the complexities of kingship.
The phrase "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD" suggests a life committed to righteousness and obedience to God's commands. This is an exceptional achievement for any leader, and it highlights the significance of moral and spiritual integrity in a position of authority. Joash's good actions were not attributed to his inherent virtue alone but were specifically influenced by the guiding hand of Jehoiada. We see here the pivotal role that mentors play in shaping the spiritual lives of others.
As Joash grew under Jehoiada’s stewardship, he demonstrated an earnest desire to restore the worship of Yahweh among the people of Judah, an endeavor that reflected his commitment to righteousness. This commitment led him to undertake repairs on the temple, which had fallen into disarray (2 Chronicles 24:4-14). It is in this effort that we see the heart of a king who is willing to align his purpose with the will of God. This action speaks volumes about the importance of maintaining the house of God in our lives and leading others to do the same.
Jehoiada's influence did not only shape Joash’s leadership but also set a standard for the people. A wise mentor knows that their impact extends beyond the individual; it ripples through the community. Jehoiada’s commitment to the Lord fostered a culture of godliness, inspiring the people to renew their covenant with God and turn away from idolatry. This cultural transformation exemplifies the profound truth that strong leadership rooted in faith can lead to collective revival.
However, we must also take note of the tragedy that follows Jehoiada’s death. After his passing, Joash strayed from the principles he had upheld for so long. He succumbed to the influence of ungodly leaders and began to forsake the commandments of the Lord, ultimately leading to his downfall (2 Chronicles 24:17-22). This transition serves as a sobering reminder that the strength to do what is right does not solely reside within our own hearts but is reinforced by the community and relationships we cultivate.
This narrative urges us to reflect on our sources of influence. Who are the Jehoiada figures in our lives that guide us in faith? Are we seeking out relationships that promote spiritual growth? It emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who spur us on toward righteousness while also reminding us to become such mentors ourselves. Regardless of our positions, we have the opportunity to play a vital role in encouraging others in their walk with the Lord.
As we meditate on Joash’s journey, let us commit ourselves to being steadfast in doing what is right in the sight of God. Let us honor those who have mentored us and strive to be mentors to others. Through guidance, accountability, and faithfulness to God, we can live lives that inspire righteousness, leading ourselves and others toward the heart of God.
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2 Chronicles 24:2 - "And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest."
"And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest." - 2 Chronicles 24:2
2 Chronicles 24:4 - "¶ And it came to pass after this, that Joash was minded to repair the house of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 24:8 - "And at the king's commandment they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 24:3 - "And Jehoiada took for him two wives; and he begat sons and daughters."
2 Chronicles 33:24 - "And his servants conspired against him, and slew him in his own house."
2 Chronicles 24:26 - "And these are they that conspired against him; Zabad the son of Shimeath an Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith a Moabitess."
2 Chronicles 24:21 - "And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 24:5 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Chronicles 24:10 - "And all the princes and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and cast into the chest, until they had made an end."
2 Chronicles 24:13 - "So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it."
1 Chronicles 24:2 - "But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office."
1 Chronicles 2:24 - "And after that Hezron was dead in Caleb-ephratah, then Abiah Hezron's wife bare him Ashur the father of Tekoa."
2 Chronicles 24:18 - "And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass."
2 Chronicles 24:17 - "Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them."
2 Chronicles 24:9 - "And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to the LORD the collection that Moses the servant of God laid upon Israel in the wilderness."
2 Chronicles 24:24 - "For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the LORD delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers. So they executed judgment against Joash."
2 Chronicles 18:24 - "And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself."
2 Chronicles 24:15 - "¶ But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died."
2 Chronicles 32:24 - "¶ In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign."
2 Chronicles 24:19 - "Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear."
2 Chronicles 9:24 - "And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year."
2 Chronicles 20:24 - "And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped."
2 Chronicles 24:16 - "And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house."
2 Chronicles 24:7 - "For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD did they bestow upon Baalim."
"¶ And it came to pass after this, that Joash was minded to repair the house of the LORD." - 2 Chronicles 24:4
2 Chronicles 24:1 - "Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Zibiah of Beer-sheba."
2 Chronicles 25:24 - "And he took all the gold and the silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God with Obed-edom, and the treasures of the king's house, the hostages also, and returned to Samaria."
2 Chronicles 24:12 - "And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the LORD, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the LORD."
"And at the king's commandment they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of the LORD." - 2 Chronicles 24:8