Joash’s tragic disregard of loyalty cost him both his moral credibility and God’s favor.
King Joash of Judah reigned from circa 835 to 796 BC. Early in his rule, he was guided by the high priest Jehoiada, who had protected Joash in childhood and helped him ascend to the throne. But after Jehoiada died, Joash listened to wicked counsel, turned away from the LORD’s commands, and even ordered the death of Jehoiada’s son. This betrayal revealed how far Joash’s heart had strayed from gratitude toward the faithful priest who supported him during his youth.
Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness which his father Jehoiada had shown him, but murdered his son. And as he died he said, “May the LORD see and avenge!” (v.22). By ignoring the mercy that had once preserved him, Joash committed an act that called down a plea for divine justice. Jehoiada’s son, named Zechariah, stood courageously for righteousness in Jerusalem—yet was met with violent hostility from the very ruler who owed him a debt of gratitude.
Within the broader story of Judah’s kingdom, this moment stands as a sobering reminder that even leaders who begin well can fall to pride and treachery if they forsake godly counsel. Faithfulness to the LORD is meant to produce grateful humility, but Joash’s betrayal amplified the nation’s spiritual decay and dishonored both the memory of Jehoiada and the authority of God.
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2 Chronicles 24:22 meaning
King Joash of Judah reigned from circa 835 to 796 BC. Early in his rule, he was guided by the high priest Jehoiada, who had protected Joash in childhood and helped him ascend to the throne. But after Jehoiada died, Joash listened to wicked counsel, turned away from the LORD’s commands, and even ordered the death of Jehoiada’s son. This betrayal revealed how far Joash’s heart had strayed from gratitude toward the faithful priest who supported him during his youth.
Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness which his father Jehoiada had shown him, but murdered his son. And as he died he said, “May the LORD see and avenge!” (v.22). By ignoring the mercy that had once preserved him, Joash committed an act that called down a plea for divine justice. Jehoiada’s son, named Zechariah, stood courageously for righteousness in Jerusalem—yet was met with violent hostility from the very ruler who owed him a debt of gratitude.
Within the broader story of Judah’s kingdom, this moment stands as a sobering reminder that even leaders who begin well can fall to pride and treachery if they forsake godly counsel. Faithfulness to the LORD is meant to produce grateful humility, but Joash’s betrayal amplified the nation’s spiritual decay and dishonored both the memory of Jehoiada and the authority of God.