2 Chronicles 24 – The Rise and Fall of King Joash

How a good start doesn’t guarantee a Godly finish.

2 Chronicles 24 – A Tale of Two Reigns

This tragic chapter reveals how King Joash:
✔ Restored the Temple as a young king
✔ Turned to idols after his mentor’s death
✔ Murdered a prophet who confronted him
✔ Died in disgrace, assassinated by his own officials

I. The Promising Start (v.1-16)

1. Early Reforms Under Jehoiada

• Crowned at 7 years old (v.1)

• Repaired the Temple (v.4-14)

  • Collected funds via a chest at the Temple gate (v.8-10)

  • Hired skilled workers (v.12-13)

• “Did what was right all the days of Jehoiada” (v.2)

💡 Spiritual Principle: Mentorship matters—Joash thrived under godly guidance.

2. Jehoiada’s Death & Legacy

• Died at 130 years old (v.15)

• Buried among kings—a rare priestly honor (v.16)

II. The Shocking Downfall (v.17-22)

1. The Spiritual Collapse

• After Jehoiada’s death, Joash:

  • Listens to wicked advisors (v.17)

  • Abandons the Temple for Asherah poles (v.18)

2. The Martyrdom of Zechariah

• Jehoiada’s son confronts the king (v.20):

  • “Why do you transgress the LORD’s commandments?”

• Joash orders him stoned in the Temple court (v.21)

• Zechariah’s dying words: “May the LORD see and avenge!” (v.22)

🔥 Jesus referenced this murder (Luke 11:50-51)—showing its lasting significance.

III. The Swift Judgment (v.23-27)

1. Military Defeat

• Small Syrian army defeats Judah (v.24)

• God delivers them “because Judah had forsaken Him”

2. The Assassination

• Joash is wounded in battle (v.25)

• His own servants kill him on his sickbed

  • Motivation: “For the blood of Zechariah” (v.25)

3. A Dishonored Burial

• Not buried with kings (v.25)

• His son Amaziah succeeds him (v.27)

5 Warning Signs of Spiritual Decline

1️⃣ Dependence on Human Mentors Over God – Joash fell without Jehoiada
2️⃣ Listening to Wrong Voices – Wicked advisors replaced godly counsel
3️⃣ Rejecting Loving Rebuke – Zechariah’s murder sealed his fate
4️⃣ Small Sins Lead to Great Falls – Idolatry → Murder → Judgment
5️⃣ God Remembers Martyrs’ Blood – Zechariah’s cry was answered

Historical & Archaeological Notes

✔ Temple Repair Records – Confirmed in ancient administrative texts
✔ Syrian Incursions – Documented in Assyrian annals
✔ Royal Assassinations – Common in unstable reigns

Reflection Questions

1. Who are your spiritual mentors? What happens if they’re gone?

2. How do you respond to correction? Like Joash or David?

3. What “small compromises” could lead you astray?

4. Why does God take the killing of prophets so seriously?