The Renewal of Judah: The Reign of Jehoash
Shabbat shalom, Nazarene family.
This week we will learn about the life of Jehoash, the youngest king over Judah and his reign. A reign that stands out with a promising beginning that brings the people back to the worship of Yahweh, but after a moral fall, after the death of Jehoiada the priest triggered the spiritual and political decadence in Judah. The biblical passages used in this study are:
- The evil queen Athaliah: Melachim Bet (2 Kings) 11:1-4
- The coronation of King Jehoash: Melachim Bet (2 Kings) 11:12-21
- The positive actions of Jehoash’s reign: Divre Hayamim Bet (2 Chronicles) 23:16-21; 24:4-13
- Betrayal, apostasy and divine judgment: Divre Hayamim (2 Chronicles) 24:15-22
Some of the lessons learned from this study include:
- The death of queen Athaliah and the protection of Jehoash in Judah illustrate a struggle for power and loyalty in the kingdom. Athaliah, upon learning of her son’s death, usurped the throne and sought to destroy the royal family. However, Jehoash, the legitimate heir, was hidden by his aunt and the high priest Jehoiada. Years later, Jehoiada arranged the coronation of Jehoash as king, restoring the Davidic lineage and the worship of Yahweh. This event highlights the faithfulness of a few and the divine protection of the legitimacy of leadership.
- The reign of King Jehoash and Jehoiada, high priest, in Judah is a tale of spiritual restoration and virtuous leadership. Under Jehoiada, Jehoash promoted the renovation of the temple and the worship of Yahweh, challenging corruption and idolatry. Jehoiada, as mentor and guide, influenced the king’s decisions, preserving the religious integrity and stability of the kingdom. Together, they led Judah to a period of prosperity and peace, reminding us of the importance of spiritual wisdom in governance. Their collaboration exemplifies how the relationship between godly leaders can bring lasting benefits to a nation.
- The death of Jehoiada, the high priest, and the subsequent deviation of King Jehoash in Judah, mark a tragic turn in history. After Jehoiada’s demise, Jehoash yielded to the corrupting influence of malicious advisors and abandoned the teachings of his mentor. The resulting apostasy led to the persecution of the prophets and the neglect of the temple, which provoked divine wrath. This narrative underscores the vulnerability of leaders to temptation and the importance of moral integrity. It warns of the dangers of arrogance and the loss of spiritual guidance in decision making.
In summary, Jehoash, king of Judah, ascended the throne in his youth under the tutelage of the high priest Jehoiada. He restored the temple and the worship of Yahweh. However, after Jehoiada’s death, he fell into apostasy and oppression, deviating from the ways of Elohim.
Melachim Bet (2 Kings) 12:2
2 Jehoash did what was right in the sight of Yahweh all the days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him.
Remember, obedience to Yahweh’s commandments will bring blessing but disobedience will lead to the perdition of our souls eternally. Decide what you will do today.
We hope that you, and especially your sons and daughters, will enjoy this activity. For it is through the study of the Scriptures that we can come to understand the love and care that Yahweh has always had for us. And also perceive that He has been taking care of even the smallest detail, so that we can take care and enjoy all that He gives us. That is why it is so important that our children learn and grow up knowing that they are loved by the Creator of all that exists.
Shalom.