JOASH REPAIRS THE TEMPLE THEN HE TURNS

PROCLAMATION

“After the death of Jehoiada … they left the house of The Lord God … and served … idols and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for their trespass.”  2 Chronicles 24:17-18 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  Joash the son of Ahaziah was seven years old when he was anointed king of Judah. He did that which was right in the eyes of The Lord, as long as Jehoiada the priest was his counsellor. (2 Chronicles 24:1-2)  It came to pass that Joash decided to repair the temple of The Lord.  Joash commanded that they make a chest and set it outside of the gate of the house of The Lord.  Then he issued a proclamation to the people to bring the collection to The Lord.  The people rejoiced and brought in so much money that the chest was filled and emptied several times.  The Levites used the money to pay those who did the repair work on the temple.  When the work on the temple was completed, they used the rest of the money to make vessels to minister within the temple. (2 Chronicles 24:3-14)  Jehoiada the priest was very old, and he was one hundred and thirty years when he died.  After he was buried the officials of Judah influenced Joash and he abandoned the ways of The Lord and began to worship Asherah poles and idols.  The Lord sent prophets to them to bring them back but they would not listen. (2 Chronicles 24:15-19)  The spirit of The Lord came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest.  He stood before the people and said, “Why do you disobey The Lord’s commands.  You will not prosper.  Because you have forsaken The Lord, He has forsaken you.”  They plotted against him and, by order of the king, they stoned him to death.  King Joash did not remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had shown to him. (2 Chronicles 24:20-22)  A short time later the army of Aram marched against Joash and invaded Judah and killed most of their leaders.  They took all of the plunder of Judah and sent it to their king in Damascus.  When the Arameans withdrew, they left Joash severely wounded.  His officials that remained alive conspired against him for murdering the son of Jehoiada the priest and they killed him while he was in his bed. (2 Chronicles 24:23-25)  His son Amaziah succeeded him as king of Judah.

APPLICATION

It is sad how soon we forget the kindnesses shown to us.  We remember the bad that is done to us but we quickly forget the good.  We should be very careful regarding whom we listen to and take advice from.  The ungodly will lead us down the wrong road.  We should pray and ask God for discernment and knowledge as well as for guidance and direction. (Psalm 119:66)