In 2 Chronicles 24, we are invited into a chapter of contrast—where we witness the blessing that comes from listening to godly guidance and the downfall that follows when such counsel is abandoned. At the center of the chapter is King Joash, the very child who had once been hidden away in the temple to preserve the line of David. Now, he begins his reign at the tender age of seven, and for much of his early rule, he does what is right in the eyes of the Lord. This is largely because of the wise and faithful high priest, Jehoiada, who had protected him and now guides him as king.
Joash’s reign begins with a heart inclined toward the things of God. One of his first concerns is the condition of the Lord’s house. The temple, which had fallen into disrepair during the reign of Athaliah and her predecessors, is no longer a fitting place of worship. Joash’s desire to restore it is not merely about the building itself—it reflects a longing to restore the worship and dignity of the Lord in the life of the nation. But although his heart is in the right place, his first attempt to raise funds through the priests doesn’t go as planned. The Levites do not act quickly, and the work remains undone.
So Joash takes a more direct and public approach. He commands that a chest be placed at the gate of the temple, where people can come and give offerings for the repair of the Lord’s house. This initiative draws the people together with a shared purpose. They come with gladness, bringing contributions until the chest overflows. The transparency and faithfulness with which the funds are handled—the chest is brought to the king’s officials, who count and distribute it for the temple work—build trust and encourage even more generosity. Soon, skilled workers restore the house of the Lord, strengthening and beautifying it. Vessels for worship are made again, and burnt offerings are resumed as they had been in former times.
This part of Joash’s reign is a time of renewal. The nation breathes a new air of reverence. Worship is restored, and there is a sense that things are as they should be. But this peace and godliness seem closely tied to the life and leadership of Jehoiada, the high priest. When Jehoiada dies at the age of 130, he is buried with honor among the kings, a rare gesture that speaks to the depth of gratitude the people feel for his spiritual leadership.
After Jehoiada's death, though, something begins to change. The foundation that had seemed strong begins to show cracks. Joash, once teachable and guided by godly wisdom, becomes vulnerable to the influence of other voices—voices that do not lead him toward the Lord but away from Him. The princes of Judah come and flatter him, and he listens. He turns his attention from the temple to the high places and idols. The people follow his lead, abandoning the God who had preserved them and turning to false gods once again.
God, in His mercy, doesn’t remain silent. He sends prophets to warn Joash and the people, calling them back, but they won’t listen. One of these prophets is Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada—the very man who had saved and mentored Joash. Zechariah speaks by the Spirit of God, calling out the nation’s rebellion and urging repentance. But instead of hearing him, the people stone him to death in the court of the temple. Joash, the king who owed his life and throne to Jehoiada, gives no protection to his son. Zechariah dies with a cry that God would see and repay.
This act of betrayal marks a turning point. From here, Joash’s reign begins to unravel. A small band of Arameans invades, and though they are few in number, they succeed in defeating Judah. This loss isn’t merely military—it is deeply spiritual. God allows it as a judgment for their unfaithfulness. Joash is wounded in the battle, and as he lies weakened, his own servants conspire against him. They remember the blood of Zechariah, and in a kind of bitter justice, they strike Joash down in his bed. He is buried in the city of David, but not in the tombs of the kings—a quiet but telling sign of the shame that marked the end of his life.
This chapter is both sobering and instructive. Joash began well. He had every opportunity to leave a legacy of faithfulness and worship. Under Jehoiada’s counsel, he pursued what was right and led a nation in restoration. But when he stopped listening to godly voices, his heart turned. The same king who once cared about the temple and worship turned to idols and permitted the murder of a prophet. The shift is painful to watch because it reminds us how fragile our faithfulness can be when we rely on others for spiritual strength but fail to cultivate our own lasting trust in God.
2 Chronicles 24 calls us to consider where we place our trust. Are we anchored in God’s Word and walking in relationship with Him, or are we merely coasting along on someone else’s convictions? Joash’s story shows us how important it is to remain grounded, to keep seeking truth, and to guard our hearts from flattery and false counsel. Even in moments of apparent success, we must continue to listen for God's voice and remember the path He has called us to walk. Without that, even the best beginnings can falter—and what is built can slowly come undone.