Reading
- 2 Chron. 24:3
- 2 Kings 12:4-5; 2 Chron. 24:4-5
- 2 Kings 10:32-35a, 36; 35b; 13:1-2; 12:6-16
- 2 Chron. 24:6-22
- 2 Kings 13:3-4, 7
- 2 Chron. 24:23-24
- 2 Kings 12:17-18; 13:8-11, 14-20a; 12:20-21a, 19
- 2 Chron. 24:25-27a
Devotional
Joash decided to restore the temple of GOD. He instructed the Levites to take up a collection from among the people until they could afford the repairs. For some reason, the priests delayed years in accomplishing Joash's request, but they finally did so. The temple was rebuilt according to its original design and also reinforced. They had money left over and they used it to make articles for the temple out of gold and silver. As long as Jehoiada the priest lived there were burnt offerings presented continually at the temple.
And Jehoiada died at the old age of 130. Because of his greatness he was buried with the kings in the City of David. This was a tremendous honor since he was not a king. Sadly, after Jehoiada died, Joash turned away from GOD and listened to the officials of Judah to serve idols.
Therefore they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served wooden images and idols; and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem because of their trespass. Yet He sent prophets to them, to bring them back to the LORD; and they testified against them, but they would not listen.
Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, who stood above the people, and said to them, “Thus says God: ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He also has forsaken you.’” So they conspired against him, and at the command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the LORD. Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but killed his son; and as he died, he said, “The LORD look on it, and repay!”
(2 Chron. 24:18-22 NKJV)
Later, Joash was assassinated by his own people while traveling the road to Silla, because he had killed the son of Jehoiada.
Meanwhile, in Israel Jehoahaz did evil and the LORD sent the Arameans (Syrians) to punish them. Jehoahaz's army grew so small, it was down to 50 horsemen, 10 chariots, and 10,000 foot soldiers. The Syrians oppressed Israel severely. Thankfully, Jehoahaz repented and sought the LORD's favor, and GOD listened to him. Jehoahaz died and was buried, and his son Jehoash reigned in his place. Jehoash did evil as his father had done. However, while on his deathbed with illness, Elisha the prophet told Jehoash that the LORD would defeat the Syrians three times. After these things, Elisha died and was buried.
It is the greatest tragedy to see someone start off their life in strong devotion to GOD, only to allow something to steal their heart away later in life. GOD is faithful; He never leaves us nor forsakes us. Yet people break their covenant with GOD every day. GOD is merciful if we will repent, for He knows that we are but dust. Yet, if we will not humble ourselves under His hand, He will eventually cast us off into the fire as a dead branch from the Vine. Don't be like Joash. Be like Jehoiada the priest! Remain faithful to GOD all the days of your life. It is worth it! He will bless you and help you make it to the finish line.
