Jehoash

Jehoash, also rendered Joash, is the English transliteration of the Hebrew name Yoʾash and is used in the Bible to refer to two kings, one in the southern kingdom of Judah and one in the northern kingdom of Israel. In biblical genealogy the name means “Yahweh has given.”

Jehoash of Judah (the southern kingdom) reigned for about 40 years, traditionally dated to the second half of the 9th century BCE. He was seven years old at his accession after Athaliah’s usurpation and was hidden in the Temple for six years by the priest Jehoiada. When Jehoiada died, Joash began a program of temple repair and religious reform, funded by levies from the people and overseen by the priests. Early in his reign he was faithful to the worship of Yahweh, but after Jehoiada’s death he turned away from the covenant and ordered the killing of Zechariah, Jehoiada’s son, for rebuking him. His later years were marked by political and spiritual decline, and he was assassinated by his officials. He was buried in the City of David.

Jehoash of Israel (the northern kingdom) reigned for about 16 years, roughly 798–782 BCE. He is described in the biblical account as doing evil in the sight of the Lord, continuing the sins of Jeroboam. His reign faced pressure from Aram (Syria), and he sought support from the prophet Elisha, whose prophecies promised limited military benefit. Although there were some military actions against Aram, the overall record about his rule is one of continued division from the covenant. He died and was succeeded by Jeroboam II.