Joash Turns From The Lord And is Killed

II Chronicles 24:17–27
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After Jehoiada the Priest died, the leaders of Judah talked Joash into doing what they wanted (v. 17). The people soon stopped worshiping in the temple and started worshiping idols and symbols of the goddess Amaziah (v. 18). This made the Lord very angry with the people of Judah and Jerusalem, but He still sent prophets who warned them to turn back to Him (v. 19). The people refused to listen. The Holy Spirit spoke to Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who told everyone what God was saying (v. 20). “Why are you disobeying me and my Laws? This will only bring punishment! You have deserted me, so now I will desert you.” King Joash forgot that Zechariah’s father had always been a loyal friend. So when there was a plot to kill Zechariah, Joash joined the cause and gave the orders to stone him to death in the courtyard of the temple (vv. 21-22).

The Syrian army invaded Judah and Jerusalem in the spring of the following year, killing all of the nation’s leaders and took all of their spoil back to their king in Damascus (v. 23). The Lord let the small Syrian army defeat the larger army of Judah to punish their people for turning away from Him (v. 24). Joash was severely wounded during the battle and soon two of his officials, Abed and Jehozabad, decided to take revenge for Zechariah’s death. They plotted and killed Joash while he was recovering from his wounds (vv. 25-26). Amaziah, son of Joash, became king after his father’s death (v. 27). More is told about the sons of Joash in 1^stand 2^nd Kings.                         

Application

Lord, take care of my enemies and never let me be a person of revenge who tries to get even.