Bible Figure
Jehoash
King after Queen Athaliah, Seventh King of Judah or Eight Ruler of Judah
Joash was preserved from Athaliah's massacre, became king of Judah as a child, and repaired the Temple under the guidance of the priest Jehoiada.
Biography
Hidden in the Temple for six years, Joash was crowned at age seven through Jehoiada's leadership. While Jehoiada lived, Joash did what was right and undertook a major program to repair the Temple, eventually establishing an effective collection system for the work. After Jehoiada's death, however, Judah's leaders drew the king toward idolatry. According to Chronicles, Zechariah son of Jehoiada rebuked the people and was stoned by royal command in the Temple court. Aramean forces later attacked Judah, and Joash was wounded. His own servants assassinated him.
Biblical Significance
Joash's preservation safeguarded David's dynasty, and his early reign brought Temple restoration. His later apostasy is a sobering example of faithfulness dependent too heavily on a godly mentor rather than deeply rooted personal conviction.