Bible Commentaries

The reform under Joash was really due to the influence of Jehoiada the priest. This is clearly indicated in the statement of the chronicler that "Joash did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest." During this period the king would seem to have been honestly zealous in endeavoring to re-establish the true worship of God.

The reform center is, as always in this Book, around the Temple. "They set up the House of God in its state, and strengthened it." Worship was maintained while Jehoiada lived. After his death the king passed under the influence of the princes of Judah, and the house of God was forsaken and idolatry again established in the land. The king, who had been zealous in reform, now became determined in his wickedness, refusing to obey the voices of the prophets, and encompassing the death of Zechariah, the son of his old friend, Jehoiada.

The study of the story of Joash offers a striking instance of how a weak man is easily influenced. All such men are illustrations of the absolute importance of strong individual character which can be created only where the soul had direct dealing with God and depends wholly on Him. All merely human influence, whether good or bad, is perilous. If a man has nothing more to lean on than the strength of another good man, and the latter should fail from any cause collapse is almost inevitable. All foundations may fail, save the one. When the will of man is yielded wholly to the will of God, and no other authority is sought or permitted, there is perfect safety. Where this is lacking, every changing tide of circumstances will alter the current of life.