NOTES for Ch2 24:1-27

The two halves of Joash's reign differ sharply. At first we saw a devout ruler concerned with restoring the Temple and everything needed for worship; later we see a tyrant who not only refuses to tolerate prophetic rebukes, but has also abandoned walking before the Lord. The turning point after which this striking change occurred was the death of Jehoiada, after which the king acquired other advisers.

An important question arises here: may we suppose that Joash's childhood habit of obeying Jehoiada failed to foster the skills of independent thought and personal responsibility? Is that why, once deprived of his familiar mentor, he so readily began to follow the opposite recommendations of the advisers who happened to be near him? It is wonderful to have a wise mentor and helper beside us; it is important and necessary to listen to people whose experience we trust, especially those open to hearing God. But simply holding an elder's hand is not enough: at some point we must begin to walk before the Lord on our own feet. And if we refuse to use our own reason, we thereby reject one of God's most precious gifts. The outcome will be grievous, and the tragic end of King Joash can serve as one example.