2 Chronicles 24:1-3 - Homilies By T. Whitelaw

The early years of Joash.

I. HIS PARENTAGE .

1 . His father. Jehoabaz, Ahaziah, or Azariah ( 2 Chronicles 21:17 ; 2 Chronicles 22:1 , 2 Chronicles 22:6 ), Jehoram's youngest son, who ascended the throne on his father's death, reigned one year, was slain by Jehu ( 2 Chronicles 22:9 ), and buried in Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David, because, though himself bad, he was a good man's son ( 2 Chronicles 22:9 ).

2 . His mother. Zibiah of Beersheba, concerning whom nothing is known. Perhaps beautiful, as her name "Gazelle" may suggest; considering who her husband was, it will not be safe to say she was good, though the place she came from once had an aroma of piety about it ( Genesis 21:33 ).

II. HIS REIGN .

1 . Early begun. When seven years old. Such early promotion would not have been safe for the kingdom ( Ecclesiastes 10:16 ) or good for himself had Jehoiada not been beside him as counsellor of his inexperience, and, in fact, as virtual ruler.

2 . Long continued. Forty years. Shorter by fifteen than that of Manasseh ( 2 Chronicles 33:1 ), his occupation of the throne was only one year shorter than that of Ass ( 2 Chronicles 16:13 ), and as long as that of Solomon ( 2 Chronicles 9:30 ).

III. HIS CHARACTER .

1 . Promising. "He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord." But:

2 . Imperfect. "The high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places" ( 2 Kings 12:3 ). And:

3 . Unstable. He behaved well only so long as Jehoiada lived to counsel, and perhaps restrain him.

IV. HIS MARRIAGES . "Jehoiada took for him two wives," one of whom was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem ( 2 Chronicles 25:1 ). Perhaps:

1 . Good policy, to ensure a succession to the throne. But:

2 . Bad morality, and against the Law of God, though recommended by a pious priest, and sanctioned by the example of godly kings. Joash's subsequent declension may have been in part due to this.

Learn:

1 . That early greatness is not always accompanied by early goodness.

2 . That many begin to run well in youth who nevertheless decline in after-years.

3 . That religious education is not sufficient in itself to overcome the force of inbred corruption.

4 . That permanence is an indispensable quality in all moral and spiritual excellence.

5 . That all the opinions of a good man are not necessarily good.

6 . That good men sometimes occasion sin in others.—W.