Joash’s Hard Heart

Historical Context

• Athaliah kills all of the “seed royal”
• Jehoshabeath rescues one of the king’s children, Joash
  • One year old
• Jehoiada orchestrates a coup and restores the throne to the house of David
  • A dramatic scene in the temple courtyard
  • Jehoiada and his sons anoint Joash
  • Joash is just seven years old
• There is a “revival” under Jehoiada and Joash
  • Not all were dedicated to the Lord…
  • For some, a revival of convenience
• Jehoiada dies at 130 years
  • Born in Solomon’s reign
  • Buried with the kings
• Princes give obeisance to Joash
  • Request to worship in the high places again
  • He listens to them
  • The people begin to serve idols again
• God sends prophets; God sends Zechariah
• Zechariah is stoned
  • At Joash’s commandment
  • In the court of the Temple
    • Between the temple and the altar?
      • Abel to Zechariah – Luke 11:51
      • Genesis to 2 Chronicles (Hebrew OT)
        • Law, Prophets, Psalms
  • He prophesies, “The Lord look and require…
• Syria comes and fulfills the prophecy with a small band

Family Tree – some ages are uncertain

• Athaliah
  • Daughter of Ahab (Omri)
  • Mother of Amaziah
• Amaziah
  • Grandson of Ahab and Jehosophat
• Jehoshabeath
  • She was Amaziah’s sister
  • She was Joash’s aunt (step-mom)
  • She was Jehoiada’s wife
• Jehoiada
  • High Priest
  • Husband of Jehoshabeath
  • Uncle to Joash
    • “Father” – vs. 22
    • Counselor
• Joash
  • Only remaining son of slain Amaziah
• Zechariah
  • Son of Jehoiada

Conclusion

• Hard Hearts
  • Abel killed by his own brother
  • Zechariah killed by his “foster” brother
  • Jesus killed by his own
• True Religion
  • Does your religion come from within
  • Or from “without” – outside
    • Parents
    • Pastors
    • Friends