The reign of Joash is divided into 2 parts. In his earlier years he did what was right under the influence of Jehoiada, restoring the temple with the help of a chest for contributions. After the death of Jehoiada, Joash turns to evil ways. He orders the death of Zechariah who has proclaimed judgment on Judah. As a result Judah is defeated by a small force of Syrians. The Chronicler points out that when God is not with Israel’s forces the enemy with few men can defeat a large army. However, a small army with God’s help can defeat a much larger enemy. Furthermore, killing a prophet is a sacrilege. In outrage Joash is assassinated by his servants. He is not buried in the tombs of the kings, a further sign of his degradation. Amaziah now reigns. Puffed up by a victory over Edom he challenge the king of Israel and is utterly defeated. Jerusalem is taken and part of its wall is destroyed. Amaziah flees to Lachish but returns to be put to death by his subjects. The Chronicler paints Amaziah as a boss, not a leader. He vacillates with no sense of purpose or vision. Eventually these continual states of indecision and knee jerk reactions lead to his demise. Have you ever worked for a boss who is not a leader?
The reign of Joash is divided into 2 parts. In his earlier years he did what was right under the influence of Jehoiada, restoring the temple with the help of a chest for contributions. After the death of Jehoiada, Joash turns to evil ways. He orders the death of Zechariah who has proclaimed judgment on Judah. As a result Judah is defeated by a small force of Syrians. The Chronicler points out that when God is not with Israel’s forces the enemy with few men can defeat a large army. However, a small army with God’s help can defeat a much larger enemy. Furthermore, killing a prophet is a sacrilege. In outrage Joash is assassinated by his servants. He is not buried in the tombs of the kings, a further sign of his degradation. Amaziah now reigns. Puffed up by a victory over Edom he challenge the king of Israel and is utterly defeated. Jerusalem is taken and part of its wall is destroyed. Amaziah flees to Lachish but returns to be put to death by his subjects. The Chronicler paints Amaziah as a boss, not a leader. He vacillates with no sense of purpose or vision. Eventually these continual states of indecision and knee jerk reactions lead to his demise. Have you ever worked for a boss who is not a leader?
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