Learn from Joash – The Importance of Thankfulness

“...because, although they knew G-d, they did not glorify Him as G-d, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible G-d into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things."
Romans 1:21-23

Introduction

• Joash [“Given to HaShem” (as in an offering)]
• 1 Chron 3:11: Great-grandson of Jehoshaphat; grandson of the evil Jehoram who married daughter of Jezebel.
• His grandmother (Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel) killed all his brothers. His aunt, who was married to the High Priest hid him in the Temple for 6 years.
• Ruled from ~878 BCE to 839 BCE (40 years)
• Began ruling at age 7

Successes                                                            

• 2Chronicles 23:16-17:
• Under the influence of the High Priest (Jehoida), all Israel made a covenant to G-d.
• Had the Ba’al high priest killed.
• 24:2: As long as his adopted father (Jehoida) was alive he did well in the sight HaShem.
• 24:4: commissioned the repair of the Temple.

Failures                                                            

• 24:15-17: After Jehoida died, Joash listens to the influences of “leaders” who bow to him.
• 24:18: idol worship returned to Judah.
• 24:19: HaShem sent prophets to warn them – they would not listen.
• 24:20-22: Forsakes HaShem, HaShem forsakes Him – and then he kills the prophet, the son of Jehoida.
• 24:25-27: Killed his own servants.

Lesson from Joash                                                      

• 23:16-17: Some men are easily influenced – either for good, or evil. For Joash, it was both.
• 24:17: Joash sh’ma-ed [listened, and obeyed] evil leaders after Jehoida died.
• 24:22: the core problem was not being malleable – it was being unthankful. He disregarded the covenant kindness [chesed] of the man who raised him.

Summary                                                               

• Being easily influenced is a danger – but a greater danger is not keeping an attitude and mindset of thankfulness.