The name Joash, which signifies “the Lord has given” or “Jehovah is strong,” identifies figures across the history of Israel who held diverse roles—from royal leadership and military service to the preservation of the temple and the registry of the people. Their lives underscore the various ways men stood in their assigned duties to uphold the covenantal order of the nation.
Who Was Joash, the King of Judah? Found in 2 Kings 11:2–12:21, this Joash was the son of Ahaziah who was hidden from the murderous intent of Athaliah by Jehosheba. Raised in the house of the Lord by Jehoiada the priest, he was brought forth to take the throne at age seven. His reign is marked by his initial commitment to repairing the temple and restoring the house of God, though his later years were marred by turning aside from the commandments of the Lord following the death of his mentor.
Who Was Joash, the King of Israel? Mentioned in 2 Kings 13:10–25, this Joash (or Jehoash) was the son of Jehoahaz. He reigned over the northern kingdom of Israel and is noted for his interactions with the prophet Elisha during his final illness. While he demonstrated some degree of respect for the prophet, his reign continued the pattern of the sins of Jeroboam, serving as a witness to the persistent spiritual struggle of the northern tribes.
Who Was Joash, the Father of Gideon? Found in Judges 6:11–32, this Joash was an Abiezrite who lived in Ophrah. When his son Gideon was called to tear down the altar of Baal, Joash stood as a protector for his son against the men of the city who sought his life. By challenging the people to let Baal plead for himself, he provided a crucial opening for the transition from idolatry back to the worship of the God of Israel.
Who Was Joash, the Son of Ahab? Identified in 1 Kings 22:26 and 2 Chronicles 18:25, this Joash was a prince of Israel. He is recorded as one of the king’s sons who held the prophet Micaiah in custody. His mention serves to document the royal household and the active resistance against the true prophets of the Lord during the era of Ahab’s reign.
Who Was Joash, the Descendant of Shelah? Recorded in 1 Chronicles 4:22, this Joash is listed in the genealogical records of the house of Judah. His inclusion preserves the history of the families that had dominion in Moab before returning to Bethlehem. It highlights the genealogical care taken to track the movements and legacies of the clans that constituted the tribe of Judah.
Who Was Joash, the Benjamite Mighty Man? Found in 1 Chronicles 12:3, this Joash was one of the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite. He was numbered among the valiant men who came to David at Ziklag. As an expert in the use of the bow and sling, his commitment to David at a time of political unrest illustrates the loyalty of those who discerned the hand of the Lord upon David.
Who Was Joash, the Overseer of the Oil Cellars? Mentioned in 1 Chronicles 27:28, this Joash was an officer appointed by King David to manage the storehouses of oil. His administrative role was essential to the physical and ritual life of the kingdom, as oil was required for the temple, for anointing, and for the daily maintenance of the royal house. His appointment reflects the organized stewardship required to sustain the kingdom.
Who Was Joash, the Son of Becher? Listed in 1 Chronicles 7:8, this Joash appears in the genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin. As a descendant of Benjamin, his name helps secure the census of the tribes as they were established in the land. This record provided the structure necessary for the tribal inheritance and the preservation of the people’s identity according to the house of their fathers.