2 Chroniques - Caput 24

2 Chroniques 24.1 septem annorum erat Ioas cum regnare coepisset et quadraginta annis regnavit in Hierusalem nomen matris eius Sebia de Bersabee 2 Chroniques 24.2 fecitque quod bonum est coram Domino cunctis diebus Ioiadae sacerdotis 2 Chroniques 24.3 accepit autem ei Ioiadae uxores duas e quibus genuit filios et filias 2 Chroniques 24.4 post quae placuit Ioas ut instauraret domum Domini 2 Chroniques 24.5 congregavitque sacerdotes et Levitas et dixit eis egredimini ad civitates Iuda et colligite de universo Israhel pecuniam ad sarta tecta templi Dei vestri per singulos annos festinatoque hoc facite porro Levitae egere neglegentius 2 Chroniques 24.6 vocavitque rex Ioiadae principem et dixit ei quare non tibi fuit curae ut cogeres Levitas inferre de Iuda et de Hierusalem pecuniam quae constituta est a Mose servo Domini ut inferret eam omnis multitudo Israhel in tabernaculum testimonii 2 Chroniques 24.7 Otholia enim impiissima et filii eius destruxerunt domum Domini et de universis quae sanctificata fuerant templo Domini ornaverunt fanum Baalim 2 Chroniques 24.8 praecepit ergo rex et fecerunt arcam posueruntque eam iuxta portam domus Domini forinsecus 2 Chroniques 24.9 et praedicatum est in Iuda et Hierusalem ut deferrent singuli pretium Domino quod constituit Moses servus Dei super omnem Israhel in deserto 2 Chroniques 24.10 laetatique sunt cuncti principes et omnis populus et ingressi contulerunt in arcam Domini atque miserunt ita ut impleretur 2 Chroniques 24.11 cumque tempus esset ut deferrent arcam coram rege per manus Levitarum videbant enim multam pecuniam ingrediebatur scriba regis et quem primus sacerdos constituerat effundebantque pecuniam quae erat in arca porro arcam reportabant ad locum suum sicque faciebant per singulos dies et congregata est infinita pecunia 2 Chroniques 24.12 quam dederunt rex et Ioiada his qui praeerant operibus domus Domini at illi conducebant ex ea caesores lapidum et artifices operum singulorum ut instaurarent domum Domini fabros quoque ferri et aeris ut quod cadere coeperat fulciretur 2 Chroniques 24.13 egeruntque hii qui operabantur industrie et obducebatur parietum cicatrix per manus eorum ac suscitaverunt domum Domini in statum pristinum et firme eam stare fecerunt 2 Chroniques 24.14 cumque conplessent omnia opera detulerunt coram rege et Ioiadae reliquam partem pecuniae de qua facta sunt vasa templi in ministerium et ad holocausta fialae quoque et cetera vasa aurea et argentea et offerebantur holocausta in domo Domini iugiter cunctis diebus Ioiadae 2 Chroniques 24.15 senuit autem Ioiadae plenus dierum et mortuus est cum centum triginta esset annorum 2 Chroniques 24.16 sepelieruntque eum in civitate David cum regibus eo quod fecisset bonum cum Israhel et cum domo eius 2 Chroniques 24.17 postquam autem obiit Ioiada ingressi sunt principes Iuda et adoraverunt regem qui delinitus obsequiis eorum adquievit eis 2 Chroniques 24.18 et dereliquerunt templum Domini Dei patrum suorum servieruntque lucis et sculptilibus et facta est ira contra Iudam et Hierusalem propter hoc peccatum 2 Chroniques 24.19 mittebatque eis prophetas ut reverterentur ad Dominum quos protestantes illi audire nolebant 2 Chroniques 24.20 spiritus itaque Dei induit Zacchariam filium Ioiadae sacerdotem et stetit in conspectu populi et dixit eis haec dicit Dominus quare transgredimini praeceptum Domini quod vobis non proderit et dereliquistis Dominum ut derelinqueret vos 2 Chroniques 24.21 qui congregati adversus eum miserunt lapides iuxta regis imperium in atrio domus Domini 2 Chroniques 24.22 et non est recordatus Ioas rex misericordiae quam fecerat Ioiadae pater illius secum sed interfecit filium eius qui cum moreretur ait videat Dominus et requirat 2 Chroniques 24.23 cumque evolutus esset annus ascendit contra eum exercitus Syriae venitque in Iudam et Hierusalem et interfecit cunctos principes populi atque universam praedam miserunt regi Damascum 2 Chroniques 24.24 et certe cum permodicus venisset numerus Syrorum tradidit Dominus manibus eorum infinitam multitudinem eo quod reliquissent Dominum Deum patrum suorum in Ioas quoque ignominiosa exercuere iudicia 2 Chroniques 24.25 et abeuntes dimiserunt eum in languoribus magnis surrexerunt autem contra eum servi sui in ultionem sanguinis filii Ioiadae sacerdotis et occiderunt eum in lectulo suo et mortuus est sepelieruntque eum in civitate David sed non in sepulchris regum 2 Chroniques 24.26 insidiati vero sunt ei Zabath filius Semath Ammanitidis et Iozabath filius Semarith Moabitidis 2 Chroniques 24.27 porro filii eius ac summa pecuniae quae adunata fuerat sub eo et instauratio domus Dei scripta sunt diligentius in libro regum regnavitque Amasias filius eius pro eo

2 Chroniques : Caput 24

The Restoration and Apostasy of Joash: Lessons from 2 Chronicles 24

Chapter 24 of the book of 2 Chronicles offers us a poignant perspective on the reign of Joash, highlighting the significant impact that the influence of mentors has on a leader. Through the story of Joash, we discover how the guidance of Jehoiada, the high priest, led to the restoration of the temple, sadly followed by Joash's apostasy after his mentor's death.

Mentors and Their Influence

This biblical account highlights the crucial importance of godly advisors in the life of a leader. Joash, under the influence of Jehoiada, acted in accordance with the Lord's will. However, his spiritual complacency and failure to destroy idolatrous altars testify to the dangers that await those who neglect their commitment to God.

Consequences of Rejecting God

The fall of Joash after the death of Jehoiada illustrates the grave consequences that result from rejecting divine guidance. Chapter 24 also highlights the martyrdom of Zechariah, a prophet whose innocent blood serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God's voice, even in the face of opposition.

Analysis of Biblical Passages

We invite you to meditate on five biblical passages that illuminate the profound lessons of this chapter. Here are some examples:

2 Kings 12:1-3

"Joash became king of Judah in the seventh year of Jehu king of Israel, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Zibiah; she was from Beersheba. Joash did what was pleasing to the Lord all the years that Jehoiada the priest led him. However, the idolatrous altars were not demolished; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense on them."

This passage provides additional information on Joash's reign, emphasizing the need for constant spiritual direction.

2 Kings 12:6-8

"But in the twenty-third year of Joash's reign, the priests still had not repaired the temple. So Joash called Jehoiada the priest and the other priests and asked them, 'Why do you not repair the temple? Do not take any more money from your tax collectors, but devote it to repairing the temple.'"

This verse provides additional details regarding Joash's initiative to restore the temple, revealing the importance of collective responsibility in the house of God.

Zechariah 1:2-6

"The Lord was very angry with your ancestors. Therefore, say to the people, 'Thus says the Lord of hosts: Return to me,' declares the Lord of hosts armies, "and I will return to you," says the Lord of hosts. Do not be like your ancestors..."

This prophecy, although it does not directly concern the son of Jehoiada, resonates with the call to repentance, essential in the context of Joash's life.

Matthew 23:35

"And so on you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar."

Jesus recalls the importance of this tragic event in the history of Israel, highlighting the consequences of sin and injustice.

Proverbs 1:8-9

"Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not despise your mother's teaching. They will be an ornament to your head and a crown to your neck."

This proverb illustrates the value of wise guidance, contrasting with Joash's choice to reject Jehoiada's advice, which led to his spiritual downfall.

Conclusion

The stories of Joash and Zechariah remind us of the importance of remaining committed to God and listening to the wisdom of those around us. May we learn from their experiences and commit ourselves to seeking divine light in our lives.