Joash

Lore & Background

Other individuals named Joash appear in genealogies: a descendant of Shelah (1 Chronicles 4:22), a son of Becher (1 Chronicles 7:8), and a warrior who joined David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:3). These passages provide no further narrative about their deeds.

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Joash as a name shared by at least three major figures: a father of a judge, a king of Judah, and a king of Israel. The father of Gideon is depicted as a defender of his son against idolatrous mob violence, using logic to challenge Baal worship (Judges 6:31). The king of Judah, Joash son of Ahaziah, is shown as a child survivor of a dynastic purge who later reigned but was killed in a conspiracy (2 Kings 11:2, 2 Kings 12:20). The king of Israel, Joash son of Jehoahaz, is portrayed as a ruler who sought the dying prophet Elisha and achieved military victories (2 Kings 13:14, 2 Kings 13:25). The genealogical references (1 Chronicles 4:22, 7:8, 12:3) add no narrative but confirm the name's use among different tribes and periods. No single portrait emerges; instead, the texts present Joash as a common name attached to diverse roles—father, king, warrior—without unifying characteristics.

Did You Know?

• Gideon, also called Jerubbaal, was the son of Joash the Abiezrite (Judges 6:11, Judges 8:29).
• Joash king of Judah was hidden as an infant from Athaliah and later slain by his servants (2 Kings 11:2, 2 Kings 12:20).
• Joash king of Israel visited the prophet Elisha on his deathbed and wept over him (2 Kings 13:14).
• A Joash is listed among the sons of Becher in the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 7:8).