Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The LORD look upon it, and require it.
King Joash forgot all the kindness that Jehoiada had shown him like a father, and instead killed Jehoiada's son. As the son was dying, he said, 'May the LORD see what you have done and hold you accountable for it.'
This verse shows how King Joash ungratefully turned against the family of the priest who had saved his life and guided him, ultimately leading to his own downfall.
📚 Historical Context
Jehoiada the priest had rescued young Joash from Queen Athaliah's murderous reign and helped him become king of Judah. For years, Jehoiada served as Joash's mentor and spiritual guide, leading the nation in righteous reforms. However, after Jehoiada died, Joash was influenced by corrupt officials and turned away from God, eventually ordering the execution of Jehoiada's son Zechariah when he prophesied against the king's unfaithfulness.
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