Jehoiada the priest died and was buried with the kings in Jerusalem. Even some kings were not buried there (21:20), but Jehoiada was honored in his death as one who had done good for God and for the temple. He left a great spiritual legacy.

Without a spiritual mentor to give him godly counsel, Joash began to listen to the officials of Judah. Perhaps out of a desire to have more influence in the royal court, they turned Joash’s heart away from God and toward Asherah poles and idols. The LORD became angry and sent prophets to warn them, but they would not listen. The strongest voice of opposition was from Jehoiada’s son, Zechariah, who warned them that they would not prosper. They had forsaken the LORD and so the LORD forsook them. Instead of heeding the warning, the people plotted to kill Zechariah. Joash did nothing to stop it because he had forgotten Jehoida’s kindness. Pray earnestly to remember God’s kindness to us!

When the Arameans invaded, God allowed their much smaller army to defeat Judah. Joash was also wounded in battle. Then Joash’s officials assassinated him for murdering Zechariah. He was buried in Jerusalem but not as Jehoiada had been.
Application: Father, forgive me for so easily forsaking you for idols. Help me to remember your grace in Jesus Christ and worship you alone.
One Word: Do not forsake the LORD!