2 Chronicles 33:1–6. Manasseh systematically dismantles his father’s godly legacy by rebuilding pagan altars, practicing sorcery, and sacrificing his own children. The apple fell “very far” from the proverbial tree. Some of Manasseh’s sins were among the most heinous the nation had ever seen.

2 Chronicles 33:7–9. By placing a carved image directly inside the Temple, Manasseh leads the nation into a spiritual decline so severe that Judah becomes more wicked than the pagan nations God had previously destroyed.

2 Chronicles 33:10–13. After Manasseh ignores God’s warnings, he is captured by the Assyrians as punishment and taken to Babylon in shackles. In his lowest moment, something amazing happens. Manasseh humbles himself and prays to Yahweh, asking Him to forgive him—the most unforgivable sinner.

2 Chronicles 33:14–17. Yahweh shows mercy upon Manasseh and even restores him to the throne in Judah. A complete reversal of the judgment upon him. Manasseh proves the genuineness of his changed heart upon returning to Judah by fortifying Jerusalem and aggressively purging the city of the idols he once set up and worshiped.

2 Chronicles 33:18–20. Manasseh is one of Judah’s greatest villains who turned into one of the greatest testimonies of God’s forgiveness and mercy.

The kings of Judah were part of the genealogical line that ultimately led to Jesus the Messiah. Knowing that the promised Messiah would destroy him, the devil repeatedly sought to corrupt or eliminate that line. The lives of Uzziah and his forefathers show a consistent pattern: when they stood with God, blessing and prosperity followed; but when they turned away and embraced pagan worship, God’s favor departed and calamity came upon them.

Romans 15:4 …perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

2 Chronicles 26:1 Uzziah was 16 when he began to reign as King.

2 Chronicles 25:1-14, 27 Amaziah, his father, started good, turned to idolatry, then was assassinated.

2 Chronicles 24:2, 18, 25 Joash, his grandfather, started good, turned to idolatry, then was assassinated.

2 Chronicles 22:10 Athaliah, his great grandmother, killed all the royal family. She too was assassinated. Athaliah’s mother was Jezebel.

2 Chronicles 26:3 Uzziah, also known as Azariah, began his reign at 16 and reigned for 52 years.

1. Jehoram was king of Judah and married Athaliah. 2. Ahaziah was the son of Jehoram and Athaliah, and he reigned one year. 3. Athaliah seized the throne and ruled as queen for about six years. 4. Joash was hidden and restored to the throne by the priests. 5. Amaziah then succeeded Joash as king. 6. Uzziah (Azariah) was the son of Amaziah and took the throne after him.

These people are part of the genealogical line of Jesus! Why such turmoil?

Genesis 3:15; 22:18; 2 Samuel 7:12-13; Ephesians 6:12; 1 Corinthians 2:8

2 Chronicles 26:3-23 pride was his demise, not idolatry but like his forefathers he did not persevere.

1 Corinthians 15:58; Ephesians 6:13-14; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:9-12

Romans 15:4 …perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Rev. Vince uses the Bible version NASB-95

Joash is a lesser known king with an important lesson for us today. Under the mentorship of the priest Jehoiada, Joash accomplished great things. But after Jehoiada’s death, Joash was quickly led astray. Joash’s life serves as a warning about the limits of spiritual mentorship. While mentorship is good, it cannot replace one’s own personal relationship with God.

2 Chronicles 22:10-12 – When the wicked Queen Athaliah (daughter of Jezebel) massacred children of the royal household, God worked through Princess Jehosheba to save the life of a baby boy named Joash.

2 Chronicles 23:1-15 – Joash was hidden in the Temple for 6 years. Under the leadership of Priest Jehoiada, Athaliah was overthrown and Joash became king.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 – Jehoiada gave Joash the Law of God. God instructed kings to make a copy of the Law, stay humble, and diligently study.

2 Chronicles 23:16-24:14 – Under Jehoiada’s mentorship, Joash repaired the Temple, removed idols, and did building projects.

2 Chronicles 24:15-26 – After Jehoiada died, Joash was led astray and brought back idolatry. When God sent the prophet Zechariah to warn Joash, Joash killed him in the Temple. God removed his hand of protection over Judah, allowing invaders to pillage the land.

Joash failed to study God’s Law for himself, relying instead on a mentor. Joash’s heart for God was motivated by a desire to please another man. He went through the motions of godliness when his mentor was watching.

1 Timothy 4:6-16 – Paul mentored Timothy. Mentorship is good, but cannot replace a personal relationship with God.

Do you go to church out of love for God, or are you going to make somebody else happy?

Do you study the Bible, or take your pastor’s word for it?

Do you have your own prayer life, or do you rely on the mentorship of someone who does? The post Forgotten Kings: Joash first appeared on Living Hope.