• Verses 1-3: Joash becomes king of Judah at age seven and reigns for 40 years in Jerusalem. He does what is right in God’s eyes as long as Jehoiada the priest guides him. Jehoiada arranges Joash’s marriage.

• Verses 4-7: Joash decides to repair the temple, which had been neglected during the reign of the previous kings and defiled by the worship of idols.

• Verses 8-14: A collection box is placed at the temple entrance for people to contribute to the temple repairs. With generous donations, the temple is restored, and all the necessary utensils are made for worship.

• Verses 15-16: Jehoiada, who lived to be 130, dies and is buried with honor for the good he had done for Israel.

• Verses 17-19: After Jehoiada’s death, the officials of Judah convince Joash to abandon the temple of God and worship idols. God sends prophets to warn them, but the people do not listen.

• Verses 20-22: Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, confronts the people, proclaiming God’s judgment on their abandonment of Him. Joash orders Zechariah’s execution, and he is stoned to death in the temple courtyard.

• Verses 23-24: The Aramean army invades Judah, and despite their small number, they defeat a much larger Judean army as God’s judgment on Joash’s unfaithfulness. Joash is severely wounded.

• Verses 25-27: Joash’s servants conspire against him and assassinate him while he is on his bed. He is buried in the city of David but not in the tombs of the kings. His son Amaziah succeeds him as king.

Life Applications from 2 Chronicles 24

1. The Importance of Godly Guidance (Verses 1-3): Joash prospered as long as he followed the guidance of Jehoiada, highlighting the value of godly mentors. We should seek wise counsel and spiritual guidance from mature believers who can help us stay on the right path.

2. Restoration and Stewardship of God’s House (Verses 4-14): Joash’s initiative to repair the temple emphasizes the importance of maintaining and restoring places of worship. Today, this can apply to the physical care of church buildings, as well as investing in spiritual upkeep, such as discipleship and personal devotion to God.

3. The Dangers of Forsaking Godly Wisdom (Verses 17-19): When Joash abandoned the teachings of Jehoiada and followed the advice of ungodly officials, it led to the decline of his kingdom. This teaches the importance of staying true to God’s Word even after our spiritual mentors are no longer around.

4. Accountability and Courage in Confronting Sin (Verses 20-22): Zechariah’s boldness in confronting Joash and the people serves as a reminder of the need to hold each other accountable. It takes courage to speak the truth, especially when it’s unpopular, but it’s essential for spiritual integrity.

5. Consequences of Betrayal and Ingratitude (Verses 22-24): Joash’s betrayal of Jehoiada’s legacy by killing Zechariah led to God’s judgment. It serves as a warning about the consequences of ingratitude and betraying those who have supported us.

6. Endings Reflect Faithfulness (Verses 25-27): Joash’s tragic end contrasts with his promising beginning, illustrating that how we finish matters just as much as how we start. Consistent faithfulness to God is key throughout our lives, not just during certain seasons.

These life applications encourage us to value godly counsel, be faithful stewards of what God entrusts to us, stay true to God’s principles even in difficult times, and remain accountable throughout our spiritual journey.