b. Joash’s righteousness (24:1-16)

The Lord blesses faithful Joash. The chronicler mentions that his mother came from as far south as possible, Beersheba, perhaps to stress a contrast to Athaliah and the North. Joash follows the Lord while Jehoiada lives. The king takes wives and begins to rebuild David’s dynasty, which had been decimated by Jehoram and Athaliah (v.4).

Joash begins to restore the neglected and looted temple (vv.4-14). Although the Levites refuse to collect the tax, the people contribute gladly. Like their ancestors, who provided lavishly for the tabernacle, they give more than necessary for the repairs. True worship continues during the lifetime of Jehoiada, but Joash’s spiritual gains were short-lived.