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As Rehoboam years before, Joash is led astray by different advisors after righteous Jehoiada dies. The chronicler offers a theological explanation for the assassination recorded in 2Ki 12:17-21. This once pious king abandons God’s shrine and worships idols. The nation’s guilt will bring retribution, but it is not a foregone conclusion. The Lord offers restoration through his prophets. However, the recalcitrant nation rejects the message of hope (vv.18-19). This continued rejection of God’s grace brings a punishment and will ultimately lead to the Exile (2Ch 36:15-21).
The people kill Zechariah when he comes to deliver God’s rebuke. Therefore, the Lord sends the Aramean army to judge Judah’s faithless leadership. The chronicler describes a familiar scenario, but with a twist. A small, insignificant army defeats an overwhelming favorite. Judah’s apostasy causes God to bring this embarrassing defeat (v.24). The Arameans leave a wounded Joash to be assassinated by his own officials as repayment for Zechariah’s murder.