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2 Kings 12:19-21, As for the other events of the reign of Joash, and all he did, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah?  His officials conspired against him and assassinated him at Beth Millo, on the road down to Silla. The officials who murdered him were Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer. He died and was buried with his ancestors in the City of David. And Amaziah his son succeeded him as king.

This chapter details the reign of King Joash.  He did the right thing in the eyes of God, as long as the priest Jehoiada was instructing him.  But he never removed the high places, which were local shrines where the people generally worshiped false gods. He made some attempts to rebuild the temple and even created a new system to collect funds for temple repair.  Overall, the author is mostly positive about Joash.

Then, at the end of the chapter, we read about his demise.  Just as he came to power in a coup, he is stripped of power with a coup.  Our focus verses say that some of his officials conspired against him and assassinated him.  His son succeeds him as king.

This was puzzling to me.  Joash reigned for forty years.  He was not perfect, but certainly far better than many of the kings who came before him.  What happened?  To get more details, we need to check out 2 Chronicles 24.  Apparently, after the priest Jehoiada dies, Joash begins to allow idol worship again.  He may have actually participated in it himself.  To make everything a lot worse, Joash stones to death the priest (Jehoiada’s son) who spoke out against the idol worship.  His arrogance is atrocious.  As a result, God allows him to be wounded in a battle with the Syrians and his officials finish him off.  He is quite unpopular by the time he dies.

Needless to say, Joash ends badly, tragically even.  When he had Jehoiada telling him what to do, he did okay.  But when forced to stand on his own, he fell hard.  He allowed pride, arrogance, and greed to overwhelm him toward the end of his rule.  His potential was unfulfilled, his purpose thwarted, and his legacy marred.

Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Help us stay the course and end strong, focusing on YOU and your purpose for our lives.  More of you and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.