You’ve probably heard of some of the famous kings in the Bible, guys like David, Solomon, and Herod. They ruled over the kingdoms of Israel and Judah during different periods. But did you know the Bible also talks about a boy who became king when he was only 7 years old? His name was Joash. Even though he was just a kid, he ended up ruling for 40 years.
In this article, we’ll look at the story of Joash, the youngest king in the Bible, and how this young royal rose to power. You’ll learn about the scheming and drama that put a child on the throne in ancient Judah. And we’ll see what lessons Joash’s life and leadership have for us today.
The Youngest King In The Bible
Joash, also known as Jehoash of Judah, became king of Judah at the tender age of seven, making him the youngest king in the Bible. His story is found in 2 Kings 11-12 and 2 Chronicles 22-24.
When Joash’s grandmother Athaliah seized the throne, she sought to destroy the entire royal family. However, Joash’s aunt Jehosheba hid him away for six years, raising him in secret. When Joash turned seven, Jehoiada the priest revealed him as the rightful heir and put Athaliah to death.
Joash repaired the Temple of Solomon, which had fallen into disrepair under Athaliah’s rule. He commanded the priests to use donated funds to restore the building. Though the work took over 20 years, the Temple was restored to its former glory.
Sadly, Joash turned away from God after Jehoiada’s death. He even killed Jehoiada’s son Zachariah when he rebuked Joash for his idolatry. Joash’s servants then conspired against him and assassinated him. Though Joash started as a godly king, he failed to finish well. Still, God used him to preserve the line of David and restore the Temple.
The Story of King Joash – The Youngest King in the Bible
The story of King Jehoash (reigned 835–796 BC), started when Athaliah, the mother of King Ahaziah, whom Jehu had killed, took charge of Judah and killed all of the royal family she could find in order to secure the throne for herself. However, Athaliah missed one of her grandsons, the infant Joash. The evil queen’s sister rescued young Joash and his nurse, and the child was hidden for six years in the temple while Athaliah reigned (2 Kings 11:1-3).
In the seventh year, Jehoiada, the priest, exposed Joash to the guard captains. The priest agreed to safeguard the temple and the true ruler, and Jehoiada publicly anointed Joash as king (2 Kings 11:4-12). The people of Judah rejoiced at Joash’s appointment. When Queen Athaliah heard the noise of the ceremony, she dashed to the temple, screaming, “Treason! Treason!” Athaliah was taken by the guards, removed from the temple, and executed at the command of Jehoiada (2 Kings 11:13-16).
“Jehoiada then formed a covenant with the Lord, the king, and the people, committing them to be the Lord’s people. He also established a covenant between the king and the people.” (2 Kings 11:17). The people demolished Baal’s temple, watchmen were stationed in the Lord’s temple, and Joash, aged seven, ascended to the throne (2 Kings 11:18-21).
According to Second Kings 12:1-3, Joash “reigned in Jerusalem for forty years. Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him.” Second Kings 12 describes Joash’s activities. King Joash’s primary accomplishment was repairing the temple (2 Kings 12:4-16). He also used monetary gifts to deter King Hazael of Aram (Syria) from attacking Jerusalem (2 Kings 12:17-18).
The tragedy of King Joash of Judah started when his mentor and guardian, Jehoiada, died, and he began to listen to evil advisers. Joash reestablished Baal and Asherah worship in Judah (2 Chronicles 24:17–19). God sent prophets to warn Joash, but he didn’t listen. Finally, the prophet Zechariah, son of the priest Jehoiada, delivered God’s message to Joash, but the king ordered the son of an old friend to be stoned to death (verses 19-22). Joash’s rule did not end well, as “his officials conspired against him and assassinated him at Beth Millo, on the road down to Silla” (2 Kings 12:20). Joash’s son Amaziah ascended to the throne, and he “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord,” yet the Bible comments that he was more like his father Joash than his ancestor David (2 Kings 14:3-4).
King Joash Starts Out Good, But Ends In Tragedy
King Joash became king of Judah at the young age of 7 and reigned for 40 years (2 Kings 11:21, 12:1). Under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, Joash began his rule well, repairing the temple and restoring proper worship (2 Kings 12:2). However, after Jehoiada died, Joash turned away from God and plunged into idolatry (2 Chronicles 24:17-18). When prophets rebuked him, Joash had one killed and ignored the others (2 Chronicles 24:20-22).
Joash’s tragic downfall shows that starting well is not enough; we must persevere and finish well. Though Joash repaired the temple in his youth, he failed to repair his own heart. Let us heed the warning in Joash’s life and pursue God wholeheartedly all our days.
8 Youngest Kings in the Bible
These are the youngest kings in the Bible, with the year they ascended the throne:
- King Joash Started To Reign At 7 years old (Reigned from 835-796 BCE)
- King Josiah Started To Reign At 8 years old (Reigned from 640-609 BCE)
- King Manasseh Started To Reign At 12 years old (Reigned from 697-687 BCE)
- King Uzziah Started To Reign At 16 years old (Reigned from 783-742 BCE)
- King Jeconiah Started To Reign At 17 years old (Reigned from 598-597 BCE)
- King Solomon Started To Reign At 20 years old (Reigned from 970-931 BCE)
- King Ahaz Started To Reign At 20 years old (Reigned from 732-716 BCE)
- King Zedekiah Started To Reign At 21 years old (Reigned from 597-586 BCE)
Conclusion
King Jehoash was only 7 years old when he began to reign over Judah. Even though he was so young, the Bible tells us that in the beginning of Jehoash reign “he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David.” He worked hard to destroy idolatry in Judah and restore worship of the one true God. Although later he listened to evil counsels and went astray as a result he was killed by his own servants.