A Child Chosen by God
Today we are learning about Jehoash, also called Joash.
He was one of the youngest kings in the Bible.
Jehoash became king when he was only seven years old.
This story teaches us that God’s plans cannot be destroyed, even when things look dark and dangerous.
Both Jewish and Christian traditions see this story as a powerful lesson about:
God’s faithfulness
Courage in hard times
The importance of teaching children the right way
A Dangerous Time in Israel
Jehoash lived during a very dark time in the kingdom of Judah.
A woman named Athaliah took control of the throne.
She was not a faithful ruler.
She worshiped false gods and ruled with fear.
When her son, the king, died, Athaliah tried to destroy the royal family so no one else could rule.
She wanted all the king’s sons killed.
A Child Is Hidden
But God had a plan.
Jehoash’s aunt, Jehosheba, saved the baby Jehoash.
She hid him in the Temple of the Lord for six years.
The high priest Jehoiada helped protect him.
While Athaliah ruled outside,
a child king was growing up in God’s house.
Lesson
God can protect life even in the worst times.
This shows God protecting the line of King David, as promised in the covenant.
This reminds Christians of how God protected baby Jesus from King Herod.
The Coronation of a Boy King
When Jehoash was seven years old, the priest Jehoiada made a brave plan.
He brought out the boy.
He placed a crown on his head.
He gave him the book of the Law.
The people shouted:
“Long live the king!”
Athaliah was removed from power.
Jehoash became king, and peace returned to the land.
Lesson
Leadership should be guided by God’s law, not personal power.
Judaism:
A king must rule according to the Torah.Christianity:
Leaders must serve God humbly, not themselves.
Jehoash Learns to Do What Is Right
As long as Jehoiada the priest was alive, Jehoash ruled well.
He did what was right in God’s eyes.
He repaired the Temple, which had been damaged.
The people gave offerings gladly.
The house of God was restored.
Lesson
Good teachers and mentors matter.
Jewish teaching:
Children must be taught God’s ways from a young age.Christian teaching:
Faith grows when guided by wise and faithful leaders.
A Warning from Jehoash’s Later Life
After Jehoiada died, Jehoash began to listen to the wrong voices.
He turned away from God.
He allowed false worship again.
When God sent prophets to warn him, Jehoash did not listen.
This part of the story is sad.
Lesson
Faith must become personal, not only borrowed from others.
Judaism:
Each generation must choose faithfulness for itself.Christianity:
True faith must live in the heart, not just in tradition.
What This Story Teaches Us Today
God Keeps His Promises
God promised that David’s family would continue.
Jehoash is proof that God keeps His word.
Children Matter to God
A child can be part of God’s plan.
The Temple and Worship Matter
Restoring the Temple showed respect for God.
Faith Needs Growth
We must grow in faith and not rely only on others.
Both Jews and Christians agree:
God is faithful
God protects life
God calls leaders to obey Him
Teaching the next generation is essential
Living the Lesson of the Boy King
Jehoash’s story teaches us hope and responsibility.
God can bring light in dark times.
God can use young people.
But faith must be protected and renewed.
Let us choose to:
Teach children well
Follow God’s ways
Stay faithful even when guides are gone
Just like Jehoash, our lives can change history when we stay close to God.
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