The Boy Builder
One Year Bible (June 27)
2 Kings 10:32-12:21
The Boy Builder
How do you raise a “Kingly Kid”?
In your wildest dreams can you imagine a SEVEN-YEAR-OLD as king? What would he order for dinner? How long would his attention span be? What would the guard do if he was doing “spitballs” at the other visiting kings? Those are just a few random thoughts off the top of my head as I teach ten-year-olds and know their antics…Hmmm.
I guess what I am really wondering is, “How can this kid be ready to be the king?”
The “Kingly Kid” is named Joash or Jehoash of Judah. His name means, “Jehovah-given” and he ruled over Judah for 40 years. He is well-known for implementing a restoration of the temple. It is interesting to note that King Joash (Jehoash) is not mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in the book of Matthew.
King Joash had a “Strong Start” and a “Weak Finish” as king. Does this sound familiar to anyone? When we read through 2 Chronicles 24 we will learn more details about what went “SOUTH” in his later years… He is listed under the “Good” kings of Judah because of his faithfulness to rebuilding the Temple.
What I am wondering is how does a seven-year-old have a “Strong Start” and a “Weak Finish”?
One would surely think that would be the other way around. Let’s take a closer look at the preparation of “The Mini Monarch”.
Phase One: Hide the Boy.
Following the death of Joash’s father, Ahaziah, he was spared death by his evil aunt, Athaliah, who had killed all of the offspring of Ahaziah. Joash was taken as a baby by his aunt, Jehosheba who was married to the high priest. See the connection?
Now you know why Joash was hidden in the Temple until he was seven years old. The high priest, Jehoiada not only planned security and protection for this child but they raised him and trained him to know the ways of God until it was time to present himself as king. The High Priest had access to King David’s spears and shields that were stored in the Temple and they used those for protection.
Phase Two: Build the Boy.
At age seven, Jehoiada brought out Joash, the King’s son, and placed a crown on his head. They anointed him and crowned him the 8th King of Judah! Queen Athaliah heard the clatter and hurried to the Lord’s Temple to see what was going on.
“Treason she yelled!” Those were the last words heard from her. They took her from the Temple and killed her and took Joash to the Palace to rule on the throne. The words that rang out the loudest were the voices of the people, “Long live the king!” (11:12) Since he was very young, you would think that would be the case!
How does a seven-year-old rule a kingdom? Well, not only was a crown placed on his head, but Jehoiada place a copy of God’s laws in his little hands. He was instructed in the law of the Lord. In fact, we are told that Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord, the KIng, and the people, that they would be the Lord’s people. He also made a covenant with the new little King that the people would support the King. ( 2 Kings 11:17)
The final step to "Build the Boy" was to show him actions to back up the words of the law that he held in his little hands. “And all the people of the land went over to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They demolished the altars and smashed the idols to pieces, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars.” ( 2 Kings 11:18)
You know, I strongly doubt this kingly kid was asking for ice cream and throwing spitballs in the palace. He was raised in the Temple serving God and being instructed daily by the High Priest, Jehoiada. As long as he was listening to wise advice he did very well!
Phase Three: Let him Build.
What would possess a young man to make his life’s goal to rebuild the Temple?
It is interesting that the place that “Built the Boy” will be the place that “The Boy will REBUILD”.
His upbringing was in the Temple. Who would know better the ways of the Lord than a young man who was being daily instructed by the High Priest with a calling for a greater future? He also saw the disrepair of the temple and the nation.
King Joash gave the priests the direction of “Rebuilding the Temple” but after the 23rd year of his reign, he was aware that the priests had failed to implement a restoration program. So, he added new regulations for priests and a tax system.
King Joash worked to rebuild the temple and did well while he had accountability and a powerful godly influence in his life.
Unfortunately, he went downhill when he listened to the officials of Judah’s advice rather than having the High Priest, Jehoiada, to speak into his life.
2 Chronicles 24 tells in much more detail about the downfall of King Joash’s leadership. It says that “King Joash did not remember the kindness Zechariah’s father, Hejoiada, had shown him but killed his son, who said as he lay dying, ‘May the Lord see this and call you to account’.” (2 Chronicles 24:22) The Lord did just that!!
“All his life Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight because Jehoiada the priest instructed him.
Yet, even so, he did not destroy the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there.” (12:2-3)
Why did this kingly kid “Start Strong” but “Finish Poorly”?
“The Boy Builder” was grounded by the Laws of God which he held in his young hands and the wise instruction that the High Priest of God poured into this life. When he got older he listened to the foolish advice of men rather than the Words of God.
Every successful builder uses a blueprint and wise advice.
Do you read the “Blueprint” daily and receive wise counsel?
