Meaning of the Name Joash
The etymology of Joash is not entirely undisputed. Most explanations connect the name with the short form of the divine name and with the idea of "giving," while some relate it to "strengthening"; thus "Yahweh has given" is the most common proposal, though "Yahweh has strengthened" is also mentioned. It is therefore fair to note that the precise nuance is not completely certain.
Origin
The name Joash is of Hebrew origin.
Who is Joash in the Bible?
The best-known Joash is Joash king of Judah, who came to the throne as a child and, under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, began repairs on the temple. In later years, however, his spiritual course weakened. The same name is also borne by Joash king of Israel and by several other figures.
The story of Joash in the Bible
The name Joash belongs to more than one person in Scripture, but the best known is King Joash of Judah. Rescued as an infant from Athaliah's attempt to destroy the royal family and raised in hiding within the temple, Joash was brought to the throne at the age of seven under the leadership of Jehoiada the priest. Scripture says that Joash did what was right in the LORD's sight as long as Jehoiada instructed him. The brightest achievement of his reign was launching the repair of the long-neglected temple and establishing an orderly way of collecting offerings to fund it. After Jehoiada's death, however, the picture changed: heeding the officials of Judah, Joash abandoned the house of the LORD and turned toward idolatrous practices, closing his ears to the prophetic warnings that were sent. In the end he was killed in a conspiracy formed by his own servants. An Israelite king and others also bore the name, yet the story of the boy king who began well and ended sorrowfully remains its most memorable face.
Is Joash mentioned in the Quran?
The name Joash is not mentioned by this name in the Quran; his story is found in the Old Testament, especially in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles.
Verses where Joash appears
- 2 Kings 11:21 —
Jehoash was seven years old when he began to reign.
- 2 Kings 12:2 —
Jehoash did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh all his days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him.
- 2 Chronicles 24:17 —
Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king listened to them.