2 Chronicles 24:22
Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The LORD look upon it, and require it.
2 Chronicles 24:22 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from 2 Chronicles 24:22, we see a tragic turn of events as King Joash's actions demonstrate ingratitude towards Jehoiada, who had once saved his life and guided him to rule over Judah. Despite the kindness and guidance he had received, Joash turned against Jehoiada's family, even going as far as having Jehoiada's son killed. This act of betrayal and violence highlights the depths of Joash's betrayal towards the one who had shown him love and support. The verse also serves as a reminder of the consequences of forgetting the good deeds done by others and the importance of showing gratitude towards those who have helped us along the way. In the end, Joash's actions bring about his downfall, as even in his last moments, he calls upon the Lord to take account of his deeds. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of ingratitude and betrayal.
Theological Overview
Joash, the king of Judah, turned against the kindness shown to him by Jehoiada, the priest who had raised and guided him. In a shocking betrayal, Joash ordered the killing of Jehoiada's son for speaking out against the idolatry that the king had allowed in the land. The verse highlights the ingratitude and treachery of Joash, who not only forgot the good deeds done for him but also repaid them with evil. The consequences of Joash's actions were severe, as he faced divine judgment for his disregard of the Lord's commandments. Despite his unfaithfulness, Joash called upon the Lord to witness his wrongdoing and mete out justice, acknowledging that his actions would not go unpunished. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of forsaking loyalty and disregarding the kindness shown by others, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and honoring those who have helped us along the way.
2 Chronicles 24:22 in other translations
American Standard Version
Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, Jehovah look upon it, and require it.
World English Bible
Thus Joash the king didn’t remember the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but killed his son. When he died, he said, “May Yahweh look at it, and repay it.”
Douay-Rheims
And king Joas did not remember the kindness that Joiada his father had done to him, but killed his son. And when he died, he said: The Lord see, and require it.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thus Ioash the King remembred not the kindnesse which Iehoiada his father had done to him, but slewe his sonne. And when he dyed, he sayd, The Lord looke vpon it, and require it.