So, the first of the reforming kings of Judah sets about undoing the damage of the past.
Revival under Jehoiada
1 Kings 11:17-20, 2 Chronicles 23:16-21
Joash’s family
2 Chronicles 24:3
Jehu’s death
2 Kings 10:34-36
Faithless priests
2 Chronicles 24:4-7, 2 Kings 12:4-8
Jehoahaz
2 Kings 13:1-2
Syria’s oppression
2 Kings 13:22, 3-7
Joash repairs the Temple
2 Kings 12:9-16, 2 Chronicles 24:8-14
Plague of insects
Joel 1:1-20
The Temple has fallen into disrepair, and so had the zeal of the priests and Levites. At first, Joash expects that the priests will get back to working properly, but they don’t. Eventually, he takes direct action and the Temple is restored. Jehoiada the chief priest is his inspiration.
Meanwhile, Syria is harrying the northern kingdom, and eventually Jehoahaz the new king has a stroke of good sense, and asks God for help. God bails them out, but there is no turning back to God as there is in the south.
The testing times are pictured by Joel as a plague of ravening locusts devouring the land and bringing misery. Doubtless he hoped that his graphic description of trouble would lead to a turning back to God like that of Jehoahaz. We know little of Joel, to know whether his words succeeded.
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