2 Chronicles Chapter 24 Summary
Reign of Joash. Temple repaired. Zechariah stoned. Judah defeated by Syrians.
Discussion Questions for 2 Chronicles, Chapter 24
- Joash was very young when his reign as king began. How does this help you think about the Lord’s work to even use those who may be in their youth or young to work for the glory of Him and His Kingdom?
- The reason for the practice of polygamy in the Old Testament was to assure that the generational line continued. This was against God’s design of monogamy, or one man and one woman in marriage. Does Jehoiada’s acquiring two wives for Joash detract from the glory of God? How does it show a lack of trust in God?
- Reflecting on the actions of Ahaziah and his life and influences from chapter 22, how would you compare the life and influences of Joash? What results are seen in Joash’s actions?
- Joash gathers the Levites and orders them to quickly collect the tax originated under Moses from the people in order to make repairs to the temple. Why is his desire to complete these repairs significant in light of previous leaders? Why are these repairs important? What would this reflect to the people who worship there? How would it change their attitude toward worship?
- After Joash gathers the Levites, he calls them back and questions Jehoiada on why the collections had not occurred from the surrounding people. Why does his questioning stand out? Is his questioning appropriate to the one who has advised him and even cared for him in his upbringing? Why or why not?
- What is the reaction of the people to the Levites collecting the tax from them for the restoration of the temple? How does this reaction reflect whether their view of the restoration was negative or positive? If you lived in ancient Judaea, how would you have reacted? How are you actively giving and supporting the work of the Kingdom of God now?
- The turning of this chapter begins with verse 15 and the passing of Jehoiada. After his passing, it says Joash listens to the leaders of Israel, the temple is abandoned, and idols are again served. Was Joash serving God with his reforms or Jehoiada? How does this demonstrate the danger of serving someone other than God?
- What is the purpose of God in sending the prophets in response to Judah and Jerusalem going back to idolatry? What is their reaction? Has there ever been a situation in your own life where you were not giving your attention to God, even though you knew that He desired and deserved it? What are some ways that you are regularly distracted from right worship?
- The prophet Zechariah is specifically mentioned. Zechariah is killed by Joash for his prophecy. How does Joash forget the kindness of God shown to him through Jehoiada? Do you think that we overlook God’s kindness shown through others? Why or why not?
- How does God bring judgment against Joash after he has Zechariah killed? What groups of people does He use to carry out His judgment? Ultimately, did some level of restoration of Judah happen in spite of Joash’s failings? How does this restoration serve the kingdom in spite of Joash's evil ways?
Key Words/Phrase
Repaired (temple), v. 6; judgment, v. 24.
Characters
God, Holy Spirit, Joash, Jehoiada, Zechariah, Zabad, Jehozabad, Amaziah.
Strong Verse(s)
10, 20.
