יְהוֹאָשׁ (ye.ho.ash)

The name Yehoash, meaning "given by the Lord," identifies two distinct kings in the Hebrew Bible: one of Judah and one of Israel. The royal figure most frequently associated with this Strong’s number is Joash son of Ahaziah, who ascended the throne in Jerusalem as a hidden infant during Jehu’s purge (2 Kings 11:2). His reign, recorded extensively in 2 Kings 12, is marked by the restoration of the temple and complex diplomatic relations with the northern kingdom.

Lexical sources distinguish this Judahite king from his namesake, Joash son of Jehoahaz, who ruled Israel (2 Kings 13:10–13). While both men share the same etymological root, their biblical narratives diverge significantly. The Judahite Yehoash is noted for his initial piety under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, whereas the Israelite counterpart is described as continuing in the sinful ways of Jeroboam. This lexical entry primarily tracks the former, whose life illustrates the tension between religious reform and political compromise.

Translators typically render Yehoash as "Joash" to align with English conventions, though the Hebrew form preserves the divine element "Yeho-" (a shortened form of Yahweh). The name’s presence in 2 Kings highlights a theological theme common in the historical books: human agency operating within divine sovereignty. Whether referring to the boy king saved from Athaliah or his later years marked by betrayal, the name Yehoash serves as a marker for periods of transition and instability in the divided monarchy.