### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yᵉhôwʼâsh**, represented by `{{H3060}}`, means **Jehovah-fired**. It appears **17 times** across **16 unique verses** in the Bible and is the name of two Israelite kings, one of Judah and one of Israel. This name is also closely related to its variant form, **Yôwʼâsh** `{{H3101}}`.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name **Yᵉhôwʼâsh** is most prominently associated with two kings. Jehoash of Judah began his reign at only seven years old and ruled for forty years in Jerusalem ([[2 Kings 11:21]], [[2 Kings 12:1]]). His narrative is marked by his effort to repair the **house** `{{H1004}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`, commanding the priests to use dedicated **money** `{{H3701}}` for the restoration ([[2 Kings 12:4]], [[2 Kings 12:7]]). He did what was **right** `{{H3477}}` in the **sight** `{{H5869}}` of the LORD as long as he was instructed by Jehoiada the priest [[2 Kings 12:2]]. Later, to avert an attack, he sent the temple's **gold** `{{H2091}}` and hallowed things to **Hazael** `{{H2371}}`, king of Syria [[2 Kings 12:18]]. The other king, Jehoash of Israel, was the son of **Jehoahaz** `{{H3059}}` [[2 Kings 14:8]]. He was challenged by Amaziah, king of Judah, and responded with a parable about a **thistle** `{{H2336}}` and a cedar [[2 Kings 14:9]]. This led to a conflict where Jehoash captured Amaziah at **Bethshemesh** `{{H1053}}` and broke down a section of Jerusalem's **wall** `{{H2346}}` [[2 Kings 14:13]]. He also successfully reclaimed **cities** `{{H5892}}` for Israel that had been taken by **Ben-hadad** `{{H1130}}` [[2 Kings 13:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of the name **Yᵉhôwʼâsh**:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): This title is almost always used with Jehoash, identifying his royal status over either **Judah** `{{H3063}}` or **Israel** `{{H3478}}` ([[2 Kings 12:18]], [[2 Kings 14:9]]).
* `{{H3101}}` **Yôwʼâsh** (Joash): A variant form of **Yᵉhôwʼâsh**. Scripture sometimes uses this form to refer to the same kings, for instance, when noting that **Amaziah** `{{H558}}` lived fifteen years after the death of Jehoash of Israel [[2 Kings 14:17]] or when Joash of Israel defeats Ben-hadad [[2 Kings 13:25]].
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This word is central to the account of Jehoash of Judah, who became concerned when the **priests** `{{H3548}}` had not repaired the breaches of the **house** of the LORD after many years [[2 Kings 12:6]].
* `{{H3068}}` **Yᵉhôvâh** (the LORD): The name **Yᵉhôwʼâsh** itself is a compound containing the divine name. The actions of both kings are framed by their relationship to the LORD, whether it is doing right in His sight or engaging in acts recorded in the chronicles ([[2 Kings 12:2]], [[2 Kings 14:15]]).
### Theological Significance
The accounts of the two kings named **Yᵉhôwʼâsh** illustrate several important themes of leadership and divine interaction.
* **Temple Stewardship:** The reign of Jehoash of Judah underscores a king's responsibility for the sanctuary. His initiative to repair the **house** `{{H1004}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` by organizing the collection of **money** `{{H3701}}` demonstrates a commitment to the nation's spiritual center [[2 Kings 12:4]].
* **Influence of Godly Counsel:** The narrative of Jehoash of Judah highlights the positive impact of a righteous guide. He did what was **right** `{{H3477}}` for as long as **Jehoiada** `{{H3077}}` the **priest** `{{H3548}}` instructed him, showing how leadership can be shaped by godly wisdom [[2 Kings 12:2]].
* **Pride and Conflict:** The confrontation between Jehoash of Israel and Amaziah of Judah serves as a lesson on hubris. Jehoash's parable of the **thistle** `{{H2336}}` challenging the cedar warns against pride, which led to Judah's defeat and the breaching of Jerusalem's **wall** `{{H2346}}` ([[2 Kings 14:9]], [[2 Kings 14:13]]).
* **National Restoration:** The story of Jehoash of Israel includes a note of restoration, as he took back **cities** `{{H5892}}` from the hand of **Ben-hadad** `{{H1130}}` that had been lost by his father, fulfilling a military and national duty [[2 Kings 13:25]].
### Summary
In summary, **Yᵉhôwʼâsh** `{{H3060}}` is a royal name borne by two significant but distinct kings in the history of the divided monarchy. The king of Judah is remembered for beginning his reign as a child and for his dedication to restoring the temple in Jerusalem. The king of Israel is defined by his military might, his rebuke of a prideful rival, and his success in reclaiming lost Israelite territory. The name is thus linked to themes of temple piety, the consequences of pride, and the duties of a king.
TRV