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.
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.
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).
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.
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