### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yôwʼâsh**, represented by `{{H3101}}`, is a form of **Yᵉhôwʼâsh** `{{H3060}}` and is the name given to six different Israelites in scripture. It appears **47 times** across **41 unique verses**, highlighting its presence in various key narratives. The name is primarily associated with two kings, one from Judah and one from Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name **Joash** `{{H3101}}` identifies several key figures in the biblical narrative. Most prominently, it refers to two kings. Joash, son of Ahaziah, was the king of Judah who was famously hidden from Athaliah by Jehosheba [[2 Kings 11:2]] and began to reign at seven years old [[2 Chronicles 24:1]]. His reign began righteously under the priest Jehoiada's influence [[2 Chronicles 24:2]], but ended in apostasy and his own assassination [[2 Kings 12:20]]. Another Joash was the king of Israel, the son of Jehoahaz [[2 Kings 13:9]], who visited the prophet Elisha on his deathbed [[2 Kings 13:14]] and was the father of king Jeroboam [[Amos 1:1]]. Beyond the kings, the name belongs to the father of Gideon, an Abiezrite who defended his son against those who were angry about Baal's altar being torn down [[Judges 6:31]]. Other individuals named Joash include a son of the king [[1 Kings 22:26]] and a descendant of Judah who had dominion in Moab [[1 Chronicles 4:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the identity and roles of the individuals named Joash:
* `{{H3060}}` **Yᵉhôwʼâsh** (Jehovah-fired; Jehoash): This is another form of the name, used interchangeably in some contexts. The definition for `{{H3101}}` explicitly notes that it is a form of **Yᵉhôwʼâsh**.
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This word is fundamental to the stories of the two most significant figures named Joash, who were each a **king**—one over Judah [[2 Chronicles 25:25]] and one over Israel [[Hosea 1:1]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): The identity of each Joash is consistently established through his lineage as a **son**. Scripture refers to Joash the **son** of Ahaziah [[2 Kings 11:2]], Joash the **son** of Jehoahaz [[2 Kings 14:1]], and Gideon the **son** of Joash [[Judges 6:11]].
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H3101}}` is associated with several significant narrative themes:
* **Preservation of the Davidic Line:** The survival of Joash, son of Ahaziah, is a pivotal event. He was stolen from among the king's sons who were slain and hidden from Athaliah, ensuring the continuation of the royal line of Judah [[2 Kings 11:2]]. His place in the lineage is recorded as the son of Ahaziah and grandson of Joram [[1 Chronicles 3:11]].
* **Fidelity and Apostasy:** The life of King Joash of Judah serves as a stark illustration of the importance of faithfulness. He did right in the sight of the LORD during the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest [[2 Chronicles 24:2]], but later forsook the LORD [[2 Chronicles 24:24]] and slew Jehoiada's son, forgetting the kindness shown to him [[2 Chronicles 24:22]].
* **Confronting Idolatry:** In the story of Gideon, his father Joash stands against the tide of popular opinion to defend his son. When the men of his city demanded Gideon be put to death for casting down Baal's altar, Joash boldly challenged them to let Baal plead for himself [[Judges 6:31]].
* **Interaction with God's Prophet:** Joash, king of Israel, recognized the significance of Elisha when he wept over the dying prophet, calling him "O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof" [[2 Kings 13:14]].
### Summary
In summary, the name **Joash** `{{H3101}}` is attached to several distinct individuals whose stories carry significant weight. From the dramatic preservation of King Joash of Judah that secured the Davidic line, to the righteous defense of Gideon by his father Joash, the name appears at critical junctures in Israel's history. The narratives associated with **Yôwʼâsh** serve as powerful illustrations of divine providence, the consequences of forsaking God, and the courage required to stand against idolatry. The name, therefore, represents not just individuals, but key moments of conflict and faithfulness in the Old Testament.
TRV