# Joash ## Name(s) and Meaning - **Names:** Joash. - **Meaning:** "Given by the Lord" or "Yahweh has given." - **Significance:** His name reflects a divine gift or blessing, which is significant given his role as Gideon's father, a deliverer of Israel. ## Lifespan/Timeline - **Lifespan:** Exact dates are not provided in the Bible, but Joash would have lived during the time of the Judges, approximately between 1200 and 1050 BC. - **Historical Context:** This was a period of cyclical apostasy, oppression, and deliverance for Israel, occurring between the conquest of Canaan and the establishment of the monarchy. ## Roles/Titles - **Roles:** Father of Gideon, custodian of the altar of Baal. - **Significance:** Joash initially appears as a supporter of Baal worship, as indicated by the presence of an altar to Baal on his property. His defense of Gideon after Gideon destroys the altar demonstrates a shift in loyalty or at least a tolerance for Gideon's actions, pivotal in the narrative of Israel's deliverance from the Midianites. ## Tags - #biblical-figures - #roles-father - #timelines-judges ## Cross-References - Joash is introduced as the father of Gideon in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]. - The incident involving the altar of Baal occurs in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]. ## Key References: Joash (Gideon's Father) ### Primary Passages - **Joash and the Baal Altar:** [[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]—Joash is introduced when Gideon destroys the altar of Baal that belongs to his father, Joash. Joash defends Gideon by suggesting that Baal should defend himself if he is truly a god (Judges 6:25-31). ### Mentions in Genealogies - **Father of Gideon:** Joash is mentioned as the father of Gideon in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6:11]], establishing his place in the narrative as the patriarch of Gideon's family. ### New Testament References - There are no direct mentions of Joash, Gideon's father, in the New Testament. ### Prophetic/Typological References - Joash's defense of Gideon's actions against Baal can be seen as a typological reference to the futility of idol worship and the supremacy of the God of Israel, aligning with the larger biblical narrative of God's sovereignty over false gods. ### Tags - #key-references - #genealogy - #prophecy - #joash - #gideon - #idol-worship ## Relationships: Joash (Gideon's Father) ### Family Relationships - **Son:** Gideon, a judge of Israel who delivered the Israelites from the Midianites ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). Other sons are mentioned but not named specifically in relation to Joash ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 8|Judges Chapter 8]]). ### Allies/Friends - **None specifically mentioned:** As Joash is mostly mentioned in connection with Gideon, there are no specific allies or friends highlighted in the scriptural narrative. ### Adversaries/Conflicts - **Baal Worshipers:** Joash faced conflict with the townspeople, who demanded the death of Gideon for destroying the altar of Baal, which Joash had maintained ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). Joash defended Gideon, challenging the townspeople that if Baal is a god, he should contend for himself. ### Spiritual Relationships - **God:** While Joash's direct relationship with God is not elaborated, his defense of Gideon against the Baal worshipers implies a turning point or acknowledgment of God's supremacy through Gideon's actions ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). ### Tags - #relationships - #family - #conflicts - #relationship-with-God - #joash - #gideon ## Significance: Gideon's Father (Joash) ### Theological Importance - **Preserver of Faith:** Joash plays a crucial role in the narrative of Gideon by initially being the custodian of the altar of Baal, which symbolizes Israel's departure from Yahweh. His willingness to defend Gideon’s actions against Baal signifies a turning point towards Israel's return to God ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **Defender of Divine Intervention:** Joash's defense of Gideon’s destruction of the altar to Baal and Asherah pole demonstrates a subtle acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and the need for Israel’s repentance and return to true worship ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). ### Historical Context - **Cultural Transformation:** Joash’s story occurs during the time of the Judges, a period characterized by cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. His reaction to Gideon's actions against the idols is part of the greater narrative of Israel’s struggle with idolatry and the call back to faithfulness to God ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **Family Influence:** As Gideon's father, Joash's eventual support of his son reflects the influence of familial relationships in the broader context of Israelite society and the transmission of faith through generations ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). ### Symbolism and Typology - **Symbol of Repentance:** Joash's transformation from a keeper of Baal's altar to one who defends his son’s divinely inspired actions serves as a microcosm of Israel’s need for repentance and renewal of covenant faithfulness ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **Type of God’s Patience:** Joash’s story illustrates God’s patience with Israel, providing opportunities for repentance and return to covenant loyalty through the actions of his son, Gideon ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). ### Tags - #significance - #theological-themes - #biblical-history - #typology - #repentance - #faith - #covenant ## Character Study: Joash (Gideon's Father) ### Strengths and Virtues - **Protector:** Joash protects his son Gideon from the townspeople who wish to kill him for tearing down the altar of Baal. He argues that if Baal is truly a god, he can defend himself. This showcases a form of wisdom and courage in defending his son ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6 Verses 28-31|Judges 6:28-31]]). ### Weaknesses and Failures - **Idolatry:** Joash had built an altar to Baal on his property, indicating participation in idolatrous practices, which were against God's commandments for Israel ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6 Verse 25|Judges 6:25]]). - **Compromise:** By allowing an altar to Baal to exist, Joash demonstrated a compromise of faith and a lapse in the commitment to worship the LORD alone, as commanded in the Law. ### Lessons Learned - **The Power of God:** Through the events involving Gideon, Joash witnessed the power and sovereignty of the God of Israel, who does not need human defense but acts through His chosen servants ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges 7]]). - **Repentance and Change:** Joash's defense of Gideon implies a turning point, possibly indicating a change in heart towards the worship of the true God, highlighting the possibility of redemption and transformation. ### Tags - #strengths-protector - #weaknesses-idolatry - #lessons-change - #lessons-powerofGod ## Themes and Symbolism: Joash (Gideon's Father) ### Key Themes - **Idolatry and Repentance:** Joash's initial involvement with idolatry, as he maintained an altar to Baal, reflects the recurring theme of Israel’s struggle with idol worship and the need for repentance ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **Courage and Transformation:** Joash's defense of Gideon after he destroys the altar to Baal shows a transformation in courage and loyalty to the true God ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). ### Symbolic Elements - **Altar to Baal:** The altar represents the pervasive influence of Canaanite culture and the spiritual infidelity of Israel, which needed to be confronted and cleansed ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **Renaming Gideon "Jerubbaal":** This act symbolizes the challenge against false gods and the turning of hearts back to Yahweh ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Turning from Idols:** Joash's eventual support of Gideon's actions can be seen as a microcosm of Israel's potential to turn from idolatry back to the worship of the one true God, which foreshadows the ultimate redemption and purification through Christ ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]], [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 9|Hebrews Chapter 9]]). ### Tags - #themes - #symbolism - #foreshadowing - #idolatry - #repentance - #courage - #transformation ## Connections: Joash (Gideon's Father) ### Parallel Figures - **Gideon:** As Gideon's father, Joash plays a crucial role in his son's life and the events leading to Gideon's leadership in Israel ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **Hezekiah:** Both Joash and Hezekiah are noted for their actions against idols—Joash when he defends Gideon's destruction of the Baal altar ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]), and Hezekiah when he removes high places and idols in Judah ([[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 18|2 Kings Chapter 18]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Christ as Deliverer:** Joash's defense of Gideon’s actions against idolatry can be seen as a precursor to Christ's mission to turn people away from worshipping false gods and idols ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]], [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 4|Matthew Chapter 4]]). ### Cultural/Historical Context - **Period of the Judges:** Joash's story is set during the time of the Judges, a period of Israel's history characterized by cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance. This period highlights the need for faithful leadership and obedience to God's law ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **Canaanite Influence:** Joash's initial involvement with Baal worship reflects the pervasive influence of Canaanite religious practices on Israel during this time ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). ### Tags - #parallel-figures - #foreshadowing-Christ - #historical-context - #idol-worship - #deliverance ## Legacy: Joash (Gideon's Father) ### Impact on Israel/Church - **Defender of Gideon:** Joash played a significant role in protecting his son, Gideon, who was chosen by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. When the townspeople wanted to kill Gideon for tearing down the altar of Baal, Joash defended him, stating that if Baal were truly a god, he could defend himself ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). This act allowed Gideon to fulfill his God-given mission, leading to the deliverance of Israel. - **Challenge to Idolatry:** By supporting Gideon’s act of destroying the altar of Baal, Joash inadvertently challenged the prevailing idolatry in Israel, which was a step toward the nation’s spiritual reformation. ### Mentions in Later Scripture - Joash is primarily mentioned in the context of Gideon's narrative in the Book of Judges. His actions are pivotal in the initial steps of Gideon's journey to leadership and victory, but he is not referenced in later books of the Bible. His legacy is intertwined with Gideon's story and the transformation of Israel during that period. ### Spiritual Lessons - **Courage in Defending Truth:** Joash's defense of Gideon teaches the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it goes against popular opinion or societal norms. - **Role of Supportive Parents:** His willingness to protect and support his son's divine calling highlights the impact that parents can have in nurturing and defending the spiritual journeys of their children. ### Modern Applications - Joash’s legacy encourages believers to support and defend the truth of God’s calling, both in their own lives and in the lives of others, even when it means confronting societal or cultural norms. - His example serves as a reminder of the importance of parental support and the influence it can have on the fulfillment of God's purposes. ### Tags - #legacy - #impact-on-israel - #spiritual-lessons - #parental-support - #courage - #challenge-to-idolatry ## Geography: Joash (Gideon's Father) ### Significant Locations - **Ophrah:** Joash lived in Ophrah, a town in the territory of the Abiezrites, a clan of the tribe of Manasseh. It is in this location that the Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, Joash's son, under the oak that belonged to Joash, initiating Gideon's call to deliver Israel from the Midianites ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges 6]]). - **The Altar of Baal:** Joash had an altar to Baal on his property in Ophrah, which Gideon was instructed by God to tear down. This event was significant as it demonstrated God's call to return Israel to true worship and reject idolatry ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges 6]]). ### Travel and Movement - There are no recorded travels or migrations specifically undertaken by Joash. His narrative is primarily centered around his actions in Ophrah and his interactions with Gideon. ### Historical/Spiritual Context - **Ophrah’s Spiritual Role:** The location where God called Gideon, demonstrating Israel's need for deliverance from oppression and the rejection of idol worship, symbolized by the destruction of the altar of Baal. This act catalyzed Gideon's rise as a judge and leader in Israel ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges 6]]). - **Significance of Baal’s Altar:** The presence of the altar on Joash's property signifies the prevalent idolatry in Israel. Gideon’s act of tearing it down, supported by Joash's protection of his son, marks a turning point towards faithfulness to Yahweh. ### Tags - #geography - #locations-ophrah - #locations-abiezrites - #idol-worship - #travel - #joash - #gideon ## Additional Resources: Joash (Gideon's Father) ### Cross-Referenced Scripture - **Baal's Altar:** Joash's significant action of defending Gideon when he destroyed the altar of Baal ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6 Verses 25-32|Judges 6:25-32]]). - **Gideon's Call:** Context of Gideon's call and Joash's presence ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6 Verses 11-24|Judges 6:11-24]]). ### Genealogical References - **Tribe of Manasseh:** Joash is identified with the tribe of Manasseh, giving context to Gideon's heritage ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6 Verses 11|Judges 6:11]]). ### Maps and Geographic References - **Ophrah:** Suggested mapping of Ophrah, the location of Gideon’s family and the altar of Baal ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6 Verses 11|Judges 6:11]]). ### Recommended Bible Study Passages - **Joash's Defense of Gideon:** Study the account of Joash's defense of his son, which reflects his character and influence ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6 Verses 25-32|Judges 6:25-32]]). ### Tags - #additional-resources - #cross-references - #genealogy - #maps - #defense-of-faith