Who was Jozachar?

Jozachar (Hebrew: Yôzāḵār, יוֹזָכָר), whose name means “Yahweh remembers” or “the Lord has remembered,” was one of the two conspirators responsible for the assassination of King Joash (also known as Jehoash), king of Judah. His story is briefly mentioned in 2 Kings 12:20-21 and 2 Chronicles 24:25-26, where he is identified as one of the king’s own servants who turned against him and killed him in the house of Millo.

He is also called Zabad in the parallel account in 2 Chronicles 24:26, indicating either an alternate name or a textual variation. His father’s name was Shimeath, and she is described as an Ammonite woman.

Biblical References

• 2 Kings 12:20-21 (NIV) – “His officials conspired against him and assassinated him at Beth Millo, on the road down to Silla. The officials who murdered him were Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer. So he died and was buried with his ancestors in the City of David. And Amaziah his son succeeded him as king.”

• 2 Chronicles 24:25-26 – “But after the Arameans left Joash severely wounded, his officials conspired against him for murdering the son of Jehoiada the priest, and they killed him in his bed. So he died and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings. Those who conspired against him were Zabad son of Shimeath an Ammonite woman, and Jehozabad son of Shimrith a Moabite woman.”

Cross References:

• 2 Kings 11 – Joash‘s rise to the throne under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest

• 2 Chronicles 24 – Expanded narrative including Joash‘s faithfulness during Jehoiada’s lifetime and his apostasy afterward

• Genesis 19:36-38 – Background on the origins of the Ammonites and Moabites

What Happened in the Bible

Jozachar, also called Zabad, played a tragic and infamous role in the downfall of King Joash. Initially, Joash had been a godly king under the guidance of Jehoiada the high priest, restoring temple worship and leading Judah in righteousness. However, after Jehoiada’s death, Joash listened to ungodly counselors, turned away from the Lord, and sanctioned the killing of Jehoiada’s son, Zechariah, who rebuked him for his apostasy (2 Chronicles 24:20-22).

God’s judgment came in the form of a Syrian invasion that left Joash wounded. While he was recovering, his own servants conspired against him and killed him. Jozachar was one of these assassins, likely motivated by Joash’s betrayal of Jehoiada’s house and his descent into idolatry.

It’s important to note that the two men who killed Joash were sons of foreign women—an Ammonite and a Moabite—which may reflect political or spiritual undertones about the king’s drift from covenant faithfulness.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

Jozachar’s role in the Bible is brief but significant. His name—“Yahweh remembers”—stands in stark contrast to the forgetfulness of Joash, who failed to remember the loyalty and godliness of Jehoiada. The story serves as a warning about what happens when leaders abandon godly counsel and harden their hearts against God’s Word.

Even though Jozachar’s act was part of divine judgment against Joash, the act itself—murder—was not condoned. Scripture simply records the event as part of the unfolding consequence of Joash’s rebellion. Christians today are reminded that God is not mocked, and that hidden or private sins in leadership can have very public and tragic consequences.

Additionally, Jozachar’s story warns believers of the dangers of surrounding themselves with ungodly influences and turning from the truth, even after a season of obedience.

How This Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The contrast between Joash’s early obedience and later rebellion mirrors the human heart’s tendency to wander from God. Like Joash, many begin well but end poorly when they forget the One who lifted them up.

Jesus Christ is the better King who never strayed from righteousness. Where Joash failed, Jesus remained faithful. He, too, was betrayed by those close to Him—not killed by conspiracy out of political frustration but crucified according to the sovereign plan of God for the salvation of the world.

Jozachar’s name reminds us of the gospel truth: Yahweh remembers. God remembered His covenant and sent Jesus as the ultimate Deliverer. In Christ, God‘s remembrance is not of our sins, but of His promises (Hebrews 8:12).

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Divine Justice

God holds kings and commoners alike accountable. The death of Joash at the hands of his own servants was a divine judgment for his disobedience and betrayal of godly leadership.

2. Covenant Faithfulness

Joash’s failure to remain faithful to the covenant after Jehoiada’s death highlights the importance of clinging to God, not just to godly mentors or systems.

3. The Danger of Apostasy

The story illustrates how quickly a person can fall into apostasy when separated from godly influence. Joash went from reformer to murderer.

4. God’s Sovereignty Over History

Even through acts of human betrayal and violence, God’s purposes are fulfilled. The death of Joash paved the way for a new king, Amaziah, and a continuing line that would ultimately lead to the Messiah.

Reflection Questions

1. What does the name “Yahweh remembers” mean to you personally in light of God’s promises?

2. How do Joash’s failures after Jehoiada’s death caution us about relying too much on people rather than God?

3. What safeguards can we put in place to stay faithful to God when spiritual mentors are no longer present?

4. How does this passage reinforce the importance of listening to godly rebuke and correction?

5. In what ways does the justice and mercy of God both appear in this story?

Jozachar is a reminder that God sees the whole of a person’s life—not just how it begins, but how it ends. As believers, our prayer should be to finish well, trusting not in our strength or alliances, but in the God who remembers His people and keeps His covenant forever.