Joash (1)
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Joash (1) in the Bible?
Joash was the father of Gideon, a member of the clan of Abiezer and the tribe of Manasseh. He defended his son against those who wanted to kill him after Gideon destroyed the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole belonging to his father.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Joash's intervention clarifies the social dynamics within the tribe of Manasseh during the period of the Judges, illustrating how familial loyalty and local authority sometimes superseded immediate communal religious zealotry.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Joash (1) reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Joash (1) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Joash (1) clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Joash (1)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/joash-1/