Joash, Son of Becher

Background and Family

Joash was a member of the Tribe of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob. According to the genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 7:8, Joash was the son of Becher. This placement identifies him as a grandson of Benjamin. The Chronicler lists Joash among nine brothers: Zemirah, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth.

This specific family branch is noted for its strength and population. The text specifies that these sons of Becher were "heads of their fathers' houses," implying that Joash was not merely an individual of note but the progenitor or leader of a significant sub-clan within the tribe. The total number of fit men for military service from this specific lineage was recorded as 20,200 (1 Chronicles 7:9), highlighting the significant role Joash and his siblings played in the tribal structure during the formative years of the Israelite nation in Egypt.

Major Life Events

The biblical record for this specific Joash is limited to his genealogical entry. He lived during the era of the Egyptian Sojourn and the subsequent transition toward the Wilderness period. Unlike many other figures in the Tribe of Benjamin who rose to prominence during the era of the Judges or the United Monarchy, Joash’s primary contribution was the preservation and expansion of the Benjamite line during the years of growth in Egypt.

Relationship to Other Biblical Figures

Joash’s primary biblical connection is to his father, Becher, and his grandfather, Benjamin. As a grandson of a patriarch, Joash lived in the immediate shadow of the foundational figures of Israel. His brothers—most notably Eliezer and Omri—shared in his status as "mighty men of valor." The collective strength of these brothers suggests a unified family unit that provided stability for the tribe of Benjamin during their time in a foreign land.

Spiritual Significance

The spiritual significance of Joash lies in the fulfillment of the divine promise given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the multiplication of their descendants. In the book of 1 Chronicles, genealogies are not merely lists of names but evidence of God's faithfulness to maintain the twelve tribes through the hardships of the Egyptian bondage.

Joash is described as a "mighty man of valor" (1 Chronicles 7:9), a term that in a biblical context implies not only physical strength or military prowess but also a certain degree of social standing and reliable character. By being recorded in the sacred text, Joash is recognized as a vital link in the chain of the covenant, ensuring that the inheritance of Benjamin remained intact for the generations that would eventually cross the Jordan under Joshua.