2 Chronicles 23
This chapter details the events surrounding the coup that placed Joash, the rightful heir, on the throne of Judah. Under the guidance of the high priest Jehoiada, the temple was the center of the rebellion against the wicked rule of Queen Athaliah. It illustrates God's protection of the Davidic line and the role of faithful leaders in restoring true worship.
2 Chronicles 23:1-5 (NKJV)
1 In the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and made a covenant with the captains of hundreds: Azariah the son of Jeroham, Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, Azariah the son of Obed, Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri.
2 And they went throughout Judah and gathered the Levites from all the cities of Judah, and the chief fathers of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.
3 Then all the assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. And he said to them, “Behold, the king’s son shall reign, as the Lord has said of the sons of David.
4 This is what you shall do: One-third of you entering on the Sabbath, of the priests and the Levites, shall be keeping watch over the doors;
5 one-third shall be at the king’s house, and one-third at the Gate of the Foundation. All the people shall be in the courts of the house of the Lord.
Jehoiada, the high priest, took decisive action in the seventh year of Joash’s life. He formed alliances with military leaders and the Levites, gathering them in Jerusalem. Together, they made a covenant in the temple, acknowledging Joash as the rightful king, fulfilling God’s promise to David’s descendants. The plan involved stationing guards at strategic locations on the Sabbath to protect Joash and ensure the success of the coup. This strategic move also reflects the importance of the Sabbath in their operations.
2 Chronicles 23:6-10 (NKJV)
6 But let no one come into the house of the Lord except the priests and those of the Levites who serve; they may go in, for they are holy; but all the people shall keep the watch of the Lord.
7 And the Levites shall surround the king on all sides, every man with his weapons in his hand; and whoever comes into the house, let him be put to death. You are to be with the king when he comes in and when he goes out.”
8 So the Levites and all Judah did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded. And each man took his men who were to be on duty on the Sabbath, with those who were going off duty on the Sabbath, for Jehoiada the priest had not dismissed the divisions.
9 And Jehoiada the priest gave to the captains of hundreds the spears and the large and small shields which had belonged to King David, that were in the temple of God.
10 Then he set all the people, every man with his weapon in his hand, from the right side of the temple to the left side of the temple, along by the altar and by the temple, all around the king.
Jehoiada gave strict instructions to ensure that only the priests and Levites could enter the temple, reinforcing the sacredness of the place. The Levites were commanded to surround the young king with weapons, ready to defend him from any intruders. The military preparations were thorough, utilizing weapons once belonging to King David, signifying continuity in the Davidic line. The stage was set for the protection of the rightful heir, with everyone in their designated positions, ready for the moment of proclamation.
2 Chronicles 23:11 (NKJV)
11 And they brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, gave him the Testimony, and made him king. Then Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, “Long live the king!”
The climax of the plan was the presentation of Joash as king. Jehoiada brought Joash out, crowned him, and gave him the Testimony—likely the Law of Moses, symbolizing his obligation to govern according to God’s commandments. The anointing and public acclamation declared his legitimacy and signaled the end of Athaliah’s reign.
2 Chronicles 23:12-15 (NKJV)
12 Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people in the temple of the Lord.
13 When she looked, there was the king standing by his pillar at the entrance, and the leaders and the trumpeters were by the king. All the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets, also the singers with musical instruments, and those who led in praise. So Athaliah tore her clothes and said, “Treason! Treason!”
14 And Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds who were set over the army, and said to them, “Take her outside under guard, and slay with the sword whoever follows her.” For the priest had said, “Do not kill her in the house of the Lord.”
15 So they seized her; and she went by way of the entrance of the Horse Gate into the king’s house, and they killed her there.
Athaliah, hearing the commotion, entered the temple to find Joash crowned as king, surrounded by jubilant crowds. Realizing her power had been usurped, she accused the assembly of treason. However, Jehoiada had already anticipated this and ordered her removal from the temple. She was executed at the Horse Gate, marking the end of her reign and the restoration of the Davidic monarchy.
2 Chronicles 23:16-21 (NKJV)
16 Then Jehoiada made a covenant between himself, the people, and the king, that they should be the Lord’s people.
17 And all the people went to the temple of Baal, and tore it down. They broke in pieces its altars and images, and killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.
18 Also Jehoiada appointed the oversight of the house of the Lord to the hand of the priests, the Levites, whom David had assigned in the house of the Lord, to offer the burnt offerings of the Lord, as it is written in the Law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, as it was established by David.
19 And he set the gatekeepers at the gates of the house of the Lord, so that no one who was in any way unclean should enter.
20 Then he took the captains of hundreds, the nobles, the governors of the people, and all the people of the land, and brought the king down from the house of the Lord. And they went through the Upper Gate to the king’s house, and set the king on the throne of the kingdom.
21 So all the people of the land rejoiced; and the city was quiet, for they had slain Athaliah with the sword.
After Athaliah’s death, Jehoiada renewed the nation’s covenant with God, committing the king and people to serve the Lord alone. The temple of Baal was destroyed, and the priest of Baal was killed, symbolizing the eradication of idol worship. Jehoiada then restored proper worship, ensuring that the Levites and priests followed the Law of Moses and David’s traditions. The chapter concludes with Joash being enthroned and peace returning to the land, as Athaliah’s corrupt reign ended and true worship was reestablished.