2 Kings 11

2 Kings 11 describes the rise of Queen Athaliah and her reign over Judah, followed by her downfall and the restoration of the Davidic line through Joash. Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, seizes power by eliminating the royal family, but Joash is hidden by his aunt Jehosheba. The chapter highlights God's providence in preserving the Davidic dynasty, fulfilling His covenant with David. The actions of Jehoiada the priest play a key role in restoring the rightful king to the throne.

2 Kings 11:1-5 (NKJV)
1 When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal heirs.
2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were being murdered; and they hid him and his nurse in the bedroom, from Athaliah, so that he was not killed.
3 So he was hidden with her in the house of the LORD for six years, while Athaliah reigned over the land.
4 In the seventh year Jehoiada sent and brought the captains of hundreds—of the bodyguards and the escorts—and brought them into the house of the LORD to him. And he made a covenant with them and took an oath from them in the house of the LORD, and showed them the king’s son.
5 Then he commanded them, saying, “This is what you shall do: One-third of you who come on duty on the Sabbath shall be keeping watch over the king’s house,

Athaliah, after the death of her son, seizes power and ruthlessly kills the royal heirs to secure her reign. However, Joash, one of the royal children, is saved by Jehosheba, his aunt, and hidden in the temple for six years. During this time, Athaliah reigns over Judah, unaware of Joash’s survival. In the seventh year, Jehoiada, the high priest, carefully plans to overthrow Athaliah and restore Joash to the throne. He gathers the temple guards and makes them swear an oath to protect the young king, ensuring the plan is carried out with caution.

2 Kings 11:6 (NKJV)
6 one-third shall be at the gate of Sur and one-third at the gate behind the escorts. You shall keep the watch of the house, lest it be broken down.

Jehoiada assigns specific groups of soldiers to guard key locations in the temple complex to ensure its protection. The gate of Sur and the gate behind the escorts are vital points, and the soldiers must remain vigilant to prevent any breach or harm to the young king Joash, as this plan is crucial for the restoration of the Davidic line.

2 Kings 11:7 (NKJV)
7 The two contingents of you who go off duty on the Sabbath shall keep the watch of the house of the LORD for the king.

Jehoiada assigns the soldiers who are off-duty on the Sabbath to continue guarding the temple, showing the seriousness of the situation. Even those who would normally rest are needed to ensure that the king is protected. This strategic move demonstrates Jehoiada’s careful planning, ensuring that there is no gap in security during the critical period of Joash’s coronation.

2 Kings 11:8 (NKJV)
8 But you shall surround the king on all sides, every man with his weapons in his hand; and whoever comes within range, let him be put to death. You are to be with the king as he goes out and as he comes in.

The soldiers are instructed to form a protective barrier around the young king Joash, fully armed and prepared to defend him at all costs. Any intruder who approaches the king is to be killed immediately. This underscores the high stakes of this moment, as Joash’s life represents the hope of the Davidic dynasty’s continuation.

2 Kings 11:9-12 (NKJV)
9 So the captains of the hundreds did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded. Each of them took his men who were to be on duty on the Sabbath, with those who were going off duty on the Sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest.
10 And the priest gave the captains of hundreds the spears and shields which had belonged to King David, that were in the temple of the LORD.
11 Then the escorts stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, all around the king, from the right side of the temple to the left side of the temple, by the altar and the house.
12 And he brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, and gave him the Testimony; they made him king and anointed him, and they clapped their hands and said, “Long live the king!”

Jehoiada's plan is carried out flawlessly. The temple guards arm themselves with the weapons of King David, symbolizing the continuity of the Davidic line. Joash is brought out, crowned, and presented with the Testimony, likely the Law of Moses, affirming his right to rule. The people’s acclamation, "Long live the king!" signals the successful restoration of the Davidic monarchy, fulfilling God’s promise to preserve this royal line.

2 Kings 11:13-16 (NKJV)
13 Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the escorts and the people, she came to the people in the temple of the LORD.
14 When she looked, there was the king standing by a pillar according to custom; and the leaders and the trumpeters were by the king. All the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. So Athaliah tore her clothes and cried out, “Treason! Treason!”
15 And Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of 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 let her be killed in the house of the LORD.”
16 So they seized her; and she went by way of the horses’ entrance into the king’s house, and there she was killed.

When Athaliah hears the celebration, she realizes that her reign is over. Upon seeing Joash standing by the pillar, a symbol of legitimate kingship, she cries out in desperation, accusing the people of treason. Jehoiada orders that she be taken out of the temple and killed to avoid defiling the holy place. Her execution ends her illegitimate rule, and Judah is freed from her oppressive reign.

2 Kings 11:17 (NKJV)
17 Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD, the king, and the people, that they should be the LORD’s people, and also between the king and the people.

After Athaliah’s death, Jehoiada reestablishes a covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people. This renewal signifies a recommitment to the worship of God and the divine order of kingship, with the people once again acknowledging their loyalty to the Lord and His chosen ruler, Joash. It is a moment of spiritual restoration for Judah.

2 Kings 11:18-20 (NKJV)
18 And all the people of the land went to the temple of Baal, and tore it down. They thoroughly broke in pieces its altars and images, and killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD.
19 Then he took the captains of hundreds, the bodyguards, the escorts, and all the people of the land; and they brought the king down from the house of the LORD, and went by way of the gate of the escorts to the king’s house. Then he sat on the throne of the kings.
20 So all the people of the land rejoiced; and the city was quiet, for they had slain Athaliah with the sword in the king’s house.

Following Jehoiada’s leadership, the people destroy the temple of Baal, removing the influence of idolatry from Judah. The altars and images of Baal are destroyed, and the priest of Baal, Mattan, is killed. The people then bring Joash to the palace, where he takes his rightful place on the throne. With Athaliah gone and Baal worship eradicated, the city experiences peace and rejoicing, reflecting the people’s relief and joy at the restoration of true worship and governance.

2 Kings 11:21 (NKJV)
21 Jehoash was seven years old when he became king.

Joash (also called Jehoash) ascends the throne at a young age, only seven years old. His reign, guided initially by Jehoiada the priest, marks a period of reform and restoration in Judah, as God’s promise to preserve the Davidic line is fulfilled despite the challenges and threats posed by Athaliah’s reign.