What happensPermalink
After Jehu kills King Ahaziah of Judah, his mother Athaliah seizes power and attempts to destroy the royal family. But Ahaziah’s sister Jehosheba secretly rescues the infant Joash and hides him in the temple for six years. In the seventh year, the priest Jehoiada organizes the temple guards and proclaims Joash king at the temple entrance. Jehoiada orders Athaliah’s execution and then makes a covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people. They destroy the temple of Baal and kill its priest.
Why it mattersPermalink
Athaliah’s coup nearly extinguishes the Davidic dynasty, but God preserves the royal line through the courage of Jehosheba and the leadership of Jehoiada. The covenant ceremony restores Judah’s identity as the Lord’s people and reestablishes the rightful king. As in Israel under Jehu, Baal worship is purged, showing that God’s word and promises continue even in times of political chaos.
Key versePermalink
And Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and people, that they should be the Lord’s people.