2 Chronicles 22:12

And Joash remained hidden with them in the house of God for six years while Athaliah ruled the land.

Study Bible

And he remained hidden
The phrase "remained hidden" suggests a deliberate act of concealment and protection. In Hebrew, the root word for "hidden" is "סָתַר" (sathar), which implies being kept secret or concealed. This act of hiding Joash was crucial for preserving the Davidic line, which was under threat from Athaliah's usurpation. Spiritually, this can be seen as God's providential care and protection over His promises, ensuring that His covenant with David would not be broken.

with them
The "them" refers to Jehosheba and Jehoiada, who were instrumental in safeguarding Joash. Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, was married to Jehoiada, the high priest. Their courageous actions highlight the importance of godly alliances and the role of faithful individuals in God's redemptive history. This partnership between a royal and a priestly figure underscores the unity needed among God's people to fulfill His purposes.

in the house of God
The "house of God" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a place of worship and divine presence. The temple served as a sanctuary, not only spiritually but physically, for Joash. This setting emphasizes the temple's role as a place of refuge and safety, symbolizing God's protection and the centrality of worship in the life of Israel. Historically, the temple was the heart of Judah's religious life, and its use as a hiding place for Joash signifies the intertwining of political and spiritual salvation.

for six years
The duration of "six years" is significant, as it represents a period of waiting and preparation. Biblically, the number six often symbolizes incompleteness or human effort, falling short of the divine perfection represented by the number seven. During these six years, Joash was being prepared for his future role as king. This time of concealment and growth can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's journey of faith, where periods of waiting are used by God to prepare and strengthen His people for future service.

while Athaliah ruled the land
Athaliah's rule was marked by idolatry and violence, as she sought to eliminate the Davidic line. Her reign represents a dark period in Judah's history, characterized by a departure from God's ways. Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, brought the influence of Baal worship into Judah, challenging the worship of Yahweh. Her usurpation of the throne serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles faced by God's people and the ever-present threat of apostasy. Yet, even in this time of darkness, God's sovereignty is evident, as He preserved Joash to restore the rightful line of kingship. This highlights the theme of divine faithfulness amidst human unfaithfulness, encouraging believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and timing.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joash (Jehoash)
The young king of Judah who was hidden in the temple for six years to protect him from Athaliah's murderous intent. He was the rightful heir to the throne.

2. Athaliah
The mother of Ahaziah and daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, who usurped the throne of Judah and sought to destroy the royal line of David.

3. Jehosheba (Jehoshabeath)
The daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, who courageously saved Joash from Athaliah's massacre and hid him in the temple.

4. Jehoiada
The high priest who played a crucial role in protecting Joash and later orchestrated his coronation as king.

5. The House of God (Temple)
The sacred place where Joash was hidden, symbolizing God's protection and the preservation of His covenant promises.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Protection
God's hand is evident in the preservation of Joash, demonstrating His control over history and His ability to protect His covenant promises.

Courage and Faithfulness
Jehosheba and Jehoiada exemplify courage and faithfulness in the face of danger, reminding believers of the importance of standing firm in God's truth.

The Role of the Temple
The temple serves as a place of refuge and protection, symbolizing God's presence and the importance of seeking Him in times of trouble.

Preservation of God's Promises
Despite human attempts to thwart God's plans, His promises remain steadfast, as seen in the preservation of the Davidic line through Joash.

The Importance of Godly Leadership
The account highlights the impact of godly leadership in preserving and guiding God's people, encouraging believers to pray for and support righteous leaders.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Joash's preservation in the temple illustrate God's sovereignty and faithfulness?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate courage and faithfulness like Jehosheba and Jehoiada in our own lives?

3. How does the temple's role as a place of refuge relate to our understanding of God's presence and protection today?

4. What can we learn from the preservation of the Davidic line about God's commitment to His promises?

5. How can we support and encourage godly leadership in our communities and churches, drawing from the example of Jehoiada?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 11
This parallel account provides additional details about Joash's preservation and Athaliah's reign, highlighting the faithfulness of Jehosheba and Jehoiada.

Psalm 27:5
This verse speaks of God's protection and hiding in His sanctuary, reflecting the physical and spiritual refuge provided to Joash.

Genesis 3:15
The preservation of Joash is a continuation of God's promise to maintain the line of David, ultimately leading to the Messiah.

Matthew 1:1-16
The genealogy of Jesus Christ, which includes Joash, underscores the importance of God's faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line.