2 Chronicles 24:3

Jehoiada took for him two wives, and he had sons and daughters.

Study Bible

Jehoiada chose
The name Jehoiada means "Yahweh knows" or "Yahweh cares," reflecting his role as a godly priest and leader in Judah. Jehoiada's influence was significant in the life of King Joash, as he was instrumental in placing Joash on the throne and guiding him in his early years. The act of choosing wives for Joash indicates Jehoiada's continued involvement in the king's life, ensuring that Joash's marital alliances were in line with God's covenantal purposes. Historically, this reflects the common practice of arranged marriages in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where family and political alliances were often solidified through such unions.

two wives
The mention of "two wives" highlights the polygamous practices that were prevalent in ancient Israel, although not always in alignment with God's original design for marriage as seen in Genesis 2:24. Polygamy was often practiced by kings to secure political alliances and ensure a large progeny. However, it frequently led to familial strife and spiritual compromise, as seen in the lives of other biblical figures like David and Solomon. This practice serves as a reminder of the tension between cultural norms and divine ideals.

for him
The phrase "for him" underscores Jehoiada's role in making decisions on behalf of Joash, who was still young and under the priest's tutelage. This reflects the biblical principle of godly mentorship and the importance of wise counsel in leadership. Jehoiada's actions were likely motivated by a desire to protect the Davidic line and ensure that Joash's reign would be marked by faithfulness to God.

and he had sons and daughters
The mention of "sons and daughters" signifies the blessing of progeny, which was considered a sign of divine favor and fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham regarding numerous descendants (Genesis 15:5). In the context of a king, having multiple offspring was also crucial for the continuation of the royal lineage and the stability of the kingdom. This phrase serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line through Joash, despite the challenges and threats that had previously endangered it.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoiada
A high priest who played a crucial role in the restoration of the Davidic line by protecting and guiding King Joash. His influence was significant in the early years of Joash's reign.

2. Joash (also known as Jehoash)
The king of Judah who began his reign at a young age. Under Jehoiada's guidance, he initially did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Joash reigned. It was a time of religious reform and restoration of the temple under Joash's early rule.

4. Sons and Daughters
The offspring of Joash, indicating the continuation of his lineage and the potential for future leadership in Judah.

Teaching Points

The Influence of Godly Mentorship
Jehoiada's role in Joash's life highlights the importance of having godly mentors who can guide and support us in our spiritual journey.

The Impact of Leadership Choices
The decision to take multiple wives, while culturally accepted, can lead to complications and distractions from one's spiritual responsibilities.

The Importance of Spiritual Foundations
Joash's initial success was largely due to the strong spiritual foundation laid by Jehoiada. This underscores the need for a solid spiritual grounding in our own lives.

Legacy and Continuity
The mention of Joash's sons and daughters reminds us of the importance of leaving a godly legacy for future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How did Jehoiada's mentorship influence Joash's early reign, and what can we learn about the importance of godly guidance in our own lives?

2. In what ways can the account of Joash and his multiple wives serve as a warning about the potential distractions from our spiritual commitments?

3. How does the account of Joash's reign in 2 Chronicles 24 compare to the parallel account in 2 Kings 11-12, and what additional insights can we gain from this comparison?

4. Reflect on Proverbs 22:6 in the context of Jehoiada's influence on Joash. How can we apply this principle of training up a child in our own families or communities?

5. Considering the legacy of Joash's sons and daughters, what steps can we take to ensure that we are leaving a positive spiritual legacy for the next generation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 11-12
These chapters provide a parallel account of Joash's reign and Jehoiada's influence, offering additional context to the events in 2 Chronicles 24.

1 Kings 11:1-4
This passage discusses Solomon's many wives and the resulting spiritual decline, serving as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of polygamy.

Proverbs 22:6
This verse emphasizes the importance of guiding children in the right path, reflecting Jehoiada's role in Joash's early life.