2 Kings 11:18
So all the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed the altars and idols to pieces, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars. And Jehoiada the priest posted guards for the house of the LORD.
So all the people of the land
This phrase indicates a collective action by the Israelites, emphasizing unity and communal responsibility. The Hebrew word for "people" is "עַם" (am), which often denotes a group bound by common identity and purpose. Historically, this reflects a significant moment of national repentance and return to covenant faithfulness, as the people reject idolatry and reaffirm their allegiance to Yahweh.

went to the temple of Baal
The "temple of Baal" was a center of idol worship, representing the spiritual apostasy that had infiltrated Israel. The Hebrew term "בַּיִת" (bayit) for "temple" can also mean "house," signifying a place of dwelling or influence. Archaeological findings have uncovered similar temples, providing insight into the Canaanite religious practices that Israel was commanded to avoid.

and tore it down
This action of tearing down signifies a decisive and violent rejection of idolatry. The Hebrew verb "נָתַץ" (natats) means to break down or destroy, indicating a complete eradication. This reflects the biblical mandate to remove all traces of false worship, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:3, where God commands the destruction of pagan altars.

They smashed the altars and idols to pieces
The destruction of "altars and idols" underscores the thoroughness of the people's repentance. The Hebrew word for "smashed" is "שָׁבַר" (shabar), meaning to shatter or break. This act symbolizes the breaking of spiritual bondage and the restoration of true worship. The idols, often made of wood or stone, were tangible representations of false gods, and their destruction was a public declaration of Yahweh's supremacy.

and killed Mattan the priest of Baal
Mattan, as the "priest of Baal," was a leader in promoting idolatry. His execution was a judicial act, reflecting the seriousness of leading others into sin. The Hebrew root "מוּת" (muth) for "killed" conveys the idea of putting to death, often used in the context of divine judgment. This act served as a warning against apostasy and a call to holiness.

in front of the altars
The location "in front of the altars" is significant, as it was a public and symbolic act of judgment. The altars, once places of false sacrifice, became the backdrop for divine justice. This public execution served as a powerful message to the nation about the consequences of idolatry and the need for covenant fidelity.

Then the priest Jehoiada
Jehoiada, the high priest, played a crucial role in leading the nation back to God. His name, meaning "Yahweh knows," reflects his divine calling and wisdom. As a spiritual leader, Jehoiada's actions were instrumental in guiding the people towards righteousness and reestablishing the worship of Yahweh.

posted guards at the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the center of true worship. By posting guards, Jehoiada ensured the protection and sanctity of the temple. The Hebrew word "שָׁמַר" (shamar) for "posted" means to keep watch or guard, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the purity of worship and preventing any return to idolatry. This act symbolizes the restoration of divine order and the prioritization of God's presence among His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehoiada the Priest
A key religious leader who played a significant role in the overthrow of Athaliah and the restoration of the Davidic line through Joash. He led the people in returning to the worship of Yahweh.

2. Mattan the Priest of Baal
A priest serving the false god Baal, who was killed as part of the purging of Baal worship from Judah.

3. Temple of Baal
A place of idol worship that was destroyed by the people as they returned to the worship of the LORD.

4. House of the LORD
The temple in Jerusalem, which Jehoiada protected by posting guards, signifying the restoration of true worship.

5. The People of the Land
The collective group of Israelites who participated in the destruction of Baal's temple, showing their commitment to returning to the worship of Yahweh.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Righteous Leadership
Jehoiada's leadership was crucial in guiding the people back to God. Righteous leaders can inspire and direct people towards God's will.

The Dangers of Idolatry
The destruction of Baal's temple serves as a reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the need to remove anything that takes the place of God in our lives.

Community Action in Spiritual Renewal
The collective action of the people in tearing down the temple of Baal highlights the power of community in pursuing spiritual renewal and reform.

Guarding True Worship
Jehoiada's posting of guards at the house of the LORD symbolizes the need to protect and preserve true worship in our lives and communities.

Repentance and Restoration
The actions taken in this passage illustrate the process of repentance and the restoration of a right relationship with God.
Bible Study Questions
1. What role did Jehoiada play in the spiritual renewal of Judah, and how can we apply his example of leadership in our own communities?

2. How does the destruction of the temple of Baal reflect the first commandment given in Exodus 20:3-5, and what idols might we need to "tear down" in our own lives?

3. In what ways can we, as a community, work together to promote and protect true worship of God today?

4. How does the account of Elijah in 1 Kings 18:40 relate to the events in 2 Kings 11:18, and what can we learn from these accounts about confronting false beliefs?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our worship remains focused on God and free from idolatry, as demonstrated by Jehoiada's actions in this passage?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20:3-5
The commandment against idolatry, which underscores the importance of the actions taken in 2 Kings 11:18 to destroy the temple of Baal.

1 Kings 18:40
The account of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal, which parallels the purging of Baal worship in 2 Kings 11:18.

2 Chronicles 23:17
A parallel account of the same event, providing additional details about the destruction of Baal worship.

Deuteronomy 12:3
Instructions to destroy places of idol worship, which the people of Judah followed in this passage.
AthaliahJ. Parker, D. D.2 Kings 11:1-21
Malign SuccessionChristian Commonwealth2 Kings 11:1-21
The History of AthaliahDavid Thomas, D. D.2 Kings 11:1-21
The History of AthaliahD. Thomas 2 Kings 11:1-21
The Coronation of JoashJ. Orr 2 Kings 11:4-21
The Covenant and its ResultsC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 11:17-21
People
Ahaziah, Athaliah, Carians, Carites, David, Jehoash, Jehoiada, Jehoram, Jehosheba, Joash, Joram, Mattan
Places
Samaria, Sur
Topics
Altars, Appointed, Baal, Ba'al, Bits, Brake, Break, Broke, Broken, Completely, Death, Front, Guards, Idols, Images, Inspectors, Jehoiada, Killed, Lord's, Mattan, Officers, Overseers, Pieces, Posted, Priest, Pulled, Setteth, Slain, Slew, Smashed, Temple, Thoroughly, Tore, Watchmen, Wholly
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 11:18

     8747   false gods

2 Kings 11:1-21

     5487   queen

2 Kings 11:17-18

     7312   Baal

Library
Jehoiada and Joash
'And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. 2. But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. 3. And he was with her hid in the house of the Lord six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land. 4. And the seventh year Jehoiada
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

New Uses for Old Trophies
The matter I shall speak to you about to-night will lie under four heads. We will give them to you as they occur to us. I. And the first is this, IT IS WELL FOR US TO HANG ALL OUR TROPHIES IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD. We, too, are warriors. Every genuine Christian has to fight. Every inch of the way between here and heaven we shall have to fight, for as hitherto every single step of our pilgrimage has been one prolonged conflict. Sometimes we have victories, a presage of that final victory, that perfect
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Of the Weight of Government; and that all Manner of Adversity is to be Despised, and Prosperity Feared.
So much, then, have we briefly said, to shew how great is the weight of government, lest whosoever is unequal to sacred offices of government should dare to profane them, and through lust of pre-eminence undertake a leadership of perdition. For hence it is that James affectionately deters us, saying, Be not made many masters, my brethren (James iii. 1). Hence the Mediator between God and man Himself--He who, transcending the knowledge and understanding even of supernal spirits, reigns in heaven
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
In order accurately to understand the position of woman in Israel, it is only necessary carefully to peruse the New Testament. The picture of social life there presented gives a full view of the place which she held in private and in public life. Here we do not find that separation, so common among Orientals at all times, but a woman mingles freely with others both at home and abroad. So far from suffering under social inferiority, she takes influential and often leading part in all movements, specially
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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