2 Chronicles 23:11

Then Jehoiada and his sons brought out the king's son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him and shouted, "Long live the king!"

Study Bible

Then Jehoiada and his sons
Jehoiada, the high priest, played a pivotal role in preserving the Davidic line during a time of great peril. His actions were not only of political significance but also deeply spiritual, as he sought to restore the rightful worship of Yahweh. The mention of "his sons" indicates a family committed to God's covenant, emphasizing the importance of godly leadership and legacy. Historically, Jehoiada's influence was crucial in guiding the nation back to faithfulness.

brought out the king’s son
The "king’s son" refers to Joash, the rightful heir to the throne, hidden for six years to protect him from Athaliah's murderous intent. This act of bringing him out symbolizes the revelation of God's promise and the triumph of divine providence over human schemes. In Hebrew, the term for "brought out" can imply a public presentation, signifying the restoration of God's chosen leadership.

put the crown on him
The crown is a symbol of authority and divine appointment. In ancient Israel, the crowning of a king was not merely a political act but a sacred one, signifying God's blessing and the continuation of His covenant with David. Archaeological findings of similar crowns from the period highlight the significance of this act as a public declaration of legitimacy and divine favor.

gave him the Testimony
The "Testimony" likely refers to a copy of the Law, as prescribed in Deuteronomy 17:18-20, which the king was to keep and read. This act underscores the centrality of God's Word in governance and the king's duty to lead according to divine statutes. It serves as a reminder that true leadership is rooted in obedience to God’s commands.

proclaimed him king
The proclamation was a formal declaration of Joash's rightful position as king. This public announcement was essential to affirm his legitimacy and rally the people around God's chosen leader. Scripturally, such proclamations were often accompanied by celebrations and acknowledgments of God's sovereignty.

They anointed him
Anointing with oil was a sacred ritual signifying the Holy Spirit's empowerment and setting apart for divine service. In the Hebrew tradition, anointing was a physical manifestation of God's spiritual blessing and presence. This act confirmed Joash's divine appointment and the restoration of the Davidic line.

and shouted, 'Long live the king!'
This acclamation was a traditional expression of loyalty and hope for the king's prosperous reign. It reflects the people's desire for stability and divine favor upon their leader. In the context of Joash's coronation, it signifies a renewed commitment to God's covenant and the anticipation of a righteous and just rule under God's guidance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoiada
The high priest who orchestrated the crowning of Joash. He played a crucial role in preserving the Davidic line and restoring proper worship in Judah.

2. Joash
The young king who was hidden in the temple for six years to protect him from Athaliah. He was crowned king at a young age under Jehoiada's guidance.

3. Athaliah
The usurping queen who had seized the throne of Judah and attempted to destroy the royal line of David.

4. The Temple
The place where Joash was hidden and later crowned. It served as a sanctuary and a symbol of God's presence and covenant with Israel.

5. The Testimony
Likely referring to the Law of Moses, which was given to Joash as a symbol of his responsibility to rule according to God's commandments.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
Despite human attempts to thwart His plans, God remains sovereign and faithful to His promises, as seen in the preservation of the Davidic line through Joash.

The Role of Godly Leadership
Jehoiada's leadership was instrumental in guiding Joash and restoring true worship. Godly leaders can have a profound impact on the spiritual direction of a community.

The Importance of God's Word
The giving of the Testimony to Joash underscores the necessity of ruling and living according to God's Word. Scripture should guide our decisions and actions.

Courage in the Face of Opposition
The actions of Jehoiada and his supporters demonstrate the courage required to stand for righteousness, even when facing significant opposition.

The Significance of Anointing
Anointing Joash as king symbolizes God's choice and empowerment for leadership. It reminds us of the anointing believers receive through the Holy Spirit.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Joash's crowning illustrate God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can this encourage us in our personal faith journey?

2. In what ways can we identify and support godly leadership within our own communities, similar to how Jehoiada supported Joash?

3. How does the giving of the Testimony to Joash highlight the importance of Scripture in our lives, and what steps can we take to ensure it remains central in our decision-making?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jehoiada's courage and strategic planning in the face of Athaliah's tyranny, and how can we apply these lessons when confronting challenges in our own lives?

5. Reflect on the significance of anointing in the Bible. How does understanding our own anointing as believers impact the way we live and serve in God's kingdom?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 11
This chapter provides a parallel account of Joash's crowning and the overthrow of Athaliah, offering additional details about the event.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20
This passage outlines the responsibilities of a king in Israel, emphasizing the importance of the Law, which connects to Joash receiving the Testimony.

Psalm 132:11-12
These verses speak of God's promise to David regarding his descendants, highlighting the significance of preserving the Davidic line through Joash.