Joash, also known as Jehoash, was a king of Judah whose enthronement is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating God's providence and the preservation of the Davidic line. His account is primarily found in 2 Kings 11-12 and 2 Chronicles 22-24.

Background

Joash was the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, and his mother was Zibiah of Beersheba. After the death of Ahaziah, Joash's grandmother, Athaliah, seized the throne of Judah and attempted to exterminate the royal family to secure her position. However, Joash was saved by his aunt Jehosheba, the wife of Jehoiada the priest. She hid him in the temple of the LORD for six years while Athaliah reigned over the land (2 Kings 11:1-3; 2 Chronicles 22:10-12).

The Enthronement

In the seventh year, Jehoiada the priest orchestrated a coup to restore the rightful heir to the throne. He gathered the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards, and made a covenant with them in the house of the LORD. Jehoiada revealed Joash to them and secured their loyalty to the young king (2 Kings 11:4-12; 2 Chronicles 23:1-11).

Jehoiada's plan was executed on the Sabbath, a day when the temple was heavily guarded. The priest armed the commanders and the guards with spears and shields that had belonged to King David, which were stored in the temple. They stationed themselves around the king, ensuring his protection (2 Kings 11:5-11; 2 Chronicles 23:4-10).

Jehoiada then brought out Joash, placed the crown on him, and presented him with the Testimony, a copy of the law. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, "Long live the king!" (2 Kings 11:12; 2 Chronicles 23:11).

Athaliah's Downfall

Hearing the commotion, Athaliah came to the temple and saw the newly crowned king standing by the pillar, as was the custom. She tore her clothes and cried, "Treason! Treason!" Jehoiada commanded the officers to seize her and put her to death outside the temple grounds, thus ending her usurpation (2 Kings 11:13-16; 2 Chronicles 23:12-15).

Covenant Renewal

Following Athaliah's execution, Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD, the king, and the people that they would be the LORD's people. The people then went to the temple of Baal and tore it down, breaking its altars and images, and killed Mattan the priest of Baal (2 Kings 11:17-18; 2 Chronicles 23:16-17).

Joash's Reign

Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem for forty years. Under the guidance of Jehoiada, Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. He initiated repairs to the temple, which had been neglected during Athaliah's reign, and restored the proper worship of God (2 Kings 12:1-16; 2 Chronicles 24:1-14).

Joash's enthronement marks a pivotal moment in Judah's history, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant with David and His ability to preserve His chosen line against all odds.