Background and Context:
Joash, also known as Jehoash, was a king of Judah who reigned from approximately 835 to 796 BC. His account is primarily found in 2 Kings 11-12 and 2 Chronicles 22-24. Joash was the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, and his mother was Zibiah of Beersheba. His rescue and subsequent rise to the throne are significant events in the history of Judah, highlighting God's providential care and the preservation of the Davidic line.

The Threat to Joash:
Following the death of Ahaziah, Joash's father, the kingdom of Judah faced a grave threat from within. Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah and daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, seized the throne of Judah. In a ruthless bid to secure her power, Athaliah attempted to exterminate the entire royal family, which would have included all potential heirs to the throne of David.

The Rescue:
In this dire situation, Jehosheba, the sister of Ahaziah and wife of Jehoiada the priest, took a courageous stand. She secretly rescued Joash, who was just an infant at the time, from among the king's sons who were being put to death. Jehosheba hid Joash and his nurse in a bedroom, thus sparing him from Athaliah's massacre. "So he was hidden with her in the house of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled the land" (2 Kings 11:3).

The Role of Jehoiada the Priest:
Jehoiada, the high priest and husband of Jehosheba, played a crucial role in the protection and eventual enthronement of Joash. For six years, Joash was hidden in the temple, under the watchful care of Jehoiada and Jehosheba. In the seventh year, Jehoiada orchestrated a coup to dethrone Athaliah and establish Joash as the rightful king. He gathered the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards, and made a covenant with them in the house of the LORD. Jehoiada presented Joash to them, revealing the true heir to the throne.

The Coronation of Joash:
With careful planning, Jehoiada executed his plan on the Sabbath, a day when the temple would be crowded, ensuring public support. He armed the guards with spears and shields from the temple and stationed them around the king. Joash was brought out, crowned, and anointed as king. The people clapped their hands and shouted, "Long live the king!" (2 Kings 11:12). Athaliah, hearing the commotion, rushed to the temple but was captured and executed outside its precincts.

Joash's Reign:
Joash began his reign at the age of seven, under the guidance of Jehoiada. His early reign was marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh and the restoration of the temple, which had fallen into disrepair during Athaliah's rule. "Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest" (2 Chronicles 24:2). Jehoiada's influence was pivotal in ensuring that Joash adhered to the covenantal faithfulness expected of a Davidic king.

Significance:
The rescue of Joash is a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line, through which the Messiah would eventually come. It underscores the importance of righteous leadership and the role of godly individuals in safeguarding the divine promises. The account of Joash's rescue and reign serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His covenantal promises to David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 7:16: "Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before Me; your throne will be established forever" .