The anointing of Joash as king of Judah is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating the divine appointment and consecration of a leader amidst a tumultuous period in the history of the southern kingdom. Joash, also known as Jehoash, was the son of Ahaziah and the grandson of Athaliah, who usurped the throne following the death of her son, King Ahaziah. The account of Joash's anointing is primarily found in 2 Kings 11 and 2 Chronicles 23.

Background and Context

After the death of Ahaziah, Athaliah seized the throne and sought to eliminate the entire royal lineage of David to secure her position. However, Joash, then an infant, was rescued by his aunt Jehosheba, the wife of Jehoiada the priest. Jehosheba hid Joash 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 Anointing Ceremony

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

The anointing of Joash was a pivotal moment, symbolizing his consecration and divine right to rule. Jehoiada brought out the king's son, placed the crown on him, and presented him with the Testimony. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, "Long live the king!" (2 Kings 11:12). This act of anointing was not merely a political maneuver but a sacred rite, affirming Joash's legitimacy as the chosen ruler under God's covenant with David.

Significance of the Anointing

The anointing of Joash was a reaffirmation of God's covenantal promises to David, ensuring that his lineage would continue to reign over Israel. It was a divine endorsement of Joash's kingship, setting him apart for the service of God and the leadership of His people. The anointing oil, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, signified the empowerment and guidance Joash would receive from God to fulfill his duties as king.

Jehoiada's role in the anointing underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance in the governance of God's people. As a priest, Jehoiada acted as a mediator between God and the king, ensuring that the anointing was conducted according to divine ordinance and that Joash's reign would be aligned with God's will.

Aftermath and Impact

Following the anointing, Joash's reign began with the execution of Athaliah and the destruction of the temple of Baal, signifying a return to the worship of Yahweh and the restoration of the covenantal faithfulness of Judah (2 Kings 11:17-18; 2 Chronicles 23:16-17). Joash's early reign was marked by religious reforms and the repair of the temple, demonstrating his commitment to the spiritual renewal of the nation (2 Kings 12:4-16; 2 Chronicles 24:4-14).

The anointing of Joash serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in preserving His covenant and the Davidic line, even in the face of adversity and apostasy. It highlights the role of divine anointing in consecrating leaders for His purposes and the importance of adhering to God's commandments in the governance of His people.2 Kings 11:12
And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown on him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 23:11
Then they brought out the king's son, and put on him the crown, and gave him the testimony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, God save the king.
Nave's Topical Index

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the anointing of Saul (1 Samuel 9:16; x.1; and ... the days of Jeroboam, the son of Joash
(Jehoash), King ... and had granted him that religious consecration which had ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... aid of Divine guidance and protection, this sumptuous structure was finished, and
most deeply impressive were the ceremonies on the day of its consecration. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

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