The anointing of Joash, also known as Jehoash, marks a significant event in the history of the Kingdom of Judah, as it represents the divine intervention and preservation of the Davidic line during a time of great turmoil and apostasy. This event is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 11 and 2 Chronicles 23.

Historical Context

The backdrop of Joash's anointing is a period of political instability and idolatry in Judah. After the death of King Ahaziah, his mother, Athaliah, seized the throne and attempted to exterminate the royal family to secure her power. Athaliah was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and her reign was marked by the promotion of Baal worship, which was contrary to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

Preservation of Joash

In this dark period, Joash was providentially preserved by his aunt Jehosheba, the wife of Jehoiada the priest. Jehosheba secretly took Joash, who was just an infant, and hid him in the temple of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled the land. This act of courage and faith ensured the survival of the Davidic line, fulfilling God's covenant promise to David that his descendants would continue to reign (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

The Anointing Ceremony

In the seventh year, Jehoiada the priest orchestrated a coup to restore the rightful heir to the throne. He gathered the commanders, the Carites, and the guards, and revealed Joash to them. The plan was carefully executed on the Sabbath, a day when the temple would be crowded, ensuring public support and divine favor.

2 Kings 11:12 describes the anointing: "Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, gave him the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, 'Long live the king!'"

The anointing of Joash was not merely a political act but a religious one, signifying God's choice and blessing upon Joash as the legitimate king of Judah. The giving of the Testimony, likely a copy of the Law, emphasized the king's duty to rule according to God's commandments.

The Overthrow of Athaliah

Following the anointing, Athaliah heard the noise of the people and came to the temple. Realizing the situation, she cried out, "Treason! Treason!" However, Jehoiada commanded the captains to seize her and execute her outside the temple grounds, thus ending her tyrannical reign and purging the land of her idolatrous influence.

Religious Reforms

With Joash on the throne, Jehoiada led the people in a covenant renewal ceremony, reaffirming their commitment to the LORD. The temple of Baal was destroyed, and its altars and images were broken down, as recorded in 2 Kings 11:18 : "So all the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed its altars and idols to pieces, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars."

Joash's reign, under the guidance of Jehoiada, began with a return to the worship of Yahweh and the restoration of the temple, symbolizing a spiritual renewal for the nation.

Significance

The anointing of Joash is a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness. It highlights the role of godly individuals like Jehosheba and Jehoiada in God's redemptive plan and serves as a reminder of the importance of righteous leadership and adherence to God's law.