2 Chronicles 22:11

Translation
King James Version
But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest, (for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not.
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KJV (with Strong's)
But Jehoshabeath H3090, the daughter H1323 of the king H4428, took H3947 Joash H3101 the son H1121 of Ahaziah H274, and stole H1589 him from among H8432 the king's H4428 sons H1121 that were slain H4191, and put H5414 him and his nurse H3243 in a bedchamber H2315 H4296. So Jehoshabeath H3090, the daughter H1323 of king H4428 Jehoram H3088, the wife H802 of Jehoiada H3077 the priest H3548,(for she was the sister H269 of Ahaziah H274,) hid H5641 him from H6440 Athaliah H6271, so that she slew H4191 him not.
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Complete Jewish Bible
But Y'hoshav'at the daughter of the king took Yo'ash the son of Achazyah, stole him away from among the princes who were being slaughtered, and sequestered him and his nurse in a bedroom. Thus Y'hoshav'at the daughter of King Y'horam, wife of Y'hoyada the cohen and sister of Achazyah, hid him from 'Atalyah, so that he was not killed.
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Berean Standard Bible
But Jehoshabeath daughter of King Jehoram took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being murdered, and she put him and his nurse in a bedroom. Because Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King Jehoram and the wife of Jehoiada the priest, was Ahaziah’s sister, she hid Joash from Athaliah so that she could not kill him.
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American Standard Version
But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king’s sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in the bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest (for she was the sister of Ahaziah), hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not.
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World English Bible Messianic
But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were slain, and put him and his nurse in the bedroom. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest (for she was the sister of Ahaziah), hid him from Athaliah, so that she didn’t kill him.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
But Iehoshabeath the daughter of ye King, tooke Ioash the sonne of Ahaziah, and stale him from among the Kings sonnes, that shoulde be slayne, and put him and his nource in the bed chamber: so Iehoshabeath the daughter of King Iehoram the wife of Iehoiada the Priest (for shee was the sister of Ahaziah) hid him from Athaliah: so she slew him not.
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Young's Literal Translation
And Jehoshabeath daughter of the king taketh Joash son of Ahaziah, and stealeth him from the midst of the sons of the king who are put to death, and putteth him and his nurse into the inner part of the bed-chambers, and Jehoshabeath daughter of king Jehoram, wife of Jehoiada the priest, because she hath been sister of Ahaziah, hideth him from the face of Athaliah, and she hath not put him to death.
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See also
1 Kings 15:42 Samuel 7:132 Kings 11:2Proverbs 21:30Psalms 76:10Psalms 33:10Isaiah 65:8
See on the biblical-era map
The Coup of Jehu (Part 3)
The Coup of Jehu (Part 3) View full PDF
The Coup of Jehu (Part 1)
The Coup of Jehu (Part 1) View full PDF
The Coup of Jehu (Part 2)
The Coup of Jehu (Part 2) View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 11,656 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

This pivotal verse in 2 Chronicles recounts the miraculous and courageous preservation of the infant Joash, the last surviving heir of the Davidic dynasty, by his aunt, Jehoshabeath. Amidst the ruthless purge initiated by Queen Athaliah, who sought to exterminate the entire royal lineage, Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King Jehoram and wife of Jehoiada the priest, secretly rescued Joash and his nurse, concealing them in a bedchamber. This daring act safeguarded the continuity of God's covenant with David and ensured the survival of the messianic line during a period of profound spiritual and political darkness in Judah.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse serves as a critical turning point in the narrative of 2 Chronicles. It immediately follows the death of King Ahaziah in 2 Chronicles 22:9 and the subsequent, brutal usurpation of power by his mother, Athaliah, who, in 2 Chronicles 22:10, attempts to eradicate the entire royal lineage of Judah. Verse 11 details the singular act of defiance that thwarts Athaliah's genocidal ambition, setting the stage for Joash's six-year hidden existence in the temple (as described in 2 Chronicles 22:12) and his eventual restoration to the throne in 2 Chronicles 23. It is a crucial moment, shifting the narrative from the apparent triumph of evil to the subtle, yet powerful, working of divine providence, ensuring the continuation of the Davidic line.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The period described is one of deep spiritual apostasy and political instability in Judah. Athaliah, the daughter of the infamous King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, brought the idolatrous practices of Baal worship into Judah through her marriage to King Jehoram. Her ruthless attempt to exterminate the Davidic line was not merely a power grab but a direct assault on God's covenant with David, which promised an enduring dynasty. The cultural context includes the expectation of royal succession through male heirs and the grave danger posed by a queen regent without a legitimate male heir. Jehoshabeath's actions, though seemingly simple, were profoundly risky, defying the most powerful figure in the kingdom and upholding the sanctity of the Davidic covenant. Her connection to Jehoiada the priest also highlights the significant role of the priestly class in preserving the legitimate royal line and the true worship of Yahweh against the backdrop of pervasive idolatry.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully underscores several key themes woven throughout 2 Chronicles. Foremost is the theme of Divine Preservation, showcasing God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David, as articulated in 2 Samuel 7:16, ensuring a perpetual heir despite human depravity and opposition. It also highlights Courage and Righteousness in the face of overwhelming evil, exemplified by Jehoshabeath's brave intervention, a stark contrast to the wickedness of Athaliah. The narrative further emphasizes Hope in Despair, demonstrating that even when God's promises appear to be on the brink of collapse, His unseen hand is at work. Finally, it reinforces the Sovereignty of God, illustrating how He uses seemingly small, hidden acts to accomplish His grand redemptive purposes, ultimately pointing towards the preservation of the messianic line that would lead to Christ, as seen in the broader sweep of biblical history from Genesis 3:15 to the Gospels.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Daughter (Hebrew, bath', H1323): This word (H1323) signifies a female offspring, but in the broader biblical sense, it can also denote a close relationship or association. Here, it establishes Jehoshabeath's direct royal lineage as the "daughter of the king" (Jehoram), giving her both the access and the familial motivation to intervene. Her identity as a royal daughter, despite the chaos, is crucial to her ability to act.
  • Stole (Hebrew, gânab', H1589): While often carrying a negative connotation of theft, here (H1589) it conveys the idea of "snatching away" or "rescuing secretly." This choice of word highlights the clandestine, urgent, and life-saving nature of Jehoshabeath's act. It emphasizes that Joash was taken covertly from a place of extreme danger, implying a swift and necessary operation to avert his certain death at the hands of Athaliah.
  • Bedchamber (Hebrew, cheder H2315, miṭṭâh, H2315): The term "bedchamber" (H2315, often combined with H4296 for "bed") refers to an inner room or apartment, typically a private sleeping area. Its use here underscores the secrecy and intimacy of Joash's initial hiding place. It was a secluded, personal space within the palace, chosen for its ability to conceal the infant and his nurse from the watchful and murderous eyes of Athaliah, emphasizing the immediate need for a secure, hidden sanctuary.

Verse Breakdown

  • "But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain": This opening clause introduces the pivotal figure, Jehoshabeath, identifying her by her name and her royal status as "the daughter of the king" (Jehoram, her father and Ahaziah's father). The conjunction "But" signals a dramatic reversal of the grim situation described in the preceding verse. It highlights her decisive and courageous action to rescue the infant Joash, emphasizing that he was literally snatched from the midst of the massacred royal children, underscoring the immediate and mortal danger from which he was saved.
  • "and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber.": This detail describes the immediate aftermath of the rescue, focusing on the act of concealment. Jehoshabeath placed Joash and his nurse in a private, hidden room, indicating the urgency and the need for a secure, temporary refuge from Athaliah's purge. The inclusion of the "nurse" signifies the tender care required for an infant and the comprehensive nature of the rescue, ensuring the child's basic needs would be met during his concealment.
  • "So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest, (for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not.": This concluding clause reiterates Jehoshabeath's identity, adding the crucial information that she was "the wife of Jehoiada the priest." This connection between the royal and priestly lines is profoundly significant, suggesting a divinely orchestrated alliance for the preservation of the Davidic covenant. The parenthetical "for she was the sister of Ahaziah" clarifies her direct familial relationship to the murdered king and the imperiled child, providing a strong personal motive for her intervention. The final phrase, "hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not," explicitly states the purpose and successful outcome of her daring act: to prevent the complete annihilation of the royal seed by the wicked queen, thereby preserving the divinely promised line of David.

Literary Devices

The passage employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. Irony is strikingly present, as the preservation of the Davidic line, which seemed utterly extinguished by the powerful Queen Athaliah, is accomplished through the seemingly insignificant and hidden act of a single woman. A stark Contrast is drawn between the murderous intent and destructive power of Athaliah, embodying ultimate evil and rebellion against God, and the life-preserving courage and righteousness of Jehoshabeath, who acts as an agent of divine providence. The narrative also skillfully builds Suspense, as the reader is left to wonder how the Davidic line could possibly survive such a massacre, only for the tension to be resolved by Jehoshabeath's intervention, revealing God's hidden hand at work. Furthermore, the detailed identification of Jehoshabeath's relationships—"daughter of the king," "wife of Jehoiada the priest," and "sister of Ahaziah"—serves as a form of Characterization, emphasizing her unique, strategic position and the multi-faceted importance of her actions in God's overarching plan, highlighting her as a divinely appointed instrument of preservation.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

2 Chronicles 22:11 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant. Despite the profound apostasy and political chaos in Judah, and the seemingly successful attempt by Athaliah to eradicate the royal line, God's sovereign hand is revealed in the courageous act of Jehoshabeath. This episode underscores that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human wickedness or political machinations. It demonstrates His commitment to preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come, even when the future of His covenant people hangs by a thread. The narrative reassures believers that God remains actively involved in history, working through unexpected individuals and circumstances to fulfill His redemptive purposes, proving that His word will never return to Him void.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The story of Joash's rescue by Jehoshabeath offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers today. In moments of despair, when evil seems to triumph and God's promises appear to be in jeopardy, this narrative reminds us that God is always at work, often in hidden ways and through unexpected individuals, to accomplish His sovereign will. We are called to embody the courage and faithfulness of Jehoshabeath, to stand for righteousness and protect the vulnerable, even when it means defying powerful opposition or risking personal safety. Our seemingly small acts of obedience and compassion can have monumental, far-reaching consequences in God's grand redemptive narrative. This passage challenges us to trust in God's unfailing faithfulness, to look for His hand even in the darkest circumstances, and to participate actively in His ongoing work of preservation and restoration, knowing that His ultimate victory is assured and that His purposes will prevail.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what areas of your life or the world do you feel God's promises are currently under threat, and how does this story encourage you to trust in His unseen hand?
  • How might God be calling you to act with courage and righteousness in a seemingly small way that could have significant impact on His purposes?
  • What does Jehoshabeath's connection to both the royal and priestly lines teach us about the integration of spiritual and practical action in God's plan?

FAQ

Who was Athaliah and why was she trying to kill the royal children?

Answer: Athaliah was the daughter of the wicked King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, and the mother of King Ahaziah of Judah. After Ahaziah's death, she seized power as queen regent. Her attempt to kill all the royal offspring (as described in 2 Chronicles 22:10) was a ruthless act of political consolidation, aiming to eliminate any legitimate heirs to the Davidic throne and secure her own absolute rule. This act was also a direct assault on God's covenant promise to David that his lineage would perpetually sit on the throne, representing a profound spiritual rebellion against Yahweh and His divine plan.

How long was Joash hidden, and what happened to him later?

Answer: Joash was hidden for six years. Initially, as 2 Chronicles 22:11 states, he was hidden in a bedchamber, and then, as 2 Chronicles 22:12 reveals, he and his nurse were hidden in the house of the Lord (the Temple). After these six years, Jehoiada the priest, Joash's uncle by marriage, orchestrated a coup. In 2 Chronicles 23, Jehoiada brought Joash out, presented him to the people, and had him crowned king, leading to Athaliah's overthrow and execution. Joash reigned for 40 years, initially doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord under Jehoiada's guidance, though his reign later saw a decline after Jehoiada's death.

What is the significance of Jehoshabeath being "the wife of Jehoiada the priest"?

Answer: This detail is highly significant. It highlights the strategic alliance between the royal house (through Jehoshabeath's lineage as daughter of King Jehoram and sister of King Ahaziah) and the priestly line (through her marriage to Jehoiada, the high priest). This union was crucial for the preservation of the Davidic line and the future restoration of legitimate worship. Jehoiada's position and influence within the Temple provided a secure hiding place for Joash and enabled him to orchestrate the successful coup six years later, demonstrating God's use of both royal and religious figures in concert to fulfill His purposes and ensure the continuation of His redemptive plan, particularly the Davidic covenant.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The miraculous preservation of Joash in 2 Chronicles 22:11 serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate preservation and triumph of God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. Just as Joash, the sole surviving heir, was snatched from certain death to secure the Davidic lineage, so too was Jesus, the true Son of David and the promised Messiah, preserved through numerous threats to His life, from Herod's massacre of the innocents (as seen in Matthew 2:16-18) to the constant opposition of religious and political authorities who sought His demise (John 7:1). This narrative underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David, culminating in Christ, who is the eternal King, establishing a kingdom that can never be destroyed (Luke 1:32-33). The hidden nature of Joash's preservation also echoes the humble and often hidden beginnings of Christ's earthly ministry, culminating in His public revelation as King and Savior. Ultimately, Joash's rescue is a testament to God's sovereign hand ensuring the unbroken line that would lead to the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, demonstrating that no human evil or conspiracy can thwart the divine purpose of salvation for humanity.

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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 22 verses 10–12

We have here what we had before, Kg2 11:1, etc. 1. A wicked woman endeavouring to destroy the house of David, that she might set up a throne for herself upon the ruins of it. Athaliah barbarously cut off all the seed-royal (Ch2 22:10), perhaps intending to transmit the crown of Judah after herself to some of her own relations, that though her family was cut off in Israel by Jehu it might be planted in Judah. 2. A good woman effectually preserving it from being wholly extirpated. One of the late king's sons, a child of a year old, was rescued from among the dead, and saved alive by the care of Jehoiada's wife (Ch2 22:11, Ch2 22:12), that a lamp might be ordained for God's anointed; for no word of God shall fall to the ground.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–12. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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