2 Chronicles 22:11

KJV

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - History of Judah's Kings"). It immediately follows the death of King Ahaziah in [2 Chronicles 22:9](/2_chronicles/22-9 "2 Chronicles 22:9 - Ahaziah's Death") and the subsequent, brutal usurpation of power by his mother, Athaliah, who, in [2 Chronicles 22:10](/2_chronicles/22-10 "2 Chronicles 22:10 - Athaliah's Royal Purge"), 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](/2_chronicles/22-12 "2 Chronicles 22:12 - Joash Hidden in the Temple")) and his eventual restoration to the throne in [2 Chronicles 23](/2_chronicles/23 "2 Chronicles 23 - Jehoiada's Coup and Joash's Coronation"). It is a crucial moment, shifting the narrative from the apparent triumph of evil to the subtle, yet powerful, working of divine providence.
* **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.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes woven throughout [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - History of Judah's Kings"). Foremost is the theme of **Divine Preservation**, showcasing God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David, as articulated in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David"), ensuring a perpetual heir despite human depravity. It also highlights **Courage and Righteousness** in the face of overwhelming evil, exemplified by Jehoshabeath's brave intervention. 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.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jehoshabeath (Hebrew, _Yəhôšaḇə‘aṯ'_):** Meaning "Yahweh is an oath" or "Yahweh has sworn." Her name itself subtly reinforces the theme of God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to His promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, which her actions directly uphold. It signifies that her very existence and actions are tied to God's sworn word.
* **Joash (Hebrew, _Yô’āš'_):** Meaning "Yahweh has given" or "Yahweh has sustained." This name is remarkably fitting for a child whose life was miraculously preserved by divine intervention and who would later be restored to the throne, signifying God's sustaining hand and His sovereign gift to His people.
* **Stole (Hebrew, _gānab'_):** While often meaning to steal in a criminal sense, here it conveys the idea of "snatching away" or "rescuing secretly." It highlights the clandestine and urgent nature of Jehoshabeath's act, emphasizing the extreme danger and the necessity of secrecy to save Joash's life from Athaliah's murderous intent. It implies a swift, covert operation to avert disaster.

#### 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 clause introduces the courageous protagonist, Jehoshabeath, identifying her royal lineage ("daughter of the king," referring to Jehoram, her father and Ahaziah's father). It describes her decisive action to rescue the infant Joash, emphasizing that he was snatched from the very midst of the massacre of his royal half-brothers, highlighting the immediate and mortal danger he faced. The "but" signals a sudden, providential turn against the backdrop of Athaliah's destructive actions.
* **"and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber.":** This detail reveals the initial act of concealment, a temporary hiding place within the palace, underscoring the urgency and the need for immediate protection. The inclusion of "his 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 highly 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 relationship to the murdered king and the imperiled child, providing a strong motive for her intervention. The final phrase, "hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not," explicitly states the purpose and success of her daring act: to prevent the complete annihilation of the royal seed by the wicked queen, thereby preserving the line of David.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Irony** is evident in the fact that the preservation of the Davidic line, which seemed utterly extinguished, is accomplished through a seemingly insignificant act of a woman, hidden from the powerful queen. A stark **Contrast** is drawn between the murderous intent of Athaliah, representing ultimate evil, and the life-preserving courage of Jehoshabeath, embodying righteousness and divine providence. The narrative also utilizes **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. Furthermore, the detailed identification of Jehoshabeath's relationships (daughter of the king, wife of the priest, sister of Ahaziah) serves as a form of **Characterization**, emphasizing her unique position and the strategic importance of her actions in God's overarching plan, highlighting her as a divinely appointed agent 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.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Enduring Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Oath to David")
* [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of Immanuel")

### 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.

#### 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](/2_chronicles/22-10 "2 Chronicles 22:10 - Athaliah's Royal Purge")) 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.

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

Answer: Joash was hidden for six years. Initially, as [2 Chronicles 22:11](/2_chronicles/22-11 "2 Chronicles 22:11 - Joash's Rescue") states, he was hidden in a bedchamber, and then, as [2 Chronicles 22:12](/2_chronicles/22-12 "2 Chronicles 22:12 - Joash Hidden in the Temple") 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](/2_chronicles/23 "2 Chronicles 23 - Jehoiada's Coup and Joash's Coronation"), 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.

**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 to fulfill His purposes and ensure the continuation of His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous preservation of Joash in [2 Chronicles 22:11](/2_chronicles/22-11 "2 Chronicles 22:11 - Joash's Rescue") 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](/matthew/2-16 "Matthew 2:16-18 - Herod's Massacre of the Innocents")) to the constant opposition of religious and political authorities. 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](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Prophecy of Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), demonstrating that no human evil or conspiracy can thwart the divine purpose of salvation for humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 15:4

Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem:

2 Samuel 7:13

He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

2 Kings 11:2

But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons [which were] slain; and they hid him, [even] him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.

Proverbs 21:30

¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

Psalms 76:10

Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

Psalms 33:10

The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

Isaiah 65:8

¶ Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and [one] saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing [is] in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.