2 Chronicles 23:1

¶ And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him.

And in the seventh {H7637} year {H8141} Jehoiada {H3077} strengthened {H2388} himself, and took {H3947} the captains {H8269} of hundreds {H3967}, Azariah {H5838} the son {H1121} of Jeroham {H3395}, and Ishmael {H3458} the son {H1121} of Jehohanan {H3076}, and Azariah {H5838} the son {H1121} of Obed {H5744}, and Maaseiah {H4641} the son {H1121} of Adaiah {H5718}, and Elishaphat {H478} the son {H1121} of Zichri {H2147}, into covenant {H1285} with him.

In the seventh year Y'hoyada took courage and formed a conspiracy with certain captains of hundred-man platoons -'Azaryah the son of Yerocham, Yishma'el the son of Y'hochanan, 'Azaryah the son of 'Oved, Ma'aseiyahu the son of 'Adayahu and Elishafat the son of Zikhri.

Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself and made a covenant with the commanders of hundreds—with Azariah son of Jeroham, Ishmael son of Jehohanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zichri.

And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 23:1 marks the pivotal moment when Jehoiada, the high priest, initiates a courageous plan to overthrow the wicked queen Athaliah and restore the rightful heir to the throne of Judah. This verse sets the stage for a dramatic turning point in the kingdom's history, showcasing faith, strategic leadership, and divine providence.

Context

For six years, the kingdom of Judah had suffered under the tyrannical rule of Queen Athaliah, who had seized power after the death of her son, King Ahaziah. In a ruthless attempt to solidify her reign, she had ordered the destruction of all the royal heirs of Judah, thereby threatening to extinguish the Davidic line through whom the Messiah was prophesied to come. However, unbeknownst to Athaliah, Ahaziah's infant son, Joash, was rescued by Jehosheba (Jehoiada's wife and Athaliah's sister) and secretly hidden in the Temple for six years (2 Chronicles 22:11). This verse opens in the "seventh year" of Athaliah's reign, when Jehoiada, having diligently protected and trained the young Joash, decided the time was right to act. He "strengthened himself," indicating a firm resolve and courageous determination to execute his dangerous but righteous plan.

Key Themes

  • Courageous Leadership: Jehoiada exemplifies bold, faithful leadership in the face of grave danger. His actions were not impulsive but carefully planned, demonstrating a reliance on God's timing and power.
  • Covenant and Loyalty: The act of taking the "captains of hundreds... into covenant with him" signifies a solemn and binding agreement. This alliance was crucial for the success of the coup, built on shared loyalty to God and to the rightful king. It highlights the importance of unity among those committed to a righteous cause.
  • Preservation of the Davidic Line: This event is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage of David, despite human wickedness and attempts to thwart His promises. The survival of Joash and his subsequent enthronement were crucial for the continuation of the royal line that would eventually lead to Jesus Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "strengthened himself" comes from the Hebrew verb chazaq (חָזַק), which conveys more than just physical strength. It implies taking courage, showing resolve, making oneself firm, or even seizing opportunity with determination. Jehoiada didn't just become strong; he deliberately took decisive action and rallied support, embodying a spirit of fortitude and conviction.

Practical Application

Jehoiada's actions remind us that true faith often requires courage and decisive action, especially when confronting injustice or spiritual decay. We are called to be vigilant and, when necessary, to act boldly for what is right, trusting in God's providence. This verse also underscores the power of unity and covenant in pursuing a common, righteous goal. Just as Jehoiada gathered faithful leaders, believers today are strengthened when they unite in purpose, supporting one another in upholding biblical principles and serving God's kingdom.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 15:12 (2 votes)

    And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;

  • 2 Kings 11:4 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king's son.

  • 2 Kings 11:20 (2 votes)

    And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword [beside] the king's house.

  • 1 Samuel 18:3 (2 votes)

    Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.

  • Nehemiah 9:38 (2 votes)

    And because of all this we make a sure [covenant], and write [it]; and our princes, Levites, [and] priests, seal [unto it].