2 Chronicles 23:16

And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD'S people.

And Jehoiada {H3077} made {H3772} a covenant {H1285} between him, and between all the people {H5971}, and between the king {H4428}, that they should be the LORD'S {H3068} people {H5971}.

Y'hoyada made a covenant between himself, all the people and the king, that they would be ADONAI's people.

Then Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and the king and the people that they would be the LORD’s people.

And Jehoiada made a covenant between himself, and all the people, and the king, that they should be Jehovah’s people.

Context

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the history of Judah, immediately following the dramatic overthrow of the idolatrous Queen Athaliah. For six years, Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, had usurped the throne, promoting Baal worship and persecuting the Davidic line. High Priest Jehoiada, a figure of immense faithfulness and courage, had secretly protected the young prince Joash (the rightful heir) and, at the opportune time, orchestrated a coup. After Joash was crowned and Athaliah executed (2 Chronicles 23:11 and 2 Chronicles 23:15), Jehoiada moved to restore proper worship and national identity.

Key Themes

  • Covenant Renewal: The central act described is the making of a solemn covenant. This was not merely a political agreement but a profound spiritual commitment, reaffirming the nation's allegiance to Yahweh after years of apostasy under Athaliah. It echoed the foundational covenant God made with Israel at Sinai, re-establishing their dedication to Him as their exclusive God.
  • Righteous Leadership: Jehoiada's decisive and faithful leadership was instrumental in guiding both the young King Joash and the entire nation back to God's ways. His actions demonstrate the powerful influence of godly authority in times of spiritual and moral decline.
  • National Identity as "The LORD'S People": The core purpose of the covenant was "that they should be the LORD'S people." This phrase emphasizes Israel's unique status as a chosen nation, called to live in obedience to God's laws and worship Him alone. It was a clear rejection of the recent Baal worship and a return to their true heritage and divine purpose.
  • Restoration of True Worship: This covenant laid the groundwork for the immediate destruction of Baal's temple and altars, and the re-establishment of temple service under Jehoiada's guidance (2 Chronicles 23:17-18).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "covenant" here is bĕrît (בְּרִית), which denotes a binding agreement or treaty. In a theological context, it often refers to a relationship initiated by God, involving mutual obligations and promises. It signifies a deep, committed bond. The phrase "the LORD'S people" (עַם יְהוָה - ʿam YHWH) highlights their special, consecrated status, signifying ownership and relationship with God.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of wholehearted commitment to God. Just as Judah reaffirmed its covenant, believers today are called to live as God's people, rejecting the "idols" of modern society (such as materialism, self-worship, or worldly systems that oppose God's truth) and dedicating themselves to His will. It underscores the impact of righteous leadership in fostering spiritual renewal within families, communities, and nations. The call to be "the LORD'S people" is an enduring one, reminding us of our identity in Christ and our mission to live according to His truth (1 Peter 2:9).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Kings 11:17

    ¶ And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD'S people; between the king also and the people.

  • 2 Chronicles 29:10

    Now [it is] in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.

  • Nehemiah 9:38

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

  • 2 Chronicles 15:12

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

  • Nehemiah 10:29

    They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;

  • Nehemiah 10:39

    For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where [are] the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.

  • Nehemiah 5:12

    Then said they, We will restore [them], and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.

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