2 Chronicles 23:3

KJV

And all the congregation made a covenant with the king in the house of God. And he said unto them, Behold, the king's son shall reign, as the LORD hath said of the sons of David.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the congregation {H6951} made {H3772} a covenant {H1285} with the king {H4428} in the house {H1004} of God {H430}. And he said {H559} unto them, Behold, the king's {H4428} son {H1121} shall reign {H4427}, as the LORD {H3068} hath said {H1696} of the sons {H1121} of David {H1732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The whole assembly made an agreement with the king in the house of God. [Y'hoyada] addressed them: "Here! The king's son will reign, as ADONAI said in regard to the descendants of David!

Berean Standard Bible

the whole assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. “Behold, the king’s son!” said Jehoiada. “He must reign, just as the LORD promised concerning the descendants of David.

American Standard Version

And all the assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. And he said unto them, Behold, the king’s son shall reign, as Jehovah hath spoken concerning the sons of David.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 23:3 records the momentous occasion in Judah when the entire assembly, gathered in the sacred precincts of the Temple, entered into a solemn covenant with the young King Joash. This pivotal agreement, orchestrated by the high priest Jehoiada, formally recognized Joash as the rightful Davidic heir and legitimate ruler, emphatically declaring that his reign was in direct fulfillment of the eternal promises God had made concerning the lineage of David. It marked a dramatic restoration of divine order and righteous kingship after years of usurpation and idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of Jehoiada's meticulously planned coup, detailed in 2 Chronicles 22:10-23:15. Following the death of King Ahaziah, his wicked mother Athaliah seized power and attempted to eradicate the entire Davidic royal line, murdering all the king's sons except for the infant Joash, who was secretly rescued by his aunt Jehoshabeath and hidden in the Temple for six years ([2 Chronicles 22:10-12](/2_chronicles/22-10 "Athaliah's Usurpation and Joash's Rescue")). Chapter 23 describes Jehoiada's strategic preparations, rallying the Levites, gatekeepers, and military captains, culminating in the public presentation of Joash and the making of this covenant. The preceding narrative highlights the profound spiritual and political crisis under Athaliah, making Joash's revelation and the people's covenant a dramatic turning point, signifying a return to the divinely appointed order.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately preceding this event was one of profound instability and apostasy in Judah. Athaliah, daughter of the idolatrous King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, had introduced Baal worship into Judah and ruthlessly seized power, attempting to extinguish the Davidic dynasty. This act was not merely a political power grab but a direct assault on God's covenant promises to David. The "house of God" (the Temple) was not just a building but the center of Israelite worship and the symbol of God's presence among His people. Making a covenant there imbued the agreement with divine sanctity. The concept of a covenant (`bĕrît`) was foundational to Israelite society, representing a binding agreement, often divinely sanctioned, establishing relationships between God and His people, or between rulers and their subjects. Jehoiada, as the High Priest, held significant religious and political authority, enabling him to orchestrate this restoration.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Chronicles 23:3 powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Chronicles and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises**, particularly the Davidic covenant, which guaranteed an enduring dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Eternal Covenant with David"); [1 Chronicles 17:14](/1_chronicles/17-14 "The Lord's Promise to David's House")). Even when the Davidic line seemed extinguished by Athaliah's brutality, God preserved a remnant. Secondly, the verse highlights the importance of **righteous leadership and the restoration of legitimate authority**. Joash's enthronement marked a return from the illegitimate, idolatrous rule of Athaliah to a king in God's chosen lineage. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **role of the community in upholding divine order**. "All the congregation" actively participating in the covenant signifies the people's collective affirmation of God's will and their commitment to their rightful king. This collective action demonstrates the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in bringing about God's purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bĕrît'_):** This term denotes a formal, binding agreement between two or more parties, often established with solemn oaths and rituals, and frequently carrying religious sanctions. In this context, it signifies not merely a political alliance but a sacred oath taken in the presence of God, establishing mutual obligations and loyalty between the newly revealed king and his people. The making of this covenant "in the house of God" underscores its divine witness and authority, making it an unbreakable bond rooted in God's established order.
* **House of God (Hebrew, _bêth hā'ĕlōhîm'_):** This refers specifically to the Temple in Jerusalem. Its significance here is profound: it is the dwelling place of God's presence, the site of divine revelation, and the center of Israelite worship. Ratifying the covenant within the Temple sanctified the agreement, placing it under God's direct oversight and blessing. It also served as a powerful symbolic act, signifying the re-establishment of proper worship and the rightful relationship between God, king, and people, after Athaliah's period of idolatry and desecration.
* **As the LORD hath said (Hebrew, _ka'ăsher dibber YHWH'_):** This phrase is a direct appeal to divine authority and prophetic fulfillment. It emphasizes that Joash's ascension was not a mere human contrivance or political maneuver, but the direct outworking of God's pre-ordained plan and His explicit promises. It grounds Joash's legitimacy not in human consensus alone, but in the unchangeable word of God, particularly concerning the eternal nature of the Davidic dynasty. This declaration served to solidify the people's conviction and to underscore God's faithfulness amidst national crisis.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the congregation made a covenant with the king in the house of God.":** This clause highlights the collective and unified action of the people. "All the congregation" (Hebrew: `qāhāl`) signifies the entire assembly of Judah, including the Levites, military captains, and the general populace, indicating broad support for Joash's restoration. The act of "making a covenant" (Hebrew: `kārat bĕrît`) was a solemn, binding commitment, establishing a relationship of mutual loyalty and obligation. Performing this sacred act "in the house of God" (the Temple) infused it with divine authority and sanctity, transforming a political event into a divinely sanctioned spiritual renewal. It signifies the people's submission to God's chosen king and, implicitly, to God's law.
* **"And he said unto them, Behold, the king's son shall reign, as the LORD hath said of the sons of David.":** This second clause records Jehoiada's authoritative declaration. The pronoun "he" refers to Jehoiada, the high priest, who had meticulously planned and executed Joash's restoration. His words, "Behold, the king's son shall reign," serve as a public affirmation of Joash's identity as the legitimate heir, dispelling any doubt and confirming his Davidic lineage. Crucially, Jehoiada immediately connects Joash's enthronement to the divine promise, stating, "as the LORD hath said of the sons of David." This direct reference to the Davidic covenant (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Covenant with David")) provided the ultimate theological justification for Joash's reign, rooting his authority not in human power but in God's eternal word and faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices**. **Emphasis** is placed on the collective action ("all the congregation") and the sacred location ("in the house of God"), underscoring the solemnity and divine backing of the event. The phrase "as the LORD hath said" serves as a powerful **appeal to authority**, grounding the human action in divine decree. There is a strong sense of **contrast** between the preceding chaos and idolatry under Athaliah and the re-establishment of legitimate, divinely-ordained rule. The survival of Joash and his public enthronement after being hidden for six years introduces an element of **dramatic revelation** and **divine intervention**. Furthermore, the entire narrative, culminating in this verse, serves as a **testimony** to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when human circumstances seem to contradict them. The **symbolism** of the Temple as the place of covenant ratification reinforces the spiritual significance of the political act.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 23:3 is a profound testament to God's sovereign faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, even in the face of human rebellion and seemingly insurmountable odds. The survival of Joash, the last remnant of the Davidic line, and his subsequent enthronement, demonstrate that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human wickedness. This event underscores the divine nature of kingship in Israel, where legitimate rule was not merely a matter of human succession but a fulfillment of God's specific word. It highlights the importance of covenant—both God's covenant with His people and the people's covenantal loyalty to their divinely appointed leader. The Temple's role as the setting for this covenant further emphasizes that true national well-being and stability are rooted in a right relationship with God and adherence to His established order.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")
* [Exodus 24:7-8](/exodus/24-7 "The Covenant at Sinai")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic restoration of Joash in 2 Chronicles 23:3 offers profound lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that even when chaos seems to reign, when evil appears to triumph, and when God's promises seem to be utterly broken, His sovereignty remains absolute. God is faithful to His word, and His purposes will ultimately prevail. This narrative calls us to trust in God's unfailing faithfulness, even in our darkest moments, knowing that He is at work behind the scenes to fulfill His grand design. Furthermore, the collective action of "all the congregation" making a covenant with their rightful king challenges us to consider our own covenantal responsibilities—to God, to our families, and to our communities of faith. It encourages us to actively participate in upholding righteousness, supporting godly leadership, and standing for truth, much like Jehoiada and the people of Judah. Our faithfulness, even in small acts, contributes to God's larger redemptive work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the faithfulness of God in preserving the Davidic line, despite Athaliah's attempts to destroy it, encourage us when circumstances in our own lives or in the world seem hopeless?**
* **What "covenants" or commitments are we called to uphold in our lives today (e.g., marriage, church membership, professional ethics), and how does this verse inform our faithfulness to them?**
* **In what ways can we actively participate in upholding righteousness and divine order in our communities or churches, much like Jehoiada and the congregation did in Judah?**
* **How does recognizing God's sovereignty in historical events like this shape our perspective on current events and our role within them?**

### FAQ
**Who was Athaliah and what was her significance in this narrative?**

Answer: Athaliah was the daughter of King Ahab of Israel and Jezebel, making her a staunch proponent of Baal worship. After her son, King Ahaziah of Judah, died, she seized power (2 Chronicles 22:10). Her significance lies in her ruthless attempt to eradicate the entire Davidic royal line, including her own grandchildren, to secure her illegitimate rule. This act was a direct assault on God's covenant with David, which promised an enduring dynasty. Her reign represented a period of extreme apostasy and political instability in Judah, making Joash's restoration a dramatic and divinely orchestrated reversal of her wicked agenda.

**Why was the "house of God" (the Temple) so important for this covenant?**

Answer: The Temple, referred to as the "house of God," was the most sacred place in Israel, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Making the covenant there imbued the agreement with profound spiritual and divine authority. It was not merely a political gathering but a sacred assembly where the people entered into a solemn oath before God. This location underscored the legitimacy of Joash's claim to the throne, as his rule was rooted in God's covenant with David, and it signified a return to proper worship and divine order after the idolatrous reign of Athaliah. The Temple was the ideal place to re-establish the covenant relationship between God, king, and people.

**How does this event relate to the broader narrative of the Davidic covenant?**

Answer: This event is a crucial demonstration of God's unwavering faithfulness to the Davidic covenant, first established in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Covenant with David"). God had promised David an eternal dynasty, that his house and kingdom would endure forever. Athaliah's attempt to destroy the royal line was a direct challenge to this promise. The miraculous preservation of the infant Joash (2 Chronicles 22:11-12) and his subsequent enthronement, explicitly declared as "as the LORD hath said of the sons of David," powerfully illustrates that God's covenant promises are unbreakable. It shows that even when human actions threaten to nullify divine promises, God sovereignly intervenes to ensure His word is fulfilled, preserving the lineage through which the ultimate Davidic King, the Messiah, would one day come.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic events surrounding 2 Chronicles 23:3 find their ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Joash, hidden and then revealed as the rightful Davidic king, foreshadows the coming of the true Son of David, Jesus, who was "hidden" in obscurity before His public ministry and ultimate revelation as King. The Davidic covenant, which seemed on the brink of extinction with Athaliah's purge, is eternally secured and perfectly fulfilled in Jesus, of whom the angel declared, "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). Just as Joash's reign restored legitimate rule to Judah, Jesus's kingship establishes a spiritual kingdom that brings true righteousness and salvation to all who believe. The covenant made in the "house of God" with Joash points forward to the New Covenant, established through the blood of Christ, where believers are brought into a permanent, personal relationship with God, becoming part of His spiritual temple ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant"); [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Living Stones in God's Spiritual House")). Jesus is the eternal King, whose reign is not merely over a nation, but over all creation, and whose kingdom will never pass away ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

2 Samuel 7:12

And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

2 Chronicles 21:7

Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever.

2 Chronicles 6:16

Now therefore, O LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of Israel; yet so that thy children take heed to their way to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before me.

1 Kings 2:4

That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.

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 7:18

Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man [to be] ruler in Israel.

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.