2 Chronicles 24:3

KJV

And Jehoiada took for him two wives; and he begat sons and daughters.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jehoiada {H3077} took {H5375} for him two {H8147} wives {H802}; and he begat {H3205} sons {H1121} and daughters {H1323}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoyada chose two wives for him, and he became the father of sons and daughters.

Berean Standard Bible

Jehoiada took for him two wives, and he had sons and daughters.

American Standard Version

And Jehoiada took for him two wives; and he begat sons and daughters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 24:3 provides a concise but significant detail about Jehoiada the high priest, the guardian and mentor of young King Joash. It records that Jehoiada himself took two wives and fathered sons and daughters. This seemingly simple statement underscores Jehoiada's personal stability and influence within the kingdom, as he not only guided the young king in matters of state and religion but also established his own family, further solidifying his foundational role in the restoration of Judah after the tumultuous reign of Athaliah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the narrative of King Joash's early reign, which begins in [2 Chronicles 24:1](/2_chronicles/24-1 "2 Chronicles 24:1 - Joash's Accession"). Joash ascended the throne at the remarkably young age of seven, having been miraculously preserved from the murderous purge of his grandmother, Queen Athaliah, by his aunt Jehoshabeath and her husband, Jehoiada the high priest. The preceding chapter, [2 Chronicles 23](/2_chronicles/23 "2 Chronicles 23 - Jehoiada's Coup"), details Jehoiada's courageous and strategic coup to overthrow Athaliah and restore the legitimate Davidic king. [2 Chronicles 24:2](/2_chronicles/24-2 "2 Chronicles 24:2 - Joash's Righteous Reign Under Jehoiada") explicitly states that "Joash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest." Verse 3, therefore, highlights Jehoiada's comprehensive influence, extending beyond political and religious guidance to personal and familial matters, including arranging marriages for Joash (implied by the subsequent verse, [2 Chronicles 24:4](/2_chronicles/24-4 "2 Chronicles 24:4 - Joash's Desire to Repair the Temple")), and establishing his own family, underscoring his deep integration into the fabric of the kingdom's restoration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately preceding Joash's reign was one of severe apostasy and political instability under Queen Athaliah, who had usurped the throne and promoted Baal worship. Jehoiada's actions were crucial for restoring the legitimate Davidic monarchy and the worship of Yahweh. In ancient Near Eastern societies, and particularly within the Israelite monarchy, securing the royal lineage through marriage and progeny was paramount for stability and succession. The mention of Jehoiada taking "two wives" reflects the common, though not divinely ideal, practice of polygamy in ancient Israel. While God's original design for marriage was monogamous ([Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - God's Design for Marriage")), the biblical text often records the cultural realities of the time, including polygamy among patriarchs, kings, and prominent figures, without necessarily endorsing it as God's perfect will. This verse thus offers a glimpse into the social norms of the era while highlighting Jehoiada's role as a foundational figure in the kingdom's reconstruction.

* **Key Themes:** A primary theme emerging from this verse and its immediate context is the **power of godly mentorship and influence**. Jehoiada's comprehensive guidance, from preserving Joash's life to overseeing his spiritual and political development, is central. His personal integrity and commitment to the Davidic line are evident. Another crucial theme is the **preservation and continuation of the Davidic covenant and lineage**. By ensuring Joash's survival and eventually his procreation (implied by Jehoiada's own example and action in arranging Joash's marriages), Jehoiada played a vital role in maintaining the royal line through which the Messiah would eventually come. The verse also subtly touches upon the **complexities of cultural practices within biblical narratives**, specifically polygamy. While the text simply states the fact, it invites reflection on how God works through human contexts, even those that deviate from His ideal, to accomplish His overarching redemptive purposes. This era also highlights the **restoration of true worship** after a period of idolatry, with Jehoiada leading the charge to re-establish the temple service and covenant faithfulness, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 23:16-18](/2_chronicles/23-16 "Jehoiada's Covenant and Temple Reforms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Took for him (Hebrew, _laqach lo_):** This phrase is a common biblical idiom for "taking a wife" or "marrying." The Hebrew verb לָקַח (_laqach_) means "to take, seize, acquire," and when combined with the reflexive pronoun לוֹ (_lo_, "for himself"), it specifically denotes the act of marrying. In this context, it simply states the fact of Jehoiada's marital status and his active role in establishing his own family, mirroring his role in establishing Joash's family. It signifies a settled, established figure within the community.
* **Begat (Hebrew, _yalad_):** The Hebrew verb יָלַד (_yalad_) means "to bear, bring forth, beget." This term is crucial in biblical genealogies and narratives concerning lineage. Its use here emphasizes that Jehoiada not only married but successfully produced offspring, ensuring the continuation of his own family line. In a broader sense, it underscores the theme of continuity and progeny, which is vital for the Davidic dynasty that Jehoiada was so instrumental in preserving.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jehoiada took for him two wives;":** This clause directly states Jehoiada's marital status. The mention of "two wives" indicates that he practiced polygamy, which was culturally accepted in ancient Israel, though not God's original design for marriage. This detail, while seemingly incidental, paints a picture of a well-established and influential figure, whose personal life, like his public actions, contributed to the stability and re-establishment of order in Judah. It also subtly contrasts with the later narrative of Joash, whose choices regarding his wives are not explicitly detailed in the same way, but whose reign's success is tied to Jehoiada's presence.
* **"and he begat sons and daughters.":** This second clause confirms that Jehoiada's marriages were fruitful, resulting in children. This detail further solidifies his position as a patriarch and a figure of continuity. In a society where family and lineage were paramount, bearing children was a sign of blessing and stability. For Jehoiada, who was dedicated to preserving the Davidic line, his own family life served as a model of the very continuity he sought to ensure for the kingdom. It also highlights the natural progression of life and succession, which was so vital for the nation's future.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Narrative Detail**, presenting a straightforward factual statement about Jehoiada's personal life. This seemingly simple detail, however, carries significant weight through **Implication** and **Understatement**. By stating that Jehoiada "took for him two wives; and he begat sons and daughters," the text subtly reinforces his status as a foundational patriarch, not just a high priest or regent. This personal stability and fruitfulness implicitly underscore his authority and the comprehensive nature of his influence over King Joash and the kingdom. The detail also serves as a form of **Characterization**, painting Jehoiada as a man deeply rooted in the societal norms of his time, yet whose actions are consistently portrayed as righteous and instrumental in God's plan. Furthermore, in the broader context of [2 Chronicles 24](/2_chronicles/24 "2 Chronicles 24 - Joash's Reign"), this verse, by highlighting Jehoiada's life and legacy, creates a subtle **Contrast** with Joash's later decline after Jehoiada's death, emphasizing the profound impact of Jehoiada's presence and the void left by his absence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The detail of Jehoiada taking two wives and begetting children, while a simple narrative statement, resonates with several profound theological and thematic connections. It highlights the importance of lineage and continuity within God's covenant plan, particularly concerning the Davidic dynasty. Jehoiada's actions, both public and personal, were instrumental in preserving this line, through which the Messiah would ultimately come. His life exemplifies the principle that God often uses faithful individuals, working within their cultural contexts (even those with imperfections like polygamy), to achieve His sovereign purposes. The verse also underscores the significance of family and progeny as a blessing and a means of continuing a legacy, a theme pervasive throughout Scripture from [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The Creation Mandate") onwards.

* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "God's Original Design for Marriage"): While Jehoiada's polygamy was a cultural practice, God's original design for marriage is presented as a monogamous union between one man and one woman.
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "The Davidic Covenant"): Jehoiada's actions in preserving the Davidic line for Joash directly contribute to the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to David regarding an enduring dynasty.
* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Wisdom in Counsel"): Jehoiada's role as a wise and righteous mentor to Joash exemplifies the profound impact of godly counsel on leadership and the stability of a nation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The life of Jehoiada, as encapsulated in this verse and the surrounding narrative, offers powerful lessons for contemporary believers. His commitment to preserving the legitimate king and restoring true worship demonstrates the profound impact one faithful individual can have on a nation or community. For us, this translates into the importance of identifying and nurturing godly mentors in our lives, and conversely, stepping into that mentoring role for others, especially the next generation. Jehoiada's long-term perspective, ensuring not just immediate stability but also the continuation of the royal line, challenges us to consider our own legacy—what spiritual and moral heritage are we building for those who come after us? Furthermore, the mention of his two wives serves as a reminder that biblical narratives record human realities, including practices that may not align with God's ultimate ideal. This invites us to engage with Scripture thoughtfully, discerning eternal principles from cultural specifics, and trusting that God works through imperfect people and circumstances to achieve His perfect will. It encourages us to live out our faith authentically within our own cultural contexts, always striving for God's highest standards while recognizing His grace in our imperfections.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who are the "Jehoiada figures" in your life—those who have provided crucial godly mentorship and guidance? How have they shaped your spiritual journey?**
* **In what ways can you emulate Jehoiada's commitment to long-term spiritual and communal stability, investing in the next generation or in the enduring health of your community?**
* **How does the Bible's portrayal of cultural practices like polygamy, alongside its divine ideals, inform your understanding of God's interaction with humanity's fallen state?**
* **What specific steps can you take to ensure your life is built on a foundation of integrity and faithfulness that can positively influence those around you?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jehoiada's marital status mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: Jehoiada's marital status is mentioned to underscore his comprehensive role and stability within the kingdom. By taking two wives and begetting children, he established his own family, demonstrating personal fruitfulness and continuity, which paralleled his efforts to secure the royal lineage for King Joash. It paints a picture of a well-established patriarch and a figure of significant influence, whose personal life was also part of the restored order in Judah after the chaos of Athaliah's reign. This detail reinforces his foundational position and the depth of his involvement in the kingdom's affairs, beyond just his priestly and regency duties.

**Did God approve of Jehoiada having two wives?**

Answer: The Bible records Jehoiada having two wives as a factual statement of a common cultural practice in ancient Israel, but it does not explicitly endorse or condemn it here. God's original design for marriage, as established in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "God's Design for Marriage"), was monogamous ("a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh"). While polygamy was practiced by many prominent figures in the Old Testament, including patriarchs and kings, the biblical narrative often illustrates the complex and problematic consequences that arose from such arrangements (e.g., the strife in Jacob's family or David's household). This verse simply notes Jehoiada's adherence to a prevailing cultural norm of his time, without offering a theological judgment on the practice itself.

**How does this verse relate to Jehoiada's overall influence on Joash?**

Answer: This verse is a subtle but important detail that highlights the extent of Jehoiada's influence over King Joash. [2 Chronicles 24:2](/2_chronicles/24-2 "2 Chronicles 24:2 - Joash's Righteous Reign Under Jehoiada") states that Joash "did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest." Jehoiada was not just a political regent or a spiritual advisor; he was a paternal figure who guided Joash in all aspects of life, including securing the future of the Davidic line by arranging marriages for the young king (implied in the subsequent verses). By mentioning Jehoiada's own established family, the text subtly reinforces his role as a complete and stable mentor, providing a holistic example of leadership and continuity for the young king.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly simple detail of Jehoiada taking two wives and begetting children, when viewed through a Christ-centered lens, speaks to the profound theme of divine providence and the securement of the Davidic lineage, which ultimately culminates in Jesus Christ. Jehoiada's actions, both in preserving Joash and in establishing his own family, underscore the importance of continuity and progeny in God's plan. The stability he brought to the throne of Judah, ensuring the survival of the Davidic line, was a crucial step in the unfolding redemptive history that would lead to the birth of the Messiah. Jesus, the true Son of David, is the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant God made with David, promising an eternal throne and kingdom ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "The Davidic Covenant")). While Jehoiada was a faithful high priest and a righteous mentor, his leadership was temporary and his life, like all human lives, was finite ([2 Chronicles 24:15](/2_chronicles/24-15 "Jehoiada's Death")). In contrast, Jesus is the perfect and eternal King, whose reign knows no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Reign")). He is also the true and perfect High Priest, who offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, securing an eternal covenant for His people, far surpassing the temporary priesthood of Aaron's line ([Hebrews 7:23-28](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23-28 - Jesus, the Perfect High Priest")). Thus, Jehoiada's efforts to secure a lineage and bring stability ultimately point to the one who truly secures the eternal kingdom and provides perfect, unending spiritual leadership: Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God and the Lion of Judah.

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 Chronicles 24:15

¶ But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old [was he] when he died.

Matthew 19:4

And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female,

Matthew 19:8

He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

Genesis 21:21

And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

Genesis 4:19

¶ And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one [was] Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.

Genesis 24:4

But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.