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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Chronicles 24:1–14.
This account of Joash's good beginnings we had as it stands here Kg2 12:1, etc., though the latter part of this chapter, concerning his apostasy, we had little of there. What is good in men we should take all occasions to speak of and often repeat it; what is evil we should make mention of but sparingly, and no more than is needful. We shall here only observe, 1. That it is a happy thing for young people, when they are setting out in the world, to be under the direction of those that are wise and good and faithful to them, as Joash was under the influence of Jehoiada, during whose time he did that which was right. Let those that are young reckon it a blessing to them, and not a burden and check upon them, to have those with them that will caution them against that which is evil and advise and quicken them to that which is good; and let them reckon it not a mark of weakness and subjection, but of wisdom and discretion, to hearken to such. He that will not be counselled cannot be helped. It is especially prudent for young people to take advice in their marriages, as Joash did, who left it to his guardian to choose him his wives, because Jezebel and Athaliah had been such plagues, Ch2 24:3. This is a turn of life which often proves either the making or marring of young people, and therefore should be attended to with great care. 2. Men may go far in the external performances of religion, and keep long to them, merely by the power of their education and the influence of their friends, who yet have no hearty affection for divine things nor any inward relish of them. Foreign inducements may push men on to that which is good who are not actuated by a living principle of grace in their hearts. 3. In the outward expressions of devotion it is possible that those who have only the form of godliness may out-strip those who have the power of it. Joash is more solicitous and more zealous about the repair of the temple than Jehoiada himself, whom he reproves for his remissness in that matter, Ch2 24:6. It is easier to build temples than to be temples to God. 4. The repairing of churches is a good work, which all in their places should promote, for the decency and conveniency of religious assemblies. The learned tell us that in the Christian church, anciently, part of the tithes were applied that way. 5. Many a good work would be done that now lies undone if there were but a few active men to stir in it and to put it forward. When Joash found the money did not come in as he expected in one way he tried another way, and that answered the intention. Many have honesty enough to follow that have not zeal enough to lead in that which is good. The throwing of money into a chest, through a hole in the lid of it, was a way that had not been used before, and perhaps the very novelty of the thing made it a successful expedient for the raising of money; a great deal was thrown in and with a great deal of cheerfulness: they all rejoiced, Ch2 24:10. An invention to please people's humour may sometimes bring them to their duty. Wisdom herein is profitable to direct. 6. Faithfulness is the greatest praise and will be the greatest comfort of those that are entrusted with public treasure or employed in public business. The king and Jehoiada faithfully paid the money to the workmen, who faithfully did the work, Ch2 24:12, Ch2 24:13.
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Summary
Second Chronicles 24:3 offers a concise yet profoundly significant detail about Jehoiada the high priest, the steadfast guardian and mentor of young King Joash. This verse records Jehoiada's personal life, stating that he took two wives and fathered sons and daughters. Far from a mere biographical note, this statement underscores Jehoiada's deep personal stability, his integration into the societal fabric, and his foundational role in the restoration of Judah following the tumultuous and idolatrous reign of Queen Athaliah, mirroring his efforts to secure the royal lineage and establish order within the kingdom.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of King Joash's early reign, which commences in 2 Chronicles 24:1. Joash ascended the throne at the tender 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, meticulously details Jehoiada's courageous and strategic coup to overthrow Athaliah and restore the legitimate Davidic king. 2 Chronicles 24:2 explicitly affirms 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. By establishing his own family, Jehoiada subtly reinforces his deep integration into the fabric of the kingdom's restoration and serves as a model of the stability he sought to instill in the young king and the nation.
Historical & Cultural Context
The period immediately preceding Joash's reign was marked by severe apostasy and political instability under Queen Athaliah, who had usurped the throne and aggressively promoted Baal worship. Jehoiada's actions were pivotal for restoring the legitimate Davidic monarchy and re-establishing 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 dynastic 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, as seen in Genesis 2:24, 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 underscoring 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 to the narrative of Joash's early, righteous reign. His personal integrity and unwavering commitment to the Davidic line are profoundly 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, as seen in 2 Chronicles 24:4), 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (H5375) means "to lift, bear, carry, take." In this context, when used with "wives," it signifies the act of "taking" or "marrying" a wife, indicating the establishment of a marital relationship. It highlights Jehoiada's active role in forming his family, underscoring his personal stability and integration into the societal structure of the time. The act of "taking" a wife was a significant cultural practice, often involving formal arrangements and the establishment of a new household.
This noun (H802), the feminine form of "man," refers to a "woman" or "wife." The plural form here explicitly states that Jehoiada took "two" women as his wives, indicating the practice of polygamy. While a cultural reality of the ancient Near East, this detail is presented factually without explicit theological comment within this verse, serving to describe Jehoiada's personal status as a prominent and established figure with a family.
This verb (H3205) is a primitive root meaning "to bear young" or "to beget." It is a crucial term in biblical genealogies and narratives concerning lineage and progeny. 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 fruitfulness, which was 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, indicating that he entered into marriage with two women. The mention of "two wives" signifies that he practiced polygamy, a culturally accepted norm in ancient Israel, though it diverged from 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 after a period of chaos. 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 inextricably linked to Jehoiada's presence and guidance.
"and he begat sons and daughters."
This second clause confirms that Jehoiada's marriages were fruitful, resulting in both male and female offspring. 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 highlights the natural progression of life and succession, which was so vital for the nation's future and the ongoing covenant promises.
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, 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 onwards, where God commands humanity to "be fruitful and multiply."
Reflection and Application
The life of Jehoiada, as encapsulated in this verse and the surrounding narrative, offers powerful lessons for contemporary believers. His unwavering commitment to preserving the legitimate king and restoring true worship demonstrates the profound impact one faithful individual can have on a nation, a community, or even a single life. For us, this translates into the importance of identifying and nurturing godly mentors in our lives, those who can provide crucial guidance and wisdom. Conversely, it challenges us to step into that mentoring role for others, especially the next generation, investing in their spiritual and moral development. 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 and His sovereign hand in all things.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Jehoiada's marital status mentioned in this verse?
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. This detail 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. It reinforces his foundational position and the depth of his involvement in the kingdom's affairs, extending beyond just his priestly and regency duties.
Did God approve of Jehoiada having two wives?
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, 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, allowing the reader to discern God's ideal from human practice.
How does this verse relate to Jehoiada's overall influence on Joash?
This verse is a subtle but important detail that highlights the extent of Jehoiada's influence over King Joash. 2 Chronicles 24:2 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, demonstrating that his influence extended to the very fabric of societal and familial stability.
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 redemptive 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). 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). In contrast, Jesus is the perfect and eternal King, whose reign knows no end (Luke 1:32-33). 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). 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 who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29) and the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5).