2 Kings 11:2

KJV

But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons [which were] slain; and they hid him, [even] him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Jehosheba {H3089}, the daughter {H1323} of king {H4428} Joram {H3141}, sister {H269} of Ahaziah {H274}, took {H3947} Joash {H3101} the son {H1121} of Ahaziah {H274}, and stole {H1589} him from among {H8432} the king's {H4428} sons {H1121} which were slain {H4191}; and they hid {H5641} him, even him and his nurse {H3243}, in the bedchamber {H2315}{H4296} from {H6440} Athaliah {H6271}, so that he was not slain {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Y'hosheva the daughter of King Yoram, sister of Achazyah, took Yo'ash the son of Achazyah and stole him away from among the princes who were being slaughtered. She took him and his nurse, sequestered them in a bedroom, and hid them from 'Atalyah, so that he was not killed.

Berean Standard Bible

But Jehosheba daughter of King Joram, the sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being murdered. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah, and he was not killed.

American Standard Version

But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king’s sons that were slain, even him and his nurse, and put them in the bedchamber; and they hid him from Athaliah, so that he was not slain;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 11:2 narrates the miraculous preservation of Joash, the infant son of King Ahaziah, from the genocidal purge initiated by his grandmother, Queen Athaliah. In a moment of extreme peril for the Davidic dynasty, Jehosheba, Ahaziah's sister, bravely intervened, secretly taking Joash and his nurse and hiding them away in the temple precincts. This clandestine act of defiance ensured the survival of the royal lineage, a critical event for the fulfillment of God's covenant promises and the ultimate arrival of the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of Athaliah's ruthless seizure of power in [2 Kings 11:1](/2_kings/11-1 "2 Kings 11:1 - Athaliah's Usurpation"). King Ahaziah, Athaliah's son, had just been killed by Jehu (as detailed in [2 Kings 9:27](/2_kings/9-27 "2 Kings 9:27 - Ahaziah's Death")), leaving a power vacuum. Athaliah, a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, responded to her son's death not with grief but with a calculated and brutal act: the extermination of all potential heirs to the throne from the royal house of Judah. This act, described in [2 Kings 11:1](/2_kings/11-1 "2 Kings 11:1 - Athaliah's Massacre"), sets the stage for the desperate and heroic rescue described in verse 2, which is the sole exception to Athaliah's murderous decree. The narrative then progresses to describe Joash's six years of hidden life in the temple ([2 Kings 11:3](/2_kings/11-3 "2 Kings 11:3 - Joash Hidden")), culminating in his public anointing as king and Athaliah's overthrow ([2 Kings 11:4-16](/2_kings/11-4 "2 Kings 11:4-16 - Joash Crowned and Athaliah Overthrown")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold in Judah during a turbulent period marked by political instability and spiritual decline. Athaliah's lineage from the Omride dynasty of Israel (Ahab and Jezebel) meant she was steeped in Baal worship and ruthless political maneuvering, a stark contrast to the Davidic line's nominal adherence to Yahweh. Her massacre of the royal seed was an unprecedented act of usurpation in Judah, where the Davidic dynasty had been divinely established. Kings typically ascended the throne through hereditary succession, and the complete annihilation of the royal family would have been seen as an attempt to sever the covenant line and establish a new, illegitimate regime. The hiding of Joash in the temple, a sacred space, provided not only physical security but also symbolic protection under the very presence of Yahweh, highlighting the religious dimension of this political struggle.
* **Key Themes:** The preservation of Joash in [2 Kings 11:2](/2_kings/11-2 "2 Kings 11:2 - Joash Rescued") is central to several overarching themes in the Books of Kings. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence and Preservation**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand at work even amidst human wickedness and chaos. Despite Athaliah's attempt to extinguish the Davidic line, God supernaturally ensures its continuity, underscoring His faithfulness to His promises. Secondly, it highlights the **Faithfulness of Individuals**, specifically Jehosheba (and later Jehoiada), who act with courage and righteousness in the face of overwhelming evil, risking their lives to protect the vulnerable and uphold God's purposes. Thirdly, and most critically, this event is a pivotal moment for the **Davidic Covenant**. God had promised David an enduring dynasty and an eternal throne (as seen in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Athaliah's actions directly threatened this covenant, and Joash's survival ensured that the "lamp" of David would not be extinguished, maintaining the royal lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. This narrative reinforces the theological conviction that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stole him (Hebrew, _gānav_):** This verb (גָּנַב) typically means to steal or to carry away secretly. In this context, it does not imply a criminal act on Jehosheba's part but rather a clandestine, urgent, and covert removal for the purpose of rescue. It emphasizes the secrecy and necessity of her action to circumvent Athaliah's murderous decree, highlighting the desperate circumstances and the hidden nature of the rescue.
* **hid him (Hebrew, _chāvā'_):** The verb (חָבָא) means to hide oneself or to be hidden. It reinforces the secretive nature of Joash's preservation. Coupled with "stole him," it paints a picture of deliberate concealment, emphasizing the vulnerability of the infant and the extreme measures required to keep him safe from Athaliah's reach. The act of hiding was not merely a temporary measure but the beginning of a six-year period of secret protection within the temple.
* **bedchamber (Hebrew, _cheder hammittah_):** This specific phrase (חֶדֶר הַמִּטָּה) refers to an inner room or bedroom, often implying a private and secure space. Its mention here underscores the immediate danger and the quick thinking required. It was the first, temporary hiding place before Joash was moved to the more secure temple precincts (as revealed in the parallel account in [2 Chronicles 22:11](/2_chronicles/22-11 "2 Chronicles 22:11 - Joash Hidden in the Temple")). The choice of a "bedchamber" suggests a place of intimacy and vulnerability, ironically becoming a place of salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah,"**: This clause introduces the key protagonist, Jehosheba, and meticulously defines her royal lineage. She is identified as King Joram's daughter and Ahaziah's sister, making her Joash's aunt. This familial connection provides the motivation and opportunity for her heroic intervention, underscoring that the rescue came from within the royal family itself, a stark contrast to Athaliah's internal threat.
* **"and stole him from among the king's sons [which were] slain;"**: This powerful phrase reveals the horrific context of Athaliah's massacre. Joash was literally snatched from the midst of his murdered half-brothers, emphasizing the scale of the slaughter and the immediate peril he faced. The use of "stole" highlights the clandestine and urgent nature of the rescue, an act of defiance against a genocidal decree.
* **"and they hid him, [even] him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah,"**: This clause describes the initial act of concealment. "They hid him" implies that Jehosheba was not alone in this endeavor; her nurse was also involved, signifying the immediate care and protection Joash received. The "bedchamber" served as a temporary, secret refuge, a desperate first step to evade Athaliah's murderous search.
* **"so that he was not slain."**: This concise concluding clause states the ultimate, miraculous outcome. Despite Athaliah's determined efforts to eradicate the royal line, Joash's life was preserved. This outcome is not merely a fortunate escape but a testament to divine providence, ensuring the continuity of the Davidic dynasty against all odds.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [2 Kings 11:2](/2_kings/11-2 "2 Kings 11:2 - Joash Rescued") is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological and dramatic impact. **Irony** is prominent, as Athaliah's ruthless attempt to secure her power by eliminating all heirs inadvertently leads to the very person who will eventually overthrow her being saved under her nose. The "bedchamber," a place of privacy and vulnerability, becomes the ironic site of salvation. There is a strong **contrast** between the brutal, power-hungry Athaliah and the courageous, compassionate Jehosheba, highlighting the moral divide within the royal family. The narrative also employs **suspense**, as the reader is left to wonder about Joash's fate after the initial rescue, only to discover his hidden survival. Furthermore, the preservation of Joash serves as powerful **foreshadowing** of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David, ensuring the continuation of the royal line from which the Messiah would ultimately descend. The entire episode is a testament to **divine providence**, where God's unseen hand works through human agents to achieve His purposes, even in the darkest of times.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The rescue of Joash in [2 Kings 11:2](/2_kings/11-2 "2 Kings 11:2 - Joash Rescued") is a profound theological statement about God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic Covenant. Athaliah's attempted genocide was not merely a political coup; it was a direct assault on God's plan to establish an eternal dynasty through David. The survival of Joash, the sole remaining heir, demonstrates that no human wickedness or power can thwart the divine will. It underscores the theme of divine preservation, where God actively intervenes to protect His chosen line and ensure the continuity of His redemptive purposes. This event serves as a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over history, working even through the courage of individuals like Jehosheba to bring about His ultimate design.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalms/121-7 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord's Preservation")
* [2 Chronicles 22:11](/2_chronicles/22-11 "2 Chronicles 22:11 - Parallel Account of Joash's Rescue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Joash's rescue in [2 Kings 11:2](/2_kings/11-2 "2 Kings 11:2 - Joash Rescued") offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that even in the darkest valleys of human history, where evil seems to triumph and hope appears lost, God remains sovereign and actively at work. Jehosheba's courageous act of defiance, risking her own life to save a vulnerable infant, challenges us to consider our own response to injustice and oppression. Are we willing to stand for righteousness, protect the innocent, and act with integrity even when it demands personal sacrifice or goes against prevailing evil? This narrative also reinforces the enduring faithfulness of God to His covenants and promises. Just as He preserved the Davidic line against overwhelming odds, He remains faithful to His promises to us, providing hope that His ultimate plans for redemption and restoration will prevail despite human opposition or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. We are called to trust in His providence, even when His hand is unseen, and to participate in His work of preserving life and upholding justice in our own spheres of influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does this story challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty amidst human evil?**
* **Who are the "vulnerable" in my community or the world whom God might be calling me to protect or advocate for, even at personal risk?**
* **How does Jehosheba's courage inspire me to act faithfully in situations where I might feel powerless or intimidated?**
* **What "impossible" situations in my life or the world can I entrust to God's preserving hand, drawing hope from this narrative?**

### FAQ

**What was Athaliah's motivation for killing all the royal heirs?**

Answer: Athaliah's primary motivation was to consolidate and secure her own power. As the queen mother, she seized the opportunity presented by her son King Ahaziah's death to eliminate all potential rivals to the throne. Her actions in [2 Kings 11:1](/2_kings/11-1 "2 Kings 11:1 - Athaliah's Massacre") were a ruthless attempt to establish herself as the sole ruler of Judah, breaking the traditional line of succession and effectively usurping the Davidic throne. Her background, as the daughter of the idolatrous King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, suggests a deep-seated ruthlessness and disregard for the covenantal promises associated with the Davidic dynasty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous preservation of Joash in [2 Kings 11:2](/2_kings/11-2 "2 Kings 11:2 - Joash Rescued") is a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David, ultimately pointing to the coming of Jesus Christ. The Davidic covenant, promising an eternal throne and kingdom (as detailed in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), was directly threatened by Athaliah's genocidal purge. Joash's survival ensured the continuity of that royal lineage, a lineage that would eventually lead to Jesus, the true Son of David. Just as Joash was saved from certain death to fulfill God's promise of a king on David's throne, so too was Jesus preserved through various threats to His life (e.g., Herod's massacre of the innocents in [Matthew 2:16-18](/matthew/2-16 "Matthew 2:16-18 - Herod's Massacre of the Innocents")) to ultimately fulfill the Messianic prophecies. Jesus is the ultimate heir to David's throne, the one whose kingdom will have no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Message to Mary")). The preservation of Joash, a fragile infant, foreshadows God's meticulous care for His redemptive plan, culminating in the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who, through His death and resurrection, secured an eternal kingdom for all who believe.

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 Kings 8:16

¶ And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat [being] then king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign.

Isaiah 65:8

¶ Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and [one] saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing [is] in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.

Isaiah 65:9

And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.

2 Kings 11:21

Seven years old [was] Jehoash when he began to reign.

2 Kings 12:2

And Jehoash did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

Jeremiah 33:17

¶ For thus saith the LORD; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel;

Proverbs 21:30

¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.