TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Kings 11:17–21. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Jehoiada had now got over the harlot part of his work, when, by the death of Athaliah, the young prince had his way to the throne cleared of all opposition. He had now to improve his advantages for the perfecting of the revolution and the settling of the government. Two things we have an account of here: -
I.The good foundations he laid, by an original contract, Kg2 11:17.
Now that prince and people were together in God's house, as it should seem before they stirred, Jehoiada took care that they should jointly covenant with God, and mutually covenant with each other, that they might rightly understand their duty both to God and to one another, and be firmly bound to it.
1.He endeavoured to settle and secure the interests of religion among them, by a covenant between them and God. King and people would then cleave most firmly to each other when both had joined themselves to the Lord. God had already, on his part, promised to be their God (Jehoiada could show them that in the book of the testimony); now the king and people on their part must covenant and agree that they will be the Lord's people: in this covenant, the king stands upon the same level with his subjects and is as much bound as any of them to serve the Lord. By this engagement they renounced Baal, whom many of them had worshipped, and resigned themselves to God's government. It is well with a people when all the changes that pass over them help to revive, strengthen, and advance the interests of religion among them. And those are likely to prosper who set out in the world under fresh and sensible obligations to God and their duty. By our bonds to God the bonds of every relation are strengthened. They first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us, Co2 8:5.
2.He then settled both the coronation-oath and the oath of allegiance, the pacta conventa - covenant, between the king and the people, by which the king was obliged to govern according to law and to protect his subjects, and they were obliged, while he did so, to obey him and to bear faith and true allegiance to him. Covenants are of use both to remind us of and to bind us to those duties which are already binding on us. It is good, in all relations, for the parties to understand one another fully, particularly in that between prince and subject, that the one may understand the limits of his power and prerogative, the other those of his liberty and property; and never may the ancient landmarks which our fathers have set before them be removed.
II.The good beginnings he raised on those foundations.
1.Pursuant to their covenant with God they immediately abolished idolatry, which the preceding kings, in compliance with the house of Ahab, had introduced (Kg2 11:18): All the people of the land, the mob, got together, to show their zeal against idolatry; and every one, now that they were so well headed, would lend a hand to pull down Baal's temple, his altars, and his images. All his worshippers, it should seem, deserted him; only his priest Mattan stuck to his altar. Though all men forsook Baal, he would not, and there he was slain, the best sacrifice that ever was offered upon that altar. Having destroyed Baal's temple, they appointed officers over the house of God, to see that the service of God was regularly performed by the proper persons, in due time, and according to the institutional manner.
2.Pursuant to their covenant with one another they expressed a mutual readiness to and satisfaction in each other.
(1.)The king was brought in state to the royal palace, and sat there on the throne of judgment, the thrones of the house of David (Kg2 11:19), ready to receive petitions and appeals, which he would refer it to Jehoiada to give answers to and to give judgment upon.
(2.)The people rejoiced, and Jerusalem was in quiet (Kg2 11:20), and Josephus says they kept a feast of joy many days, making good Solomon's observation (Pro 11:10), When it goes well with the righteous the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there is shouting.
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Summary
This concise verse marks the official and legitimate commencement of King Jehoash's reign over Judah, stating his tender age at accession. Its brevity belies the dramatic and critical events that immediately preceded it: the miraculous preservation of the young prince from the murderous purge of Queen Athaliah and the daring, divinely-orchestrated coup led by the high priest Jehoiada, which restored the rightful Davidic heir to the throne after six years of hiding. The verse thus serves as a triumphant declaration of the successful restoration of the Davidic monarchy, signifying the end of a dark period of usurpation and the dawn of a new, divinely sanctioned era under a legitimate king.
Context
Literary Context
2 Kings 11:21 serves as the climactic conclusion to one of the most dramatic narratives in the Books of Kings. The preceding verses detail the ruthless usurpation of Queen Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, who, upon the death of her son King Ahaziah, sought to eradicate all royal heirs of the Davidic line to secure her own power, as recounted in 2 Kings 11:1-3. However, the infant Jehoash was miraculously rescued by his aunt Jehosheba and her husband, Jehoiada the high priest, and secretly hidden in the Temple for six years. The seventh year saw Jehoiada orchestrate a meticulously planned and executed coup, rallying the army commanders and Levites, revealing the true king, and finally overthrowing and executing Athaliah, a pivotal sequence detailed in 2 Kings 11:4-16. Therefore, 2 Kings 11:21 is not merely a statement of age but the triumphant declaration of the successful restoration of the Davidic monarchy, signifying the end of a dark period of usurpation and the dawn of a new, divinely sanctioned era under a legitimate king.
Historical & Cultural Context
The period following the division of the kingdom saw frequent political instability, especially in the northern kingdom of Israel, but also in Judah. Athaliah's reign (c. 841-835 BC) was a particularly dark chapter, representing a continuation of the destructive influence of the Omride dynasty (Ahab and Jezebel) on Judah, marked by Baal worship and the near extinction of the Davidic line. The hiding of Jehoash in the Temple highlights the significant role of the Temple and the high priest (Jehoiada) as not only religious but also political centers and figures of authority, capable of challenging and overthrowing corrupt secular power. The concept of a child king was not uncommon in the ancient Near East, often necessitating a regency where powerful figures (like Jehoiada) would govern on behalf of the young monarch until he reached maturity. This context underscores the precariousness of Jehoash's position and the vital importance of Jehoiada's faithful guardianship, which is further elaborated in 2 Kings 12:1-3.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Books of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically demonstrates the Divine Preservation of the Davidic Line. Despite the most ruthless attempts by Athaliah to extinguish the royal seed, God's covenant promise to David, as articulated in 2 Samuel 7:16, is miraculously upheld through the survival of Jehoash. Secondly, it showcases God's Sovereignty Over Evil, illustrating that no human plot, however wicked or seemingly successful, can ultimately thwart God's divine purposes. Athaliah's evil was decisively overthrown by God's providence. Thirdly, the narrative emphasizes the Importance of Righteous Leadership, particularly through the figure of Jehoiada. His courage, faithfulness, and strategic wisdom were instrumental not only in preserving Jehoash but also in guiding his early reign, leading to a period of religious reform and restoration of proper worship in Judah, as seen in 2 Kings 12:2-3. Finally, Jehoash's Youthful Rulership highlights the vulnerability and dependence of even a king on wise counsel, underscoring the necessity of godly mentorship for effective and righteous governance.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This name (H3060), also rendered Joash, is derived from "Jehovah" and "fire" or "Jehovah-fired," though it is often interpreted as "Yahweh has given" or "Yahweh is strong." The meaning is profoundly significant in light of the circumstances of his accession. His survival and elevation to the throne were not due to human strength or political maneuvering but were a direct gift and powerful act of preservation by Yahweh, who ensured the continuity of the Davidic covenant and the legitimate monarchy in Judah.
The number "seven" (H7651) in biblical numerology often signifies completeness, perfection, or divine fullness. In this context, Jehoash's age of seven years old at his accession subtly hints at the divine completion of God's plan to restore the Davidic line. It underscores the perfection of God's timing in bringing such a young, divinely preserved heir to the throne, marking a new, divinely sanctioned era after a period of chaos and usurpation.
The verb "mâlak" (H4427) is a primitive root meaning "to reign," or inceptively, "to ascend the throne." It signifies the formal and legitimate assumption of kingship. This is not merely a statement of age but a declaration of his official enthronement, marking the end of Athaliah's illegitimate usurpation and the restoration of the rightful Davidic line. It implies a return to divine order and covenant faithfulness after a period of apostasy.
Verse Breakdown
"Seven years old [was] Jehoash"
This opening phrase immediately establishes the tender age of the newly crowned king. It highlights his extreme youth and vulnerability, making his survival and accession all the more miraculous. It implicitly points to the divine hand that preserved him from Athaliah's purge and the faithful guardianship of Jehoiada, without whom such a young heir could not have survived or ascended. This detail also sets the stage for the crucial role Jehoiada would play as regent and mentor.
"when he began to reign"
This clause marks the official commencement of Jehoash's legitimate rule. It signifies the successful culmination of Jehoiada's meticulously planned coup and the restoration of the Davidic dynasty after six years of Athaliah's illegitimate and idolatrous reign. This moment represents a pivotal turning point for Judah, moving from a period of darkness and usurpation to one of covenant renewal and righteous leadership under the guidance of the high priest. It is a declaration of divine order re-established.
Literary Devices
The verse employs Conciseness and Understatement. Despite the immense drama and significance of the events it concludes—a ruthless royal purge, six years of a hidden heir, a daring temple-based coup, and the violent overthrow of a wicked queen—the verse is remarkably brief and factual. This Understatement serves to highlight the divine sovereignty at play; the intense human drama, while significant, is ultimately subservient to God's simple, unshakeable plan to preserve His covenant. The age of Jehoash, "seven years old," also functions as Symbolism. Seven is a number of completeness and divine perfection in biblical numerology, subtly hinting at the divine completion of the plan to restore the Davidic line and the perfection of God's timing in bringing Jehoash to the throne.
Theological and Thematic Connections
2 Kings 11:21 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant. Despite the most dire circumstances and the ruthless attempts of human evil to thwart His plans, God demonstrates His sovereign power to preserve His chosen line and bring about His purposes. The survival and enthronement of Jehoash, a mere child, underscore that God's plan does not depend on human strength or wisdom but on His own omnipotence and faithfulness. This narrative serves as a beacon of hope, reminding believers that even in the darkest periods of history, God is actively at work, often through unexpected means and seemingly vulnerable individuals, to ensure the continuity of His redemptive plan and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.
Reflection and Application
The story of Jehoash's accession, culminating in 2 Kings 11:21, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It powerfully illustrates that God's plans are immutable, even when human circumstances seem utterly hopeless or when evil appears to triumph. We are reminded that no human scheme, however cunning or ruthless, can ultimately thwart the sovereign will of God. This should instill in us a deep sense of trust and peace, knowing that God is always at work, even behind the scenes, orchestrating events for His glory and the good of His people. Furthermore, Jehoash's reliance on Jehoiada highlights the critical importance of godly mentorship and wise counsel, especially for those in positions of influence or leadership. It challenges us to seek out and submit to spiritual wisdom, and conversely, to be faithful mentors to the next generation, guiding them in truth and righteousness. The narrative also serves as a potent reminder that hope can emerge from the most desolate situations, demonstrating God's capacity to bring restoration and new beginnings even after periods of intense darkness and spiritual decline, inviting us to look for God's hand even in the most unlikely places.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Jehoash's age so important to mention in this verse?
Jehoash's age of seven years old is critically important for several reasons. First, it underscores the miraculous nature of his survival; he was an infant when Athaliah purged the royal family, as detailed in 2 Kings 11:1, meaning he was hidden for six years. His extreme youth also highlights his vulnerability and complete dependence on Jehoiada the high priest for protection and guidance. It signifies that his reign was not initiated by his own power or ambition, but by divine providence and the faithful actions of others. Furthermore, it sets the stage for the next chapter, where his early reign is explicitly stated to be righteous "all the days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him," as found in 2 Kings 12:2.
What was the significance of Jehoiada the high priest's role in Jehoash's accession?
Jehoiada's role was absolutely pivotal and divinely instrumental. He was the one who, with his wife Jehosheba, rescued the infant Jehoash from Athaliah's murderous purge and hid him in the Temple for six years. In the seventh year, Jehoiada orchestrated the daring and righteous coup, rallying the army, presenting the legitimate king, and overthrowing the wicked Queen Athaliah, a detailed account of which is found in 2 Kings 11:4-16. Beyond his role in the coup, Jehoiada effectively served as Jehoash's regent and spiritual mentor, guiding the young king in righteousness and initiating significant religious reforms in Judah. His faithfulness ensured the continuity of the Davidic line and the restoration of proper worship, demonstrating the profound impact of godly leadership and mentorship on the spiritual and political landscape of the kingdom.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The dramatic narrative of Jehoash's preservation and accession, culminating in 2 Kings 11:21, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Jehoash, a vulnerable child, was miraculously preserved from the wicked attempts of Athaliah to extinguish the Davidic line, so too was Jesus, the true Davidic heir, preserved from the murderous plots of Herod, as seen in the flight to Egypt in Matthew 2:13-15, and the continuous opposition of evil forces throughout His life. Jehoash's enthronement at seven years old, signifying a new beginning and the restoration of legitimate rule, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate enthronement of Jesus, the Son of David, who, though seemingly vulnerable in His incarnation, was raised from the dead and ascended to the right hand of God, where He now reigns as the eternal King of Kings and Lord of Lords, as prophesied in Luke 1:32-33 and affirmed in Ephesians 1:20-22. The high priest Jehoiada's faithful guardianship and righteous guidance of Jehoash prefigure Christ's own perfect high priestly ministry, not merely guiding a king, but interceding for His people and establishing an eternal kingdom of righteousness that will never be overthrown, as described in Hebrews 4:14-16 and Revelation 19:16. The story of Jehoash is a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David, a commitment that ultimately culminates in the saving reign of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, through whom God's kingdom is eternally established.