2 Kings 11:3

KJV

And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he was with her hid {H2244} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} six {H8337} years {H8141}. And Athaliah {H6271} did reign {H4427} over the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He remained hidden with his nurse in the house of ADONAI for six years; during this time 'Atalyah ruled the land.

Berean Standard Bible

And Joash remained hidden with his nurse in the house of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled the land.

American Standard Version

And he was with her hid in the house of Jehovah six years. And Athaliah reigned over the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 11:3 details the miraculous preservation of the infant prince Joash (Jehoash) for six years within the sacred confines of the Temple, hidden from the murderous rampage of his grandmother, Queen Athaliah, who simultaneously seized and reigned over the land of Judah. This verse is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the preservation of the Davidic lineage, even amidst the most severe threats and human depravity. It highlights a critical period where the future of the Davidic dynasty, and thus the messianic line, hung precariously in the balance, yet was divinely secured.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the dramatic narrative of 2 Kings 11, immediately following Athaliah's ruthless extermination of the royal seed upon the death of her son, King Ahaziah, as recorded in [2 Kings 11:1](/2_kings/11-1 "2 Kings 11:1 - Athaliah Destroys the Royal Seed"). The preceding verse, [2 Kings 11:2](/2_kings/11-2 "2 Kings 11:2 - Jehosheba Rescues Joash"), introduces Jehosheba, King Ahaziah's sister and wife of Jehoiada the high priest, who courageously intervenes to rescue the infant Joash, hiding him and his nurse from Athaliah's purge. Thus, 2 Kings 11:3 serves as a crucial bridge, establishing the duration and location of Joash's hidden existence, setting the stage for his eventual dramatic unveiling and enthronement six years later, which is detailed in the subsequent verses of [2 Kings 11](/2_kings/11 "2 Kings 11 - Joash Becomes King").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the death of her son, King Ahaziah, Athaliah, the daughter of the notorious King Ahab and Jezebel of Israel, seized power in Judah. Her reign was an unprecedented anomaly, as she was not of the Davidic lineage, and her actions, including the attempted extermination of the royal family, were driven by a desire to consolidate power and eliminate any potential rivals. Her background as a princess of the northern kingdom, deeply steeped in Baal worship, meant her rule threatened to corrupt Judah's religious purity, mirroring the apostasy of Israel. The "house of the LORD" (the Temple) was not merely a physical structure but the spiritual heart of Judah, representing God's dwelling place among His people. Hiding Joash within its sacred precincts for six years was an act of profound defiance against Athaliah's idolatrous and tyrannical rule, symbolizing divine protection and the preservation of legitimate kingship against illegitimate usurpation.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several major theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Preservation**, showcasing God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David"), which guaranteed an eternal dynasty to David. Despite Athaliah's seemingly successful attempt to annihilate the royal line, God providentially preserved Joash, ensuring the continuity of the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Sanctuary and Safety**, as the Temple, the "house of the LORD," served as both a literal refuge and a potent symbol of divine protection for the rightful heir. This sacred space became the crucible where God's plan for the Davidic line was secretly nurtured, away from the reach of human evil, demonstrating that God's purposes cannot be thwarted, even when human actions appear to threaten their very existence, as seen in the broader narrative of [2 Kings](/2_kings "2 Kings - The History of the Kings of Israel and Judah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hid (Hebrew, _tsaphan'_):** This verb signifies "to hide," "to conceal," or "to treasure up." In the context of 2 Kings 11:3, it conveys a deliberate, protective act of concealment. It implies not merely a physical hiding but a divine oversight, where Joash was kept safe and precious, like a hidden treasure, from the destructive forces arrayed against him. This word emphasizes the secrecy and the vulnerability of the infant king, yet simultaneously points to the effectiveness of the protective measures taken.
* **House of the LORD (Hebrew, _bayith Yahweh'_):** This phrase specifically refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, God's sacred dwelling place. Its use here is highly significant, indicating that Joash was hidden not in an ordinary house but in the very sanctuary of God. This location underscores the divine protection afforded to him, implying that God Himself was actively involved in his preservation. It also highlights the Temple as a place of refuge and divine custody, a symbol of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly concerning the Davidic line and the continuity of true worship.
* **Reign (Hebrew, _malakh'_):** This verb means "to rule," "to be king," or "to reign." Its application to Athaliah is crucial, as it emphasizes the illegitimate nature of her rule. While she "did reign over the land," her authority was usurped, not divinely ordained or in line with the Davidic covenant. The juxtaposition of Joash being "hid" while Athaliah "did reign" creates a stark contrast between God's hidden, legitimate work and the visible, illegitimate human power, setting the stage for the eventual overthrow of the usurper.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years."**: This clause reveals the critical period of Joash's concealment and the location of his safety. "He" refers to Joash, the infant son of King Ahaziah, and "her" refers to Jehosheba, his aunt, who rescued him. The act of being "hid" (Hebrew: *tsaphan*) underscores the secrecy and the precariousness of his existence, yet also the divine protection. The "house of the LORD" (the Temple) is explicitly named as his refuge, signifying that his preservation was under God's direct oversight. The duration of "six years" is significant, marking the entire period of Athaliah's illegitimate reign and setting the timeline for the dramatic events of his eventual enthronement.
* **"And Athaliah did reign over the land."**: This second clause starkly contrasts with the first, highlighting the visible, albeit illegitimate, political reality during Joash's hidden years. Athaliah's reign was a period of usurpation and apostasy, characterized by her Baal worship and her attempt to eradicate the Davidic line. The use of "did reign" (Hebrew: *malakh*) emphasizes her active exercise of power, yet the preceding clause subtly undermines its legitimacy by revealing the true heir was being divinely preserved. This juxtaposition sets up the dramatic tension between the visible, tyrannical rule and the hidden, divinely protected lineage that would ultimately prevail.

#### Literary Devices
2 Kings 11:3 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the true king, the rightful heir to the Davidic throne, is hidden in the most sacred space, while an illegitimate queen openly reigns over the land. This creates a dramatic tension where the visible political reality is contrary to God's hidden, unfolding plan. The "house of the LORD" functions as potent **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical sanctuary but God's covenant faithfulness and protective presence. It is the place where the divine promise is kept alive, even when human efforts seek to extinguish it. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** between the vulnerability of the hidden infant Joash and the overt power of Queen Athaliah, and between God's quiet, sovereign work of preservation and the loud, violent machinations of human evil. This contrast highlights the ultimate triumph of God's purposes over human wickedness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The preservation of Joash in 2 Kings 11:3 is a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic Covenant established in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Promise to David"). Despite the extreme threat posed by Athaliah's genocidal purge, God's plan for an enduring Davidic dynasty, through which the Messiah would ultimately come, could not be thwarted. This event underscores the theological principle of divine sovereignty—that God is actively at work behind the scenes, even in the darkest periods of human history, ensuring the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes. The Temple, as Joash's refuge, symbolizes God's protective presence and His commitment to His people and His chosen line, demonstrating that true security is found in His sanctuary.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of Immanuel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Joash's miraculous preservation in 2 Kings 11:3 offers profound comfort and enduring lessons for believers today. In times when chaos seems to reign, when evil appears to triumph, and when God's promises seem to be under direct assault, this verse reminds us that God is always at work, often in hidden ways, orchestrating His purposes. It calls us to cultivate a deep trust in divine providence, knowing that even when human plans fail or human wickedness abounds, God's sovereign hand is meticulously guiding history toward His intended end. Furthermore, the courage of Jehosheba and Jehoiada, who risked everything to protect the rightful heir, serves as a powerful example of faithfulness and moral courage in the face of tyranny. We are called to discern and participate in God's redemptive work, even when it requires quiet defiance or seemingly small acts of obedience, trusting that our faithfulness contributes to His larger, unseen plan. This passage encourages us to find our ultimate refuge and security not in human institutions or power, but in the "house of the LORD"—the presence and promises of God Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the story of Joash's preservation challenge our perception of God's activity during times of apparent chaos or evil?**
* **What "hidden" acts of God's providence can you identify in your own life or in the broader history of the church?**
* **In what ways might we, like Jehosheba and Jehoiada, be called to act courageously in defiance of injustice or spiritual compromise, even when it seems risky?**

### FAQ

**Why was Joash hidden for six years, and what is the significance of this duration?**

Answer: Joash was hidden for six years because this was the entire duration of Queen Athaliah's illegitimate and tyrannical reign over Judah. Upon the death of her son, King Ahaziah, Athaliah, driven by a desire for absolute power, attempted to exterminate the entire royal lineage of David, as recorded in [2 Kings 11:1](/2_kings/11-1 "2 Kings 11:1 - Athaliah Destroys the Royal Seed"). The infant Joash was the sole survivor, rescued by his aunt Jehosheba and hidden in the Temple. The six-year period signifies the extent of the threat to the Davidic line and, by extension, to God's covenant promises. It also highlights the remarkable patience and strategic timing of Jehoiada the high priest, who carefully nurtured Joash in secret, waiting for the opportune moment to reveal the rightful king and overthrow Athaliah, as detailed in [2 Kings 11:4-16](/2_kings/11-4 "2 Kings 11:4-16 - Jehoiada's Coup"). This duration underscores God's meticulous preservation and preparation for the restoration of legitimate kingship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous preservation of Joash in 2 Kings 11:3 is a powerful prefigurement of God's ultimate faithfulness in preserving the messianic line, culminating in Jesus Christ. Just as Joash, the rightful heir to David's throne, was hidden and protected from the murderous intent of Athaliah, so too was the ultimate Son of David, Jesus, preserved from numerous attempts on His life, from Herod's slaughter of the innocents (as recounted in [Matthew 2:16-18](/matthew/2-16 "Matthew 2:16-18 - Herod's Slaughter of the Innocents")) to the constant opposition of religious and political authorities. The "house of the LORD" serving as Joash's sanctuary foreshadows Christ Himself as the true Temple (as Jesus declared in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), the ultimate place of refuge and safety for all who trust in Him. The continuity of the Davidic line, ensured through Joash's survival, is foundational to the New Testament's presentation of Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Son of David, whose kingdom is eternal and whose reign will never end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). Thus, 2 Kings 11:3 is not merely a historical account but a vital link in the unfolding drama of redemption, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to bring forth His Anointed One, the King of Kings, who ultimately triumphs over all forces of darkness and establishes His righteous reign.

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

Malachi 3:15

And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, [they that] tempt God are even delivered.

2 Chronicles 22:12

And he was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land.

Psalms 12:8

The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.