2 Chronicles 22:12

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

And he was with them hid {H2244} in the house {H1004} of God {H430} six {H8337} years {H8141}: and Athaliah {H6271} reigned {H4427} over the land {H776}.

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

And Joash remained hidden with them in the house of God for six years while Athaliah ruled the land.

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

Commentary

2 Chronicles 22:12 details a crucial moment in the history of Judah, highlighting the miraculous preservation of the rightful heir to the throne amidst a period of extreme political turmoil and wickedness. This verse serves as a bridge, connecting the devastating events of Athaliah's usurpation with the eventual restoration of the legitimate Davidic lineage.

Context

This verse immediately follows the horrific purge initiated by Queen Athaliah, the mother of King Ahaziah. After her son's death, Athaliah seized power by massacring all the royal heirs of Judah, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 22:10. However, one infant, Joash (also called Jehoash), the youngest son of Ahaziah, was secretly rescued by his aunt, Jehoshabeath (King Ahaziah's sister and the wife of Jehoiada the priest). They hid him within the Temple, the "House of God," for six years. During this time, Athaliah reigned as a tyrannical queen, a period marked by idolatry and deviation from God's laws.

Key Themes

  • Divine Preservation and Providence: The hiding of Joash demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David, promising an eternal dynasty (2 Samuel 7:16). Despite human wickedness and seemingly insurmountable odds, God supernaturally preserves the royal line through which the Messiah would eventually come.
  • Sanctuary and Refuge: The Temple, the "House of God," served not only as a place of worship but also as a literal sanctuary for the hidden king. This highlights the sacredness and protective nature of God's dwelling place.
  • Hope in Despair: While Athaliah's reign represented a dark age for Judah, the hidden presence of Joash symbolized a quiet, enduring hope. God was working behind the scenes, preparing for the restoration of justice and righteous rule.
  • Faithfulness of Key Individuals: The courage and faith of Jehoshabeath and Jehoiada the priest were instrumental in protecting Joash. Their actions underscore the importance of individuals standing for righteousness even when facing immense danger.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "House of God" (Hebrew: Bayit Elohim) specifically refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. This term emphasizes its divine ownership and purpose, making it a fitting place for God's providential care to unfold, shielding the future king from the usurper.

Practical Application and Significance

The story of Joash's preservation in 2 Chronicles 22:12 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God is Sovereign: Even in the darkest times, when evil seems to triumph, God remains in control, working His purposes through unseen hands and unexpected circumstances.
  • Hope Endures: There is always hope, even when all seems lost. God can preserve a remnant and bring about restoration from seemingly impossible situations.
  • The Importance of Righteous Action: The faithfulness of Jehoshabeath and Jehoiada illustrates that even small acts of obedience and courage can have monumental, far-reaching consequences in God's plan.
  • God's Promises Are Sure: This narrative powerfully reinforces the reliability of God's covenants. The preservation of the Davidic line was essential for the eventual birth of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King and Messiah, whose lineage is traced back to David (Matthew 1:1).

This verse sets the stage for the eventual overthrow of Athaliah and the coronation of Joash, a story of divine intervention and the triumph of God's plan over human wickedness, detailed further in 2 Chronicles 23:1 and beyond.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Habakkuk 1:12 (2 votes)

    ¶ [Art] thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction.

  • Psalms 12:8 (2 votes)

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

  • Psalms 27:5 (2 votes)

    For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

  • Psalms 73:18 (2 votes)

    Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

  • Psalms 73:19 (2 votes)

    How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

  • Jeremiah 12:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Righteous [art] thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of [thy] judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? [wherefore] are all they happy that deal very treacherously?

  • Psalms 73:14 (2 votes)

    For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.