2 Chronicles 23:3

And all the congregation made a covenant with the king in the house of God. And he said unto them, Behold, the king's son shall reign, as the LORD hath said of the sons of David.

And all the congregation {H6951} made {H3772} a covenant {H1285} with the king {H4428} in the house {H1004} of God {H430}. And he said {H559} unto them, Behold, the king's {H4428} son {H1121} shall reign {H4427}, as the LORD {H3068} hath said {H1696} of the sons {H1121} of David {H1732}.

The whole assembly made an agreement with the king in the house of God. [Y'hoyada] addressed them: "Here! The king's son will reign, as ADONAI said in regard to the descendants of David!

the whole assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. “Behold, the king’s son!” said Jehoiada. “He must reign, just as the LORD promised concerning the descendants of David.

And all the assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. And he said unto them, Behold, the king’s son shall reign, as Jehovah hath spoken concerning the sons of David.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 23:3 records a pivotal moment in the history of Judah, marking the restoration of the rightful Davidic king, Joash, after six years of usurpation by the wicked Queen Athaliah. This verse highlights the solemn agreement between the people and their legitimate ruler, affirming God's enduring promises.

Context of 2 Chronicles 23:3

Following the death of King Ahaziah, his mother Athaliah seized power, attempting to eradicate the royal lineage of Judah (2 Chronicles 22:10). However, the infant Joash, the only surviving son of Ahaziah, was hidden by his aunt Jehoshabeath and her husband, Jehoiada the priest, in the Temple for six years (2 Chronicles 22:11-12). In the seventh year, Jehoiada meticulously planned a coup, rallying the captains, Levites, and people of Judah. This verse describes the culmination of that plan: the entire congregation making a covenant with Joash, the young king, within the sacred confines of the Temple, acknowledging his divine right to the throne.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Covenant and Loyalty: The act of "all the congregation made a covenant with the king" signifies a profound commitment. This was not merely an oath but a solemn, binding agreement, establishing mutual loyalty between the king and his people, grounded in their shared faith in God.
  • Divine Promise Fulfilled: Jehoiada's declaration, "Behold, the king's son shall reign, as the LORD hath said of the sons of David," is central. It underscores the belief that Joash's ascension was not just a political maneuver but the direct fulfillment of God's unconditional covenant with David, promising an eternal dynasty (2 Samuel 7:16; 1 Chronicles 17:14). This divine backing solidified Joash's legitimacy.
  • Restoration of Righteous Rule: The verse marks a turning point from the idolatrous and tyrannical reign of Athaliah back to a divinely appointed, Davidic king. It highlights the importance of righteous leadership and adherence to God's established order for national well-being.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "covenant" (bĕrît) implies a formal, binding agreement, often with religious sanctions. Its making "in the house of God" (bêth hā'ĕlōhîm), the Temple, consecrated the agreement and placed it under divine witness and authority.
  • The phrase "as the LORD hath said" emphasizes the prophetic and covenantal foundation of the Davidic monarchy, a recurring theme in the books of Chronicles, underscoring God's faithfulness to His word.

Practical Application and Reflection

2 Chronicles 23:3 offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • God's Faithfulness: Even when human circumstances seem hopeless or when evil appears to triumph, God remains faithful to His promises. The survival of Joash and the restoration of the Davidic line is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant. This foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant in Jesus Christ, the Son of David, whose kingdom is eternal.
  • The Importance of Righteous Action: Jehoiada's courageous and strategic actions, supported by the people, demonstrate that faith in God's promises should lead to active participation in upholding righteousness and justice.
  • Covenantal Relationships: The concept of covenant reminds us of the sacredness of our commitments, both to God and to one another. Upholding our commitments in faith brings stability and blessing.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 7:12 (4 votes)

    And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

  • 2 Chronicles 21:7 (4 votes)

    Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever.

  • 2 Chronicles 6:16 (4 votes)

    Now therefore, O LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of Israel; yet so that thy children take heed to their way to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before me.

  • 1 Kings 2:4 (3 votes)

    That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.

  • 2 Kings 11:17 (3 votes)

    ¶ And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD'S people; between the king also and the people.

  • 2 Chronicles 7:18 (3 votes)

    Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man [to be] ruler in Israel.

  • 2 Chronicles 23:16 (2 votes)

    And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD'S people.