READ: 2 Kin. 11:1–21: … Joash was seven years old when he became king.
After Jehu has killed Ahaziah at the age of twenty-two, Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel and wife of Ahaziah, wants in revenge to kill all the relatives of Ahaziah, including children. . By this, the whole offspring of David would be exterminated.
In 2 Chron. 22 it is written that Athaliah herself reigns for six years. She ensures that a temple for Baal comes into Jerusalem. However, this satanic plan to kill all David’s offspring, including the one-year-old Joash, is thwarted. The wife of the high priest Jehoiada, Jehosheba, an aunt of Joash, brings the young boy to the temple where he is kept hidden.
After six years, Jehoiada makes a covenant with the commanders of the bodyguard and the royal elite troops. It is estimated that they lead about five hundred men. The boy is apparently considered old enough to present him to the people as the rightful successor to the throne.
Also, the rule of Athaliah will have given reason for resistance. All this remains a courageous act of faith by Jehoiada, in which he risks his life and that of the commanders. But he does this in firm trust that the LORD will be near him and the others. A strategic plan is made with a division of the troops.
In 2 Chron. 23 it is written that also the Levites from all the cities of Judah and the heads of families of Israel are involved in the covenant. They also receive instructions to perform their service on the Sabbath and to gather around the young Joash.
Thus there is a safe situation in which the coronation of Joash takes place. Joash, who is in the vestibule of the temple, is brought outside near one of the pillars, Boaz and Jachin. The royal crown is placed on his head; he is given the testimony (God’s law) into his hands and is anointed as king and then acclaimed as the new king.
Everything proceeds according to plan under the blessing of the LORD. Athaliah is seized and killed outside the temple. The people rejoice.
What must a king do with God’s law?
Sing: Ps. 12:3,4