2 Chronicles 22:11

But Jehoshabeath daughter of King Jehoram took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being murdered, and she put him and his nurse in a bedroom. Because Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King Jehoram and the wife of Jehoiada the priest, was Ahaziah's sister, she hid Joash from Athaliah so that she could not kill him.

Study Bible

But Jehoshabeath daughter of King Jehoram
Jehoshabeath, also known as Jehosheba in other biblical accounts, was a royal princess, the daughter of King Jehoram of Judah. Her lineage placed her in a unique position within the royal family, giving her access and influence. Her actions are significant in the preservation of the Davidic line, which is crucial for the fulfillment of messianic prophecies.

took Joash son of Ahaziah
Joash was the rightful heir to the throne of Judah, being the son of King Ahaziah. His survival was essential for the continuation of the Davidic dynasty, which had been promised an eternal throne (2 Samuel 7:16). Joash's preservation is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant with David.

and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being murdered
Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, sought to destroy all the royal heirs to secure her own power. This act of violence was a direct threat to the Davidic line. Jehoshabeath's intervention was a courageous and strategic move to protect Joash from the massacre orchestrated by Athaliah.

and she put him and his nurse in a bedroom
The act of hiding Joash in a bedroom suggests a place of safety and concealment within the palace. This location would have been familiar and accessible to Jehoshabeath, allowing her to protect Joash without arousing suspicion. The presence of a nurse indicates the care and provision for Joash during his concealment.

Because Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King Jehoram and the wife of Jehoiada the priest
Jehoshabeath's marriage to Jehoiada, the high priest, is significant. It highlights the alliance between the royal family and the priesthood, which played a crucial role in the preservation and eventual restoration of the Davidic line. Jehoiada's influence and position would later be instrumental in Joash's ascension to the throne.

was Ahaziah’s sister
This familial relationship underscores Jehoshabeath's motivation to save Joash. As Ahaziah's sister, she had a vested interest in the survival of her brother's lineage. Her actions were not only politically motivated but also driven by familial loyalty and a sense of divine purpose.

she hid Joash from Athaliah so that she could not kill him
Athaliah's intent to kill all potential heirs was a direct challenge to God's covenant with David. Jehoshabeath's successful concealment of Joash thwarted Athaliah's plans and ensured the continuation of the Davidic line. This act of preservation is a foreshadowing of God's ultimate protection and fulfillment of His promises, culminating in the birth of Jesus Christ, the true heir of David's throne.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehosheba
Daughter of King Jehoram, sister of King Ahaziah, and wife of Jehoiada the priest. She played a crucial role in preserving the Davidic line by saving Joash.

2. Joash
The son of King Ahaziah, who was hidden by Jehosheba to protect him from being killed by Athaliah. He later became king and continued the Davidic lineage.

3. Athaliah
The mother of Ahaziah, who sought to destroy the royal family of Judah to secure her power. Her actions were contrary to God's covenant with David.

4. Jehoiada the Priest
Husband of Jehosheba, who later played a significant role in restoring Joash to the throne and leading a revival in Judah.

5. The Bedroom
The place where Joash was hidden, symbolizing a place of refuge and divine protection amidst chaos and danger.

Teaching Points

Courage in the Face of Evil
Jehosheba's bravery in saving Joash demonstrates the importance of standing up for righteousness, even when it involves personal risk.

God's Sovereignty and Protection
The preservation of Joash illustrates God's sovereign plan and protection over His covenant promises, ensuring the continuation of the Davidic line.

The Role of Women in God's Plan
Jehosheba's actions remind us of the significant roles women play in God's redemptive history, often acting with wisdom and courage.

Faithfulness in Small Acts
The seemingly small act of hiding Joash had monumental implications for the future of Judah and the coming of the Messiah, showing that God uses our faithful actions for His greater purposes.

The Importance of Godly Alliances
Jehosheba's marriage to Jehoiada the priest highlights the strength found in godly partnerships, which can lead to spiritual renewal and restoration.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jehosheba's act of courage inspire you to stand for righteousness in your own life?

2. In what ways can you see God's protection and sovereignty at work in your personal circumstances, similar to how Joash was preserved?

3. Reflect on a time when a seemingly small act of faithfulness had a significant impact. How does this encourage you to remain faithful in the "small" things?

4. How can the account of Jehosheba and Joash encourage you to form and maintain godly alliances in your life?

5. Considering the role of women like Jehosheba in the Bible, how can you encourage and support the women in your community to fulfill their God-given roles?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 11
This parallel account provides additional details about Jehosheba's courageous act and the subsequent events leading to Joash's reign.

Psalm 91
This psalm speaks of God's protection and refuge, which can be seen in how Joash was hidden and preserved from Athaliah's wrath.

Matthew 1:1-16
The genealogy of Jesus Christ, which includes Joash, highlighting the importance of preserving the Davidic line for the fulfillment of God's promise.