2 Chronicles 23:11

Then Jehoiada and his sons brought out the king's son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him and shouted, "Long live the king!"

Study Bible

Then Jehoiada and his sons brought out the king’s son
Jehoiada, the high priest, played a crucial role in preserving the Davidic line by protecting Joash, the rightful heir to the throne, from Queen Athaliah's murderous intentions. This act of bringing out the king's son signifies the restoration of the Davidic covenant, which promised that David's descendants would rule Israel. Joash had been hidden in the temple for six years, symbolizing God's protection and faithfulness to His promises.

put the crown on him
The crowning of Joash was a significant event, symbolizing the legitimate transfer of royal authority. The crown represents the divine right to rule, a concept deeply rooted in the Davidic covenant. This act also signifies the end of Athaliah's illegitimate reign and the restoration of rightful leadership in Judah.

presented him with the Testimony
The Testimony likely refers to a copy of the Law, which was customary for kings to receive upon their coronation (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). This act underscores the importance of the king's adherence to God's law, emphasizing that his rule should be guided by divine principles. It highlights the theocratic nature of Israel's monarchy, where the king is subject to God's authority.

and proclaimed him king
The public proclamation of Joash as king was essential for legitimizing his rule in the eyes of the people. This declaration was a formal acknowledgment of his rightful place as the ruler of Judah, in line with God's covenant with David. It also served to rally the people around their new king and restore order to the kingdom.

They anointed him
Anointing was a sacred act that set apart individuals for God's service, often associated with the Holy Spirit's empowerment. In the context of kingship, it signified divine approval and consecration for leadership. This act connects Joash to the tradition of anointed kings in Israel, such as Saul and David, and foreshadows the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah.

and shouted, “Long live the king!”
This acclamation was a traditional expression of loyalty and support for the new king. It reflects the people's acceptance and celebration of Joash's ascension to the throne. The phrase also carries a prophetic undertone, pointing to the eternal reign of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, whose kingdom will have no end.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoiada
The high priest who orchestrated the crowning of Joash. He played a crucial role in preserving the Davidic line and restoring proper worship in Judah.

2. Joash
The young king who was hidden in the temple for six years to protect him from Athaliah. He was crowned king at a young age under Jehoiada's guidance.

3. Athaliah
The usurping queen who had seized the throne of Judah and attempted to destroy the royal line of David.

4. The Temple
The place where Joash was hidden and later crowned. It served as a sanctuary and a symbol of God's presence and covenant with Israel.

5. The Testimony
Likely referring to the Law of Moses, which was given to Joash as a symbol of his responsibility to rule according to God's commandments.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
Despite human attempts to thwart His plans, God remains sovereign and faithful to His promises, as seen in the preservation of the Davidic line through Joash.

The Role of Godly Leadership
Jehoiada's leadership was instrumental in guiding Joash and restoring true worship. Godly leaders can have a profound impact on the spiritual direction of a community.

The Importance of God's Word
The giving of the Testimony to Joash underscores the necessity of ruling and living according to God's Word. Scripture should guide our decisions and actions.

Courage in the Face of Opposition
The actions of Jehoiada and his supporters demonstrate the courage required to stand for righteousness, even when facing significant opposition.

The Significance of Anointing
Anointing Joash as king symbolizes God's choice and empowerment for leadership. It reminds us of the anointing believers receive through the Holy Spirit.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Joash's crowning illustrate God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can this encourage us in our personal faith journey?

2. In what ways can we identify and support godly leadership within our own communities, similar to how Jehoiada supported Joash?

3. How does the giving of the Testimony to Joash highlight the importance of Scripture in our lives, and what steps can we take to ensure it remains central in our decision-making?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jehoiada's courage and strategic planning in the face of Athaliah's tyranny, and how can we apply these lessons when confronting challenges in our own lives?

5. Reflect on the significance of anointing in the Bible. How does understanding our own anointing as believers impact the way we live and serve in God's kingdom?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 11
This chapter provides a parallel account of Joash's crowning and the overthrow of Athaliah, offering additional details about the event.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20
This passage outlines the responsibilities of a king in Israel, emphasizing the importance of the Law, which connects to Joash receiving the Testimony.

Psalm 132:11-12
These verses speak of God's promise to David regarding his descendants, highlighting the significance of preserving the Davidic line through Joash.