2 Chronicles 23:14

And Jehoiada the priest sent out the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, saying, "Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her." For the priest had said, "She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD."

Study Bible

And Jehoiada the priest sent out the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army
Jehoiada, a prominent priest, played a crucial role in the restoration of the Davidic line. His leadership in this context highlights the significant influence of religious leaders in political matters in ancient Israel. The "commanders of hundreds" indicates a structured military organization, suggesting a well-prepared plan to overthrow Athaliah, the usurper queen. This action reflects the intertwining of religious and military efforts to uphold God's covenant with David's lineage.

saying, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.”
Jehoiada's command to bring Athaliah out "between the ranks" signifies a strategic move to ensure her capture without defiling the temple. The instruction to execute anyone who follows her underscores the seriousness of purging idolatry and rebellion from Judah. This reflects the biblical principle of removing sin from the community to maintain holiness, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:5, where false prophets are to be put to death to purge evil.

For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.”
The insistence that Athaliah not be killed in the temple underscores the sanctity of the house of the LORD. This respect for sacred spaces is consistent with the broader biblical theme of holiness and the separation of the sacred from the profane. The temple, as the dwelling place of God's presence, was to remain undefiled by acts of violence, aligning with the principle found in 1 Kings 8:29, where the temple is dedicated as a place of prayer and worship.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoiada the Priest
A key religious leader who played a crucial role in restoring the Davidic line to the throne of Judah. He was instrumental in the overthrow of Queen Athaliah.

2. Commanders of Hundreds
Military leaders under Jehoiada's command, tasked with executing his orders to remove Athaliah from the temple and ensure her followers were dealt with.

3. Athaliah
The queen who usurped the throne of Judah and attempted to destroy the royal line of David. Her removal was essential for the restoration of rightful leadership.

4. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a sacred place where Jehoiada insisted that no bloodshed should occur, highlighting the sanctity of the temple.

5. The Army
The military force that supported Jehoiada's plan to dethrone Athaliah and restore the rightful king, Joash, to the throne.

Teaching Points

Sanctity of Sacred Spaces
Jehoiada's insistence on not shedding blood in the temple underscores the importance of respecting places dedicated to God. We should honor and preserve the sanctity of our places of worship.

Righteous Leadership
The removal of Athaliah and the restoration of Joash highlight the importance of godly leadership. We should pray for and support leaders who uphold biblical values.

Courage in Faith
Jehoiada's actions required great courage and faith. We are called to stand firm in our convictions, even when facing opposition.

God's Sovereignty
The preservation of the Davidic line through Joash demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises. We can trust in God's sovereign plan for our lives.

Community and Accountability
The involvement of the commanders and the army shows the importance of community and accountability in achieving God's purposes. We should seek to work together with others in our faith communities.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jehoiada's respect for the temple's sanctity challenge us in how we view and treat our places of worship today?

2. In what ways can we support and encourage godly leadership in our communities and nations?

3. What are some situations in our lives where we need to demonstrate courage and faith like Jehoiada?

4. How does the account of Athaliah's overthrow and Joash's enthronement encourage us to trust in God's promises?

5. What role does community play in our spiritual growth and in fulfilling God's purposes, as seen in the actions of the commanders and the army?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 11
This chapter provides a parallel account of the events surrounding Athaliah's overthrow and the enthronement of Joash, offering additional details and context.

Exodus 21:14
This verse discusses the sanctity of the altar and the prohibition of executing someone in a holy place, which aligns with Jehoiada's command to not kill Athaliah in the temple.

Psalm 132:11-12
These verses emphasize God's promise to David regarding his descendants, which is relevant to the restoration of the Davidic line through Joash.