2 Kings 11:12

Then Jehoiada brought out the king's son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and declared, "Long live the king!"

Study Bible

Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son
Jehoiada, the high priest, plays a crucial role in preserving the Davidic line by protecting Joash, the rightful heir to the throne. This act occurs during a time of political turmoil when Athaliah, the queen mother, had usurped the throne. Joash had been hidden in the temple for six years, symbolizing God's providential care over the Davidic covenant. This event underscores the importance of divine intervention in maintaining the lineage that would eventually lead to Jesus Christ, the ultimate King.

put the crown on him
The crowning of Joash signifies the restoration of the rightful monarchy in Judah. The crown is a symbol of authority and legitimacy, marking Joash as the legitimate heir to David's throne. This act fulfills the promise that the line of David would continue, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:16, where God promises David that his house and kingdom will endure forever.

presented him with the Testimony
The Testimony likely refers to a copy of the Law, which the king was required to have and read according to Deuteronomy 17:18-20. This emphasizes the king's duty to rule in accordance with God's law, highlighting the theocratic nature of Israel's monarchy. It serves as a reminder that the king is subject to God's authority and must lead the people in righteousness.

and proclaimed him king
The public proclamation of Joash as king is a formal declaration of his rightful position. This act is significant in re-establishing the Davidic line and restoring order to the kingdom. It also reflects the biblical principle that leadership is established by God, as seen in Romans 13:1, which states that all authority is instituted by God.

They anointed him
Anointing with oil is a significant ritual in the Old Testament, symbolizing the consecration and empowerment of a person for a specific role or task. In the case of Joash, it signifies his divine appointment as king. This act foreshadows the anointing of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, whose title means "Anointed One."

and the people clapped their hands and declared, “Long live the king!”
The people's response indicates their acceptance and support of Joash as their king. Clapping hands is an expression of joy and approval, while the acclamation "Long live the king!" is a traditional expression of loyalty and hope for a prosperous reign. This moment reflects the communal aspect of kingship in Israel, where the king's legitimacy is affirmed by the people's recognition and support.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoiada
A high priest who played a crucial role in preserving the Davidic line by protecting Joash and orchestrating his coronation.

2. Joash (Jehoash)
The young king who was hidden in the temple for six years to protect him from Queen Athaliah's murderous intentions.

3. Athaliah
The queen mother who usurped the throne of Judah and sought to destroy the royal family.

4. The Temple
The sacred place where Joash was hidden and later crowned, symbolizing God's protection and presence.

5. The Anointing and Coronation
The event where Joash was anointed as king, signifying God's chosen leadership and the restoration of rightful rule.

Teaching Points

Divine Protection and Providence
God's hand is evident in preserving the Davidic line through Joash, reminding us of His sovereignty and faithfulness to His promises.

The Role of Godly Leadership
Jehoiada's courage and faithfulness demonstrate the impact of godly leadership in guiding and protecting God's people.

The Importance of Anointing
The anointing of Joash signifies God's choice and empowerment, encouraging us to seek God's anointing in our own lives for His purposes.

Restoration and Renewal
Joash's coronation marks a renewal of rightful leadership, inspiring us to seek restoration in areas of our lives where God's order needs to be reestablished.

Celebration of God's Faithfulness
The people's rejoicing at Joash's coronation reflects the joy of witnessing God's promises fulfilled, prompting us to celebrate God's work in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jehoiada's role in Joash's coronation inspire us to act courageously in our own spheres of influence?

2. In what ways can we seek God's anointing in our daily lives, and how does this passage encourage us to do so?

3. How does the preservation of the Davidic line through Joash point to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises?

4. What parallels can we draw between Joash's coronation and the anointing of Jesus as King, and how does this deepen our understanding of Christ's kingship?

5. How can we apply the principles of restoration and renewal seen in Joash's account to areas of our lives that need God's order and leadership?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 10:1
The anointing of Saul as king, which parallels the anointing of Joash, highlighting the divine appointment of leaders.

Psalm 2:6-7
The declaration of God's chosen king, reflecting the divine legitimacy of Joash's rule.

2 Chronicles 23:11
A parallel account of Joash's coronation, providing additional details and affirming the importance of the event.

Exodus 25:16
The reference to the "Testimony" given to Joash, connecting to the Ark of the Covenant and God's law.

Isaiah 9:6-7
The prophecy of a righteous king, foreshadowing the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, the eternal King.