Topical Encyclopedia Jehoiada, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is celebrated for his religious zeal and pivotal role in the preservation and restoration of true worship in Judah. As a high priest during a tumultuous period in the history of the southern kingdom, Jehoiada's actions were instrumental in safeguarding the Davidic line and re-establishing the worship of Yahweh.Background and Context Jehoiada was the husband of Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of King Ahaziah. His influence is most notably recorded during the reign of Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, who usurped the throne of Judah following the death of her son, King Ahaziah. Athaliah's reign was marked by the promotion of Baal worship, a direct affront to the covenantal faith of Israel. Preservation of the Davidic Line In a bold act of faith and courage, Jehoiada and his wife Jehosheba rescued Joash, the infant son of Ahaziah, from Athaliah's massacre of the royal family. They hid him in the temple of the LORD for six years, during which time Jehoiada nurtured and protected the young heir to the throne. This act of preservation was crucial in maintaining the Davidic line, in accordance with God's promise to David. Religious Reformation Jehoiada's zeal for the LORD culminated in a carefully orchestrated coup to dethrone Athaliah and install Joash as the rightful king. In the seventh year, Jehoiada gathered the commanders, the Carites, and the guards, forming a covenant with them in the house of the LORD. He presented Joash to them, and they swore allegiance to the young king (2 Kings 11:4-12). Jehoiada's religious fervor was further demonstrated when he led the people in a covenant renewal ceremony. "Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and people that they would be the LORD’s people, and also between the king and the people" (2 Kings 11:17). This covenant was a reaffirmation of their commitment to Yahweh and a rejection of idolatry. Destruction of Baal Worship Under Jehoiada's leadership, the people of Judah dismantled the altars of Baal, destroyed the temple of Baal, and executed Mattan, the priest of Baal, before the altars (2 Kings 11:18). This decisive action was a testament to Jehoiada's unwavering dedication to purging idolatry from the land and restoring the worship of the one true God. Legacy and Impact Jehoiada's influence extended beyond his lifetime, as he served as a mentor and guide to King Joash. His commitment to the LORD and his house was evident in the restoration of the temple, which had suffered neglect and desecration under previous regimes. Jehoiada organized the collection of funds for temple repairs and ensured that the work was carried out faithfully (2 Kings 12:4-16). Jehoiada's life exemplifies the profound impact of religious zeal when aligned with God's purposes. His actions not only preserved the Davidic line but also reinvigorated the spiritual life of Judah, setting a standard for future generations. His death was deeply mourned, and he was honored with a burial among the kings in the City of David, a testament to his significant contributions to the spiritual and political life of the nation (2 Chronicles 24:15-16). Jehoiada's account serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of steadfast faith and courageous leadership in the face of adversity, inspiring believers to uphold the truth and purity of worship in their own lives. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 11:4-17And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and showed them the king's son. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 23:1-17 Library Glad Givers and Faithful Workers The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ... The Scotch Covenants and the Scotch Kirk. Covenant Duties. Nature of Covenanting. The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria The Strait Gate; Resources What does the Bible say about being zealous / having zeal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that “zeal for your house will consume me” in John 2:17? | GotQuestions.org What is Christian fanaticism? | GotQuestions.org Zeal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: David Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Elijah Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Israelites Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Jehoiada Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Jehu Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Josiah Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Moses and Levites Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Phinehas Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Samuel Religious Zeal without Knowledge Religious Zeal: Andrew and Philip Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Religious Zeal: General Scriptures Concerning Religious Zeal: Paul and Barnabas Religious Zeal: Peter Rebuking Jesus Religious Zeal: The Healed Deaf-Mute Man Religious Zeal: The Restored Leper Religious Zeal: Two Blind Men Proclaiming the Miracle of Healing Zeal: Provokes Others to do Good Zeal: should be Exhibited for the Glory of God Zeal: should be Exhibited for the Welfare of Saints Zeal: should be Exhibited in Contending for the Faith Zeal: should be Exhibited in Desiring the Salvation of Others Zeal: should be Exhibited in Missionary Labours Zeal: should be Exhibited in Spirit Zeal: should be Exhibited in Well-Doing Zeal: should be Exhibited: Against Idolatry Zeal: Sometimes not According to Knowledge Zeal: Sometimes Wrongly Directed Zeal: Ungodly Men Sometimes Pretend To Related Terms |
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