2 Chronicles 23:1-14
Jehoiada Makes a Covenant
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1Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself and made a covenant with the commanders of hundreds—with Azariah son of Jeroham, Ishmael son of Jehohanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zichri.
2So they went throughout Judah and gathered the Levites from all the cities of Judah and the heads of the families of Israel. And when they came to Jerusalem,
3the whole assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. “Behold, the king’s son!” said Jehoiada. “He must reign, just as the LORD promised concerning the descendants of David.
4This is what you are to do: A third of you priests and Levites who come on duty on the Sabbath shall keep watch at the doors,
5a third shall be at the royal palace, and a third at the Foundation Gate, while all the others are to be in the courtyards of the house of the LORD.
6No one is to enter the house of the LORD except the priests and those Levites who serve; they may enter because they are consecrated, but all the people are to obey the requirement of the LORD.
7The Levites must surround the king with weapons in hand, and anyone who enters the temple must be put to death. You must stay close to the king wherever he goes.”
8So the Levites and all Judah did everything that Jehoiada the priest had ordered. Each of them took his men—those coming on duty on the Sabbath and those going off duty—for Jehoiada the priest had not released any of the divisions.
9Then Jehoiada the priest gave to the commanders of hundreds the spears and the large and small shields of King David that were in the house of God.
10He stationed all the troops, with their weapons in hand, surrounding the king by the altar and the temple, from the south side to the north side of the temple.
11Then 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!”
12When Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and cheering the king, she went out to them in the house of the LORD.
13And she looked and saw the king standing by his pillar at the entrance. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets, while the singers with musical instruments were leading the praises. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason, treason!”
14And 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.”
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
In the seventh year Jehoiada makes a covenant with five commanders. They gather Levites and family heads from throughout Judah, and the whole assembly makes a covenant with the king in God's house. Jehoiada declares that this son must reign, as the LORD promised concerning David's descendants. The priest organizes them carefully because the work ahead is dangerous and must protect the king.
They bring out the king's son, place a crown on him, and present him with the Testimony. Jehoiada and his sons anoint Joash and proclaim, “Long live the king!” The covenant is both public and practical: guards are assigned, entrances are watched, and only the priests and serving Levites may enter the temple itself, because they are consecrated.
The priest gives the commanders the spears and shields that had belonged to David and had been kept in the house of God. The weapons are used to secure the young king. The people are not gathered for spectacle; they are protecting a child and restoring a rightful order.
Athaliah hears the noise and comes to the temple. She sees the king standing by the pillar with the commanders and trumpeters, and she tears her clothes, crying, “Treason! Treason!” Jehoiada orders her brought out between the ranks and says she must not be killed in the LORD's house.
Questions
1 With whom did Jehoiada make a covenant?
AnswerHe first made a covenant with five commanders. They gathered the Levites and family heads, and the whole assembly made a covenant with the king.
2 What happened to Joash?
AnswerJoash was brought out, crowned, anointed, and proclaimed king by Jehoiada and his sons.
3 Where had David's weapons been kept?
AnswerDavid's spears and shields had been kept in the house of God.
4 What does Jehoiada order when Athaliah cries treason?
AnswerHe orders her brought out between the ranks and forbids putting her to death inside the LORD's house.
What This Means for Us
Jehoiada bases his action on God's promise about David's descendants. The child hidden for six years is brought before the people as king, with careful arrangements to protect him.
Our responsibilities are different from restoring Israel's throne, but care for vulnerable people still takes more than good intentions. If someone needs protection, work with trustworthy people, make a clear plan, and carry out the help you have promised.
Prayer
Lord, give us courage to protect what is good and wisdom to act carefully when others are at risk. Help our worship make us more faithful in public responsibilities, not less. Amen.
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