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2 Kings 11

21 verses

TL;DR

Athaliah’s murderous reign ends when Jehoiada and Jehosheba restore Joash to the throne; the people reject Baal worship and reestablish covenantal order.

Summary

After Athaliah kills all royal heirs, Jehosheba hides the infant Joash in the Temple for six years. In the seventh year Jehoiada orchestrates a plan to secure Joash’s return, gathering the hundreds and the guard, and making a covenant with them in the house of the LORD. The king is anointed, crowned, and the people celebrate with trumpets, while Athaliah hears the commotion and is brought to the temple, where she is slain. Baal worshipers are destroyed and their altars broken, and a covenant is renewed between the LORD, the king, and the people. The chapter concludes with the joy of the nation and the age of Joash at his coronation.

Outline
  1. Athaliah murders the royal heirs and Jehosheba hides Joash in the Temple.
  2. Jehoiada gathers support, renews the covenant, and anoints Joash as king.
  3. Athaliah is killed, Baal worship is destroyed, and covenantal unity is restored.
Themes
political restoration and justicecovenant renewal and loyalty to Godpriestly authority and divine intervention
Keywords
AthaliahJehoiadaJoashcovenantBaalTemplekingpriestcrownguard
People
AthaliahJehoshhebaAhaziahJoash (Jehoash)JoramJehoiadaMattanDavid (spears)captainsguard
Places
JerusalemTemple of the LORDHouse of the LORDBaal worship sitegate of Surgate of the guard
Things
crownspearsshieldscovenanttrumpetsguardBaal’s altars
Key Verses
  • 2 Kings 11:1: Shows Athaliah’s usurpation and the threat to the Davidic line.
  • 2 Kings 11:13-14: Athaliah’s realization of the threat and the jubilant response.
  • 2 Kings 11:15-16: The decisive act of killing Athaliah, illustrating divine judgment.
  • 2 Kings 11:18: Destruction of Baal worship, marking religious reform.
  • 2 Kings 11:20: Celebration of the restored monarchy and covenant.
  • 2 Kings 11:21: Stipulates Joash’s age, emphasizing his youth and the need for support.
Questions
  • What motivated Jehosheba to risk her life to hide Joash?
  • How does Jehoiada’s plan reflect the role of the priesthood in restoring the Davidic line?
  • What is the significance of the destruction of Baal worship in the context of Israel’s covenant?
  • In what ways does the chapter illustrate the theme of divine justice?
  • How does the anointing ceremony for Joash emphasize his legitimacy and the people's hope?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains violent actions but ultimately celebrates restoration and covenant renewal.