A Crisis

By a narrow margin, the royal descendants of David were nearly wiped out. If that had happened, how could the Messiah have been born as a son of David (2 Samuel 7:12-13)? However, God is in control. He used a God-fearing couple to rescue Joash, a royal descendant, from the grasp of Athaliah, who sought to exterminate all of David’s lineage (2 Chronicles 22:10). How could such a dire situation have arisen?

The Background

This was a dark time in Israel’s history. The kingdom was divided. Ahab, along with Jezebel, ruled in the north, while Jehoshaphat reigned in the south. Unfortunately, Jehoshaphat allied himself with Ahab on several occasions and eventually became related to him by marriage: his son Joram married Athaliah, Ahab’s daughter. Their son, Ahaziah, became king after Joram’s death. The influence of Ahab’s family led Ahaziah to “do what was evil in the sight of the Lord, as the house of Ahab had done; for they were his counselors in his death, to his destruction” (2 Chronicles 22:4).

But God intervened. He commissioned Jehu, a military commander, to destroy the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9:8). Jehu was anointed king at Elisha’s request and carried out this judgment with great zeal, but not in fellowship with God. He went too far and incurred bloodguilt upon himself (cf. Hosea 1:4).

As part of this judgment, Ahaziah was also killed. Athaliah, his mother, responded with a ruthless plan. She decided to kill all the royal descendants to secure her power. The Davidic dynasty and the messianic promises teetered on the brink of destruction. Humanly speaking, all seemed lost. But God was present. He watched over His counsel.

A God-fearing Couple

In a critical situation, Jehosheba and Jehoiada stepped in to take action. Jehosheba, the sister (or half-sister) of Ahaziah, understood the seriousness of the circumstances and acted quickly. Her courageous deed is briefly documented as follows:

• She “took” Joash, the son of Ahaziah, who was still a small child (2 Chronicles 22:11; 24:1).
• She “stole him away” from among the king’s sons, indicating the dramatic nature of the situation. Although the details of how she accomplished this are not provided, she found a way.
• She first hid little Joash in a “bedroom,” presumably a room used for storing bedding.
• She also managed to conceal his nurse, ensuring that Joash would be cared for.
• Jehosheba demonstrated not only courage and ingenuity but also perseverance, as she kept Joash hidden for six years.

Her husband, Jehoiada, was a priest. While Jehosheba took the initial action—likely due to the circumstances—he must have agreed to the plan, as it is stated that Joash was hidden “with them” for six years. The couple had reached an understanding and were working together in this endeavor.

Notably, it is mentioned that Joash was “with them in the house of God.” This suggests that the couple lived in an apartment within the temple complex. With God’s help and their trust in Him, they successfully kept little Joash hidden for six years.

The final sentence of the chapter is short, concise, and loaded with meaning: “But Athaliah ruled the land.” Power was in the hands of Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Athaliah had plainly demonstrated her character; she cold-bloodedly pursued her own interests and had no regard for the “son of David.”

The Names

The name “Joshephat” (“the LORD has sworn”) reflects her courageous actions. She had faith that God had promised to David (Psalm 89:4; 132:11) and trusted in Him.

Similarly, the meaning of the name “Jehoiada” (“the Lord knows”) is evident in his behavior. Jehoiada must have understood that Joash could not remain hidden forever—not only because he was destined to be king, but also because Athaliah would show no mercy to anyone who tried to overthrow her. Despite these dangers, we read, “In the seventh year, Jehoiada took courage” (2 Chronicles 23:1). He entrusted the situation to the LORD, who “knows” every challenge and threat.

Ultimately, Joash was crowned and proclaimed king, bringing great joy to the people, while Athaliah was executed (2 Chronicles 23:3-21).

A Contemporary Meaning

From this story, we can learn a great deal about the courage and determination of this royal priestly couple, who were entirely devoted to the son of David.

 We also marvel at God’s providence; He holds everything in His hand. Not even the brutal reign of Athaliah could alter His plans. Throughout history, God has demonstrated that He is in control, even in seemingly hopeless situations, such as the plight of the Jews in the Book of Esther or the massacre of the children ordered by Herod in Bethlehem. In the end, God’s sovereignty prevails, and this truth remains relevant today.

Furthermore, this compelling narrative serves as a powerful illustration of our current times:

• Joshua and Jehoiada placed their trust in God’s promises. Their hearts were completely focused on the “Son of David.” Because of this, they possessed a secret: they were the only ones who knew that a living Son of David was hidden in the temple, destined to reign, while everyone else believed he was dead.
• Today, we find ourselves in a similar situation. The world is still under the influence of the evil Athaliah, with Satan as her prince (John 12:31). People are unaware that the Son of David is alive. They do not realize that Christ conquered death, rose again, ascended into heaven, and now sits at the right hand of God. The true Joash, the man in the sanctuary, remains unknown to most, just as unrecognized as He will be when His reign begins.
• As Christians, we know that Christ—believed to be dead—is alive and in the heavenly sanctuary. God’s purpose will ultimately be fulfilled: to bring everything together under one head, both on earth and in heaven. Christ, the true Joash, is that head (cf. Ephesians 1:10). Since the day of Pentecost, the message has been clear: Christ lives, resides in the heavenly sanctuary, and will one day reign (Acts 2:32, 33; cf. 3:20, 21; 7:56).
• When Joash was crowned, Athaliah was executed. This foreshadows what will happen when Christ returns to claim His kingdom: His enemies will be defeated (Hebrews 10:13; Revelation 19:11-20:5).

In addition to what is mentioned in this Old Testament account, we have the immediate hope that Christ will return from the heavenly sanctuary to take us to Himself, so that we may reign with Him.

Conclusion

The couple, Joshab and Jehoiada, shared a profound secret. They understood God’s plan and were confident that it would come to fruition. This certainty inspired them and gave them the faith, energy, and courage to hide Joash, raise him, and ultimately proclaim him king. Similarly, we also understand God’s plan and know the man in glory. We are called to take courage (2 Chronicles 23:1) and to share with the world that Christ is alive, that He is our Savior today, and that one day He will reign.