Analysis of 2 Kings Chapter 11
2 Kings Chapter 11 recounts a dramatic and pivotal moment in the history of the Kingdom of Judah. This chapter focuses on the turbulent period following the death of Ahaziah, highlighting the rise of Athaliah to power, the preservation of the Davidic lineage through Joash, and the eventual restoration of the rightful king to the throne. This chapter encapsulates themes of divine providence, the faithfulness of God’s promises, and the triumph of righteousness over usurpation and rebellion.
Verses 1-3: The Usurpation by Athaliah
The chapter opens with Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, seizing the throne of Judah after her son’s death.
When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family. But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal princes who were about to be murdered. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah; so he was not killed. He remained hidden with his nurse at the temple of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled the land.
Athaliah’s ruthless actions seem to reflect the influence of her mother, Jezebel, known for her idolatry and ruthlessness. The purpose of Athaliah’s murderous spree was to eliminate any potential claimants to the throne and secure her own power. However, this event sets the stage for the providential rescue of Joash, a key figure in the Davidic line. Jehosheba’s daring act of saving Joash highlights her courage and faithfulness to God’s promises. By hiding Joash in the Temple of the LORD, the narrative emphasizes the sanctity and protection of the Temple, symbolizing God’s providential care over His chosen lineage.
Verses 4-12: The Coronation of Joash
A significant shift occurs in verses 4-12 with the planning and execution of a coup to restore the rightful king.
In the seventh year Jehoiada sent for the commanders of units of a hundred, the Carites and the guards and had them brought to him at the temple of the Lord. He made a covenant with them and put them under oath at the temple of the Lord. Then he showed them the king’s son. He commanded them, saying, “This is what you are to do: You who are in the three companies that are going on duty on the Sabbath—a third of you guarding the royal palace, a third at the Sur Gate, and a third at the gate behind the guard, who take turns guarding the temple—and you who are in the other two companies that normally go off Sabbath duty are all to guard the temple for the king. Station yourselves around the king, each of you with weapon in hand. Anyone who approaches your ranks is to be put to death. Stay close to the king wherever he goes.” The commanders of units of a hundred did just as Jehoiada the priest ordered. Each one took his men—those who were going on duty on the Sabbath and those who were going off duty—and came to Jehoiada the priest. Then he gave the commanders the spears and shields that had belonged to King David and that were in the temple of the Lord. The guards, each with weapon in hand, stationed themselves around the king—near the altar and the temple, from the south side to the north side of the temple. Jehoiada brought out the king’s son and put the crown on him; he presented him with a copy of the covenant and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, “Long live the king!”
Jehoiada, the high priest, is instrumental in orchestrating the plan to crown Joash as king. By involving the military and forming a covenant with them, Jehoiada ensures widespread support and stability for the transition. The use of the Temple as the operational base for this coup underscores its central role in Judah’s spiritual and political life. The crowning of Joash while presenting him with “the testimony”, likely a reference to the law, highlights the covenantal nature of kingship in Israel—a king was to rule under God’s law.
Verses 13-16: The Fall of Athaliah
As the plot to crown Joash unfolds, Athaliah’s fate is sealed.
When Athaliah heard the noise made by the guards and the people, she went to the people at the temple of the Lord. She looked and there was the king, standing by the pillar, as the custom was. The officers and the trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her robes and called out, “Treason! Treason!” Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of units of a hundred, who were in charge of the troops: “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 temple of the Lord.” So they seized her as she reached the place where the horses enter the palace grounds, and there she was put to death.
Athaliah’s confrontation with the new king and her ultimate demise illustrate the futility of her attempts to usurp the throne. Her cry of “Treason!” is ironic, given her own unlawful rise to power. The restraint shown by Jehoiada, ordering that she not be killed within the Temple, reinforces the sanctity of the religious site and reflects adherence to proper conduct even in times of political upheaval. Athaliah’s death marks the end of her illegitimate rule and paves the way for the restoration of the Davidic lineage.
Verses 17-20: Renewal of the Covenant
Following Athaliah’s death, Jehoiada leads the nation in a covenant renewal ceremony.
Jehoiada then made a covenant between the Lord and the king and people that they would be the Lord’s people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people. All the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed the altars and idols to pieces, and killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars. Then Jehoiada the priest posted guards at the temple of the Lord. He took with him the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, the guards and all the people of the land, and together they brought the king down from the temple of the Lord and went into the palace, entering by way of the Gate of the Guards. The king then took his place on the royal throne. All the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was calm, because Athaliah had been slain with the sword at the palace.
Jehoiada’s covenant renewal signifies a recommitment of the nation to their God. This act reestablishes the foundational relationship between God, the king, and the people. The destruction of the temple of Baal and the killing of its priest, Mattan, are significant actions that symbolize the purging of idolatry and the reformation of Judah’s religious practices. This purge underscores a return to monotheistic worship and reaffirms the exclusive worship of Yahweh. The calm that follows Athaliah’s death indicates a return to order and divine favor under Joash’s legitimate reign.
Verse 21: Joash’s Ascension
Joash was seven years old when he began to reign.
Joash’s young age at the time of his ascension (seven years old) emphasizes the miraculous nature of his survival and the extensive support network orchestrated by Jehoiada. His age also signals the beginning of a reign that will require guidance and mentorship, likely provided by Jehoiada, setting the stage for future developments in subsequent chapters.
Conclusion: Themes and Significance
2 Kings Chapter 11 is a narratively rich chapter that operates on multiple levels.
- Divine Providence: The preservation and eventual enthronement of Joash highlight God’s sovereign plans. Despite attempts by human actors to disrupt the Davidic lineage, the events in this chapter demonstrate that God’s purposes prevail.
- Faithfulness and Courage: Characters like Jehosheba and Jehoiada exemplify courage and faithfulness in the face of danger. Their actions are driven by a commitment to God’s covenant and the protection of the Davidic line.
- Restoration and Reformation: The ascendancy of Joash and the subsequent covenant renewal symbolize a return to rightful worship and governance. The destruction of idolatry and the restoration of the Davidic king reflect a broader theme of spiritual and political renewal.
The chapter underscores the belief that the true king is one who rules under God’s authority, upholding His laws and leading the people in covenantal faithfulness. The narrative not only provides historical details but also serves as a theological reflection on the nature of kingship, the importance of righteous leadership, and the enduring nature of God’s promises to His people. This chapter sets the stage for the reign of Joash, which will be elaborated upon in the following chapters, continuing the story of Judah’s monarchy under divine guidance.