2 Chronicles 23:1-21
Q.1. How did Jehoiada manage to crown a new king while Athaliah reigned? What kind of support was he able to muster? – (2 Chr.23:1-11)
Athaliah held sway in the palace courts, but had neglected Temple worship, thus forfeited the support of the Priesthood. Jehoiada was able to get the army to enter into a Covenant and to support his purge. As Chief Priest, he easily led them to reinstate the sole surviving son of Judah’s royal family. He had clear plans in place to safeguard the success of his mission. Therefore, young Joash was made king – Then they brought out the king’s son and put the crown on him and gave him the testimony and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him and said, “Long live the king!” (2 Chr.23:11). Once King, Joash was then required to write his own copy of the Testimony. (Dt.17:18-20).
Q.2. What place did God have in the coronation of the new king? How did God bring the treasonous behaviour of Athaliah down on her own head? – (2 Chr.23:12-15)
Not only did the Levites carry weapons, but they also brought loud praise to the accompaniment of instruments. Queen Athaliah heard the excited tribute of praise and ran into the temple crying “Treason! Treason!” Consequently, the one who had obtained high office by treason was carried out of the Temple precinct and killed.
Q.3. How did the people react to the removal of Athaliah? What foundation did Jehoiada put in place for renewing the people of God? – (2 Chr.23:16-21)
The removal of Athaliah from office brought rejoicing amongst the people. The city was at peace (2 Chr.23:21). Jehoiada seized the moment and led Judah in reformation – Then Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and all the people and the king, that they would be the Lord’s people (2 Chr.23:16). This was followed by a purge of idol worship from the land and a reinstatement of worthy worship in Jerusalem – Moreover, Jehoiada placed the offices of the house of the Lord under the authority of the Levitical priests, whom David had assigned over the house of the Lord, to offer the burnt offerings of the Lord, as it is written in the law of Moses–with rejoicing and singing according to the order of David (2 Chr.23:18). Jehoiada also led the key leaders to place the king on his royal throne. What a day it had been.