Joash Saved and Anointed King: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on 2 Kings 11

Executive Summary ✨

2 Kings 11 recounts a dramatic power struggle in Judah. Athaliah, the queen mother and a descendant of Ahab, seizes the throne after the death of her son Ahaziah, attempting to exterminate the royal line of David. However, Jehosheba, Ahaziah’s sister, bravely rescues his infant son, Joash, and hides him in the Temple for six years. In the seventh year, Jehoiada the priest orchestrates a carefully planned rebellion, crowning Joash as king and executing the wicked Athaliah. This chapter is a testament to God’s unwavering promise to David (2 Samuel 7:16) and His ability to preserve His chosen lineage even amidst the most treacherous circumstances. It highlights the importance of righteous resistance against evil, the role of the Church in preserving truth, and the enduring faithfulness of God. Our focus key phrase, Joash Saved and Anointed King, perfectly captures the chapter’s pivotal events.

This chapter presents a stark contrast between good and evil, faith and wickedness, highlighting God’s unwavering commitment to His promises despite human failings. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, God’s light can prevail through the courage and faithfulness of His people. Explore web hosting services with us!

Commentary Sections

2 Kings 11:1-3: Athaliah’s Treachery and Joash’s Rescue

KJV: And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king’s sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land.

Athaliah’s actions are a chilling example of the depths of depravity to which ambition can lead. Her attempt to eradicate the entire royal line demonstrates a complete disregard for God’s covenant with David. The Coptic Church understands this as a direct assault on God’s plan of salvation. ✨ Jehosheba’s courageous act of saving Joash is a beacon of hope in this dark period. Her willingness to risk her own life to protect the heir to the throne reflects a profound faith and a commitment to righteousness. The fact that Joash was hidden in the Temple is also significant, emphasizing the role of the Church as a sanctuary and protector of truth.

“Ἀλλ’ ὁ δὲ Κύριος οὐκ ἐπελάθετο τῆς διαθήκης αὐτοῦ τῷ Δαυίδ.” (Septuagint, 4 Kingdoms 11:2) – “But the Lord did not forget His covenant with David.” This verse from the Septuagint underscores the divine providence at play. Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable evil, God remembers His promises.

Spiritual Application: We, too, must be vigilant against the “Athaliahs” in our own lives – the temptations and worldly desires that seek to destroy our spiritual inheritance. Like Jehosheba, we must be willing to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult or dangerous. We can find strength and protection within the Church, a refuge from the spiritual battles we face.

2 Kings 11:4-8: Jehoiada’s Plan

KJV: And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king’s son. And he commanded them, saying, This is the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you that enter in on the sabbath shall even be keepers of the watch of the king’s house; And a third part shall be at the gate of Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard: so shall ye keep the watch of the house, that it be not broken down. And two parts of all you that go forth on the sabbath, even they shall keep the watch of the house of the LORD about the king. And ye shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand: and he that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain: and be ye with the king as he goeth out and as he cometh in.

Jehoiada’s strategic planning is remarkable. He carefully chooses his allies, secures their loyalty through a covenant, and implements a detailed security plan. This highlights the importance of wisdom and discernment in carrying out God’s will. Jehoiada’s actions are not merely a political coup; they are a restoration of God’s ordained order. 📖 He understood that God’s promise to David was paramount and that Athaliah’s reign was an affront to God’s authority. The involvement of the military leaders and the Levitical guard shows a united effort to uphold righteousness.

St. Athanasius, in *Contra Gentes*, speaks of the importance of discerning spirits and acting with wisdom in the face of evil. He reminds us that spiritual warfare requires both faith and strategic action. (Ἀθανάσιος, *Κατὰ Ἐθνῶν*, PG 25, 45)

Spiritual Application: We must learn to discern the times and seasons, understanding when it is necessary to take action in defense of truth and righteousness. Prayerful planning and wise counsel are essential tools in our spiritual battles. Like Jehoiada, we should seek to build alliances with those who share our commitment to God’s will.

2 Kings 11:9-12: The Anointing of Joash

KJV: And the captains over the hundreds did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest commanded: and took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that should go out on the sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest. And Jehoiada gave the captains over hundreds spears and bucklers, that were king David’s, which were in the house of the LORD. And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, round about the king, from the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, along by the altar and the house. And he brought forth the king’s son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.

The anointing of Joash is a pivotal moment. The use of David’s spears and bucklers symbolizes the restoration of the Davidic kingdom and the fulfillment of God’s promises. The coronation taking place in the Temple underscores the divine sanction of Joash’s reign. The shout, “God save the king,” is a recognition of God’s sovereignty and a prayer for His continued protection and guidance.🕊️ This act is reminiscent of the anointing of other kings in the Old Testament, such as David himself (1 Samuel 16:13), solidifying Joash’s legitimacy and divine favor.

The Coptic Orthodox Church understands anointing with oil as a sacrament signifying the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Just as Joash was anointed to be king, we are anointed with chrism after baptism to be members of Christ’s royal priesthood. ✨

Spiritual Application: We, too, are called to be kings and priests in Christ. Through baptism and chrismation, we receive the Holy Spirit, empowering us to reign over our own lives and to serve God faithfully. We must embrace our royal identity and live in accordance with God’s will.

2 Kings 11:13-16: Athaliah’s Demise

KJV: And when Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she came to the people into the temple of the LORD. And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the manner was, and the princes and the trumpeters by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets: and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried, Treason, Treason. But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her forth without the ranges: and him that followeth her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the LORD. And they laid hands on her; and she went by the way by the which the horses came into the king’s house: and there was she slain.

Athaliah’s reaction reveals her true character. Instead of repenting, she cries “Treason!” This highlights the blindness of those who are entrenched in evil. Her execution is a necessary act of justice, demonstrating that wickedness will ultimately be judged. Jehoiada’s command to take her outside the Temple before killing her shows a reverence for the sanctity of the Temple. The execution outside symbolizes the separation of God’s holy place from the act of judgment.

In the Wisdom of Solomon (10:6), we read: “Wisdom delivered the righteous from wrath, and rescued him from sinking under sins.” Athaliah lacked the wisdom to repent, and thus faced the consequences of her actions.

Spiritual Application: We must be careful not to become so entrenched in our own ways that we are blind to the truth. Repentance is always possible, but it requires humility and a willingness to turn away from evil. God’s justice will ultimately prevail, and those who reject Him will face the consequences of their choices.

2 Kings 11:17-21: Jehoiada’s Covenant and the People’s Joy

KJV: And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD’s people; between the king also and the people. And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake down his altars; his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And Jehoiada appointed officers over the house of the LORD. And he took the rulers over hundreds, and the captains, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the house of the LORD, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king’s house. And he sat on the throne of the kings. And all the people of the land rejoiced: and the city was in quietness, after that they had slain Athaliah with the sword.

Jehoiada’s establishment of a covenant between God, the king, and the people is a restoration of the proper relationship between them. The destruction of the house of Baal and the slaying of his priest signify a return to true worship. The covenant underscores the people’s commitment to serving God and obeying His commands. The people’s joy and the city’s quietness demonstrate the peace that comes from righteous leadership and obedience to God. The removal of idolatry and the reestablishment of true worship bring about spiritual and societal healing.

St. Cyril of Alexandria emphasizes the importance of covenant in our relationship with God. He writes, “Through the covenant, we are united to Christ and become partakers of His divine nature.” (Κύριλλος Ἀλεξανδρείας, *Commentarii in Joannem*, PG 73, 165)

Spiritual Application: We must continually renew our covenant with God through repentance, prayer, and obedience. We must also be vigilant in destroying the “idols” in our own lives – the things that distract us from God and lead us astray. True joy and peace come from a right relationship with God.

Subtopic Sections

Here are key reflections and teachings from 2 Kings 11:

• God’s Unwavering Faithfulness: Even in the darkest of times, God remains faithful to His promises. He preserved the line of David through Jehosheba’s courage and Jehoiada’s wisdom. ✨
• The Importance of Righteous Resistance: We are called to stand against evil and to defend the truth, even when it is difficult or dangerous. Jehosheba and Jehoiada exemplify this principle. 💡
• The Role of the Church: The Temple served as a sanctuary and a place of refuge for Joash, highlighting the Church’s role as a protector of truth and righteousness. 📖
• The Consequences of Wickedness: Athaliah’s actions demonstrate the destructive nature of ambition and the ultimate consequences of rejecting God. 📜
• The Restoration of Righteous Order: Jehoiada’s covenant and the destruction of Baal worship symbolize the restoration of a right relationship with God and the establishment of righteous order.🕊️
• The Joy of Obedience: The people’s joy and the city’s quietness demonstrate the peace that comes from obedience to God and righteous leadership.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about 2 Kings 11:

• Q: Why did Athaliah attempt to kill all the royal heirs?

  A: Athaliah, being from the house of Ahab, likely sought to consolidate power and eradicate the Davidic lineage to promote the idolatrous practices of her family and secure her own reign. She wanted to wipe out the line of David in an attempt to subvert God’s promise.

• Q: What does Jehosheba’s action of hiding Joash in the Temple signify?

  A: It highlights the protective role of the Temple (and by extension, the Church) as a sanctuary for the righteous and a defender of God’s truth. It demonstrates the Church’s responsibility to safeguard those who are vulnerable and uphold divine promises.

• Q: What is the significance of the covenant that Jehoiada established?

  A: The covenant re-established the proper relationship between God, the king, and the people, emphasizing their commitment to serving God and rejecting idolatry. It symbolized a return to true worship and a restoration of divine order in the kingdom.

• Q: How does 2 Kings 11 relate to Coptic Orthodox faith today?

  A: It reinforces the importance of standing firm in our faith, resisting evil, and upholding the traditions of the Church. It reminds us that God’s promises are unwavering, and He will always provide a way for His people, even in the most challenging times. It teaches us to protect those who are vulnerable and to stay rooted in faith amidst societal pressures.

Conclusion

2 Kings 11, centered on Joash Saved and Anointed King, is a powerful narrative of faith, courage, and divine intervention. It teaches us that even in the face of overwhelming evil, God remains faithful to His promises. The actions of Jehosheba and Jehoiada serve as examples of righteous resistance and the importance of standing up for what is right. The restoration of Joash to the throne symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the enduring power of God’s covenant with David. This chapter reminds us that the Church plays a vital role in preserving truth and protecting the vulnerable. Just as Joash was saved and anointed king, we are called to embrace our royal identity in Christ and to live lives of obedience and faithfulness. We must be vigilant against the “Athaliahs” in our lives, the temptations and worldly desires that seek to destroy our spiritual inheritance. May we all strive to be like Jehosheba and Jehoiada, courageous defenders of truth and faithful servants of God. This story of salvation and restoration provides hope for our own lives, reminding us that with God, all things are possible.

Tags

2 Kings 11, Joash, Athaliah, Jehoiada, Jehosheba, Anointing, Covenant, Davidic Line, Temple, Coptic Orthodox

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Explore the profound meaning of 2 Kings 11: Joash Saved and Anointed King. A Coptic Orthodox commentary on faith, courage, and divine intervention. Learn how to apply these biblical lessons to your life.