Joash Restores the Temple: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on 2 Chronicles 23

Executive Summary ✨

This chapter of 2 Chronicles 23 details a pivotal moment in the history of Judah: the overthrow of the idolatrous Queen Athaliah and the enthronement of the rightful heir, Joash. Jehoiada the priest, a figure of immense spiritual authority, orchestrates a well-planned coup, uniting the Levites, captains, and people to restore the Davidic dynasty and true worship in Jerusalem. Athaliah’s reign of terror, marked by the desecration of the Temple and the introduction of Baal worship, is brought to an abrupt end. The chapter culminates in a powerful covenant renewal ceremony, where the people pledge their allegiance to God and the king, purging the land of idolatry and re-establishing the proper order of worship at the Temple. The narrative is a powerful reminder of the importance of righteous leadership, faithfulness to God’s covenant, and the consequences of spiritual apostasy. Ultimately, the **restoration of the Temple** and the rightful king symbolizes a return to divine favor and a renewed hope for the future of Judah.

2 Chronicles 23 narrates a dramatic turning point in the history of Judah. After years of oppression under the wicked Queen Athaliah, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of Jehoiada the priest, who courageously organizes a rebellion to restore the rightful king, Joash, to the throne. This chapter serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith, the importance of righteous leadership, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. We will explore each verse with a Coptic Orthodox lens, drawing upon patristic insights and weaving in spiritual applications for our lives today. The **restoration of the Temple** is not merely a historical event, but a symbol of inner purification and renewed commitment to God.

Commentary: 2 Chronicles 23, Verse by Verse 📖

2 Chronicles 23:1 (KJV)

And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him.

Greek Septuagint: Καὶ ἐν τῷ ἔτει τῷ ἑβδόμῳ ἐθάρσυνε Ιωδαε καὶ ἔλαβεν τοὺς ἑκατοντάρχους Αζαριαν υἱὸν Ιερωαμ καὶ Ισμαηλ υἱὸν Ιωαναν καὶ Αζαριαν υἱὸν Ωβηδ καὶ Μαασιαν υἱὸν Αδαια καὶ Ελισαφατ υἱὸν Ζεχρει εἰς διαθήκην μετ’ αὐτοῦ.

Jehoiada, after patiently enduring Athaliah’s reign for six years, “strengthened himself.” This doesn’t just imply physical strength, but also spiritual resolve. He recognizes the divinely appointed time for action has arrived. Note how he carefully chooses and unites key leaders, forming a covenant with them. This highlights the importance of working together in faith, guided by wisdom and discernment. The number seven is also significant, often representing completion and divine order. Jehoiada’s actions mirror Christ’s call to His Apostles: gathering, preparing, and entrusting them with a mission. We, too, must discern the times and seasons of our lives, knowing when to act decisively and when to wait patiently, always relying on God’s grace. Consider how https://dohost.us/ can help build strong online community similar to Jehoiada’s coalition.

Spiritual Application: When faced with injustice or spiritual decay, seek God’s guidance and gather trustworthy individuals to work towards restoration and righteousness.

2 Chronicles 23:2 (KJV)

And they went about in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the chief of the fathers of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.

Greek Septuagint: καὶ περιῆλθον ἐν τῇ Ιουδα καὶ συνήγαγον τοὺς Λευίτας ἐκ πασῶν τῶν πόλεων Ιουδα καὶ τοὺς ἀρχηγοὺς τῶν πατριῶν Ισραηλ καὶ ἦλθον εἰς Ιερουσαλημ.

Jehoiada’s meticulously planned strategy extended beyond Jerusalem. He dispatched envoys to gather the Levites and the heads of families from all over Judah. This demonstrates the crucial role of the Levites in maintaining true worship and upholding the Law. This verse emphasizes unity and the importance of involving the broader community in spiritual renewal. It mirrors the Church’s call to gather all believers, regardless of their background, to participate in the life of the Body of Christ. “Gather the Levites” is a call to recognize and empower those who are dedicated to serving God. In our lives, are we actively seeking out opportunities to unite with fellow believers for a common purpose?

Spiritual Application: Seek unity with other believers and support those who are called to spiritual leadership, working together for the common good of the Church.

2 Chronicles 23:3 (KJV)

And all the congregation made a covenant with the king in the house of God. And he said unto them, Behold, the king’s son shall reign, as the Lord hath said of the sons of David.

Greek Septuagint: καὶ συνέθεντο πᾶσα ἡ ἐκκλησία διαθήκην μετὰ τοῦ βασιλέως ἐν οἴκῳ τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς Ἰδοὺ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ βασιλέως βασιλεύσει καθὰ εἶπεν κύριος ἐπὶ τοὺς υἱοὺς Δαυιδ.

The “congregation made a covenant with the king in the house of God.” This is a deeply significant act of covenant renewal, emphasizing the divine mandate of the Davidic line and the importance of adhering to God’s promises. The location—”the house of God”—underscores the sacred nature of this commitment. Jehoiada reminds them that Joash’s right to rule is not merely a matter of inheritance but a fulfillment of God’s promise to David. This points to the greater covenant we have in Christ, who is the ultimate King and Son of David. We, too, are called to renew our covenant with God, pledging our allegiance to Him and acknowledging His Lordship over our lives. The Temple, the physical house of God, becomes the meeting place of the spiritual covenant.

Spiritual Application: Regularly renew your commitment to God through prayer, Scripture reading, and participation in the sacraments, recognizing His sovereignty over your life.

2 Chronicles 23:11 (KJV)

Then they brought out the king’s son, and put upon him the crown, and gave him the testimony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, God save the king.

Greek Septuagint: Καὶ ἐξήγαγον τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ βασιλέως καὶ ἔδωκαν ἐπ’ αὐτὸν τὸ διάδημα καὶ τὴν μαρτυρίαν καὶ ἐβασίλευσαν αὐτόν καὶ ἔχρισεν αὐτὸν Ιωδαε καὶ οἱ υἱοὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ εἶπαν Ζήτω ὁ βασιλεύς.

The coronation of Joash is a powerful symbol of restoration and hope. The crown, the testimony (likely referring to the Law), and the anointing all signify the divine authority and responsibility entrusted to the king. Jehoiada and his sons anointing Joash echoes the anointing of priests and kings in the Old Testament, foreshadowing the ultimate Anointed One, Christ. The cry “God save the king” is a prayer for God’s continued blessing and protection. This coronation highlights the importance of proper leadership and the need for rulers to be guided by God’s Word. It reminds us that earthly authority is ultimately derived from and accountable to God. This is a time for rejoicing and celebration, but also for sober reflection on the responsibilities that come with leadership.

Spiritual Application: Pray for those in positions of authority, that they may lead with wisdom, justice, and compassion, guided by God’s Word.

2 Chronicles 23:12-15 (KJV) – Athaliah’s Execution

¹² Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of the Lord: ¹³ And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason! ¹⁴ Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds that were set over the host, and said unto them, Have her forth of the ranges: and whoso followeth her, let him be slain with the sword. For the priest said, Slay her not in the house of the Lord. ¹⁵ So they laid hands on her; and when she was come to the entering of the horse gate by the king’s house, they slew her there.

Greek Septuagint (Selections): ¹²Καὶ ἤκουσεν Γοθολία τὸν ψόφον τοῦ λαοῦ τρέχοντος καὶ ἐπαινοῦντος τὸν βασιλέα καὶ εἰσῆλθεν πρὸς τὸν λαὸν εἰς τὸν οἶκον κυρίου… ¹³καὶ εἶδεν καὶ ἰδοὺ ὁ βασιλεὺς ἑστηκὼς ἐπὶ τοῦ βήματος αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τὴν εἴσοδον καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντες καὶ αἱ σάλπιγγες παρὰ τὸν βασιλέα καὶ πᾶς ὁ λαὸς τῆς γῆς χαίρων καὶ σαλπίζων ἐν σάλπιγξιν καὶ οἱ ᾄδοντες ἐν ὀργάνοις τοῦ ᾠδῆς καὶ διδάσκοντες τοῦ ᾄδειν εἰς αἶνον καὶ διέῤῥηξεν Γοθολία τὴν στολὴν αὐτῆς καὶ εἶπεν συνωμοσία συνωμοσία… ¹⁴καὶ ἐξήγαγεν Ιωδαε ὁ ἱερεὺς τοὺς ἑκατοντάρχους τοὺς ἐπιστάτας ἐπὶ τὴν δύναμιν καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ἐξαγάγετε αὐτὴν ἔξω τῶν τάξεων καὶ ὁ ἐπακολουθῶν αὐτῇ θανατωθήτω ἐν ῥομφαίᾳ ὅτι εἶπεν ὁ ἱερεὺς μὴ θανατώσητε αὐτὴν ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ κυρίου… ¹⁵καὶ ἐπέθεντο ἐπ’ αὐτὴν χεῖρας καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὴν εἴσοδον τῆς πύλης τῶν ἵππων τοῦ οἴκου τοῦ βασιλέως καὶ ἐθανάτωσαν αὐτὴν ἐκεῖ.

Athaliah’s desperate cry of “Treason, Treason!” reveals the stark contrast between her illegitimate rule and the legitimate joy of the people in seeing their rightful king restored. Her attempt to cling to power ultimately fails. Jehoiada’s careful instruction to execute her outside the Temple demonstrates reverence for the sanctity of the house of God, even in the midst of righteous judgment. Athaliah’s death symbolizes the end of an era of idolatry and oppression. While some may find the execution harsh, it must be understood within the historical and theological context. Athaliah had usurped the throne, murdered her own grandchildren (except Joash), and introduced Baal worship into Judah. Her actions posed a grave threat to the spiritual and physical well-being of the nation. Her removal was necessary to protect the covenant and ensure the survival of the Davidic line. The “horse gate” itself was a symbolic space, a place of transition between the power of the palace and the judgment of the people.

Spiritual Application: Recognize the destructive nature of sin and be willing to confront evil, while maintaining reverence for God’s house and seeking justice tempered with mercy.

2 Chronicles 23:16-21 (KJV) – Covenant Renewal and Temple Restoration

¹⁶ And Jehoiada made a covenant between himself, and all the people, and the king, that they should be the Lord’s people. ¹⁷ Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and brake it down, and brake his altars and his images in pieces, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. ¹⁸ Also Jehoiada appointed the offices of the house of the Lord by the hand of the priests the Levites, whom David had distributed in 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 with singing, as it was ordained by David. ¹⁹ And he set the porters at the gates of the house of the Lord, that none which was unclean in any thing should enter in. ²⁰ And he took the captains of hundreds, and the nobles, and the governors of the people, and all the people of the land, and brought down the king from the house of the Lord: and they came through the high gate into the king’s house, and set the king upon the throne of the kingdom. ²¹ And all the people of the land rejoiced: and the city was quiet, after that they had slain Athaliah with the sword.

Greek Septuagint (Selections): ¹⁶καὶ συνέθετο Ιωδαε διαθήκην ἀνὰ μέσον αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀνὰ μέσον παντὸς τοῦ λαοῦ καὶ ἀνὰ μέσον τοῦ βασιλέως τοῦ εἶναι αὐτοὺς λαὸν τῷ κυρίῳ… ¹⁷καὶ εἰσῆλθεν πᾶς ὁ λαὸς εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ Βααλ καὶ κατέσκαψαν αὐτόν καὶ τοὺς θυσιαστηρίους αὐτοῦ καὶ τὰ εἴδωλα αὐτοῦ συνέτριψαν καὶ τὸν Ματθαν τὸν ἱερέα τοῦ Βααλ ἔσφαξαν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν θυσιαστηρίων… ¹⁸καὶ ἔταξεν Ιωδαε τὰς ἐπιστασίας τοῦ οἴκου κυρίου ὑπὸ χεῖρας τῶν ἱερέων τῶν Λευιτῶν οὓς διέταξεν Δαυιδ ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ κυρίου τοῦ ἀναφέρειν τὰ ὁλοκαυτώματα κυρίου καθώς γέγραπται ἐν τῷ νόμῳ Μωυσέως ἐν εὐφροσύνῃ καὶ ἐν ᾠδαῖς καθὰ διετάξατο Δαυιδ… ¹⁹καὶ κατέστησεν τοὺς πυλωροὺς ἐπὶ τὰς πύλας τοῦ οἴκου κυρίου τοῦ μὴ εἰσέρχεσθαι οὐδένα ἀκάθαρτον ἐν παντὶ πράγματι… ²⁰καὶ ἔλαβεν τοὺς ἑκατοντάρχους καὶ τοὺς ἐνδόξους καὶ τοὺς κριτὰς τοῦ λαοῦ καὶ πάντα τὸν λαὸν τῆς γῆς καὶ κατήγαγον τὸν βασιλέα ἀπὸ τοῦ οἴκου κυρίου καὶ εἰσῆλθον διὰ τῆς πύλης τῆς ἄνω εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ βασιλέως καὶ ἐκάθισαν τὸν βασιλέα ἐπὶ τὸν θρόνον τῆς βασιλείας… ²¹καὶ εὐφράνθη πᾶς ὁ λαὸς τῆς γῆς καὶ ἡ πόλις ἡσύχασεν ἐπειδὴ ἐθανάτωσαν τὴν Γοθολίαν ἐν ῥομφαίᾳ.

This section highlights the essential components of spiritual renewal: covenant commitment, the destruction of idolatry, the re-establishment of proper worship, and the safeguarding of the Temple’s sanctity. The covenant renewal (verse 16) is the foundation upon which everything else is built. Destroying the house of Baal (verse 17) and killing its priest symbolize the complete rejection of false gods and the purification of the land. Reinstating the Levitical order of worship (verse 18) demonstrates a return to the divinely ordained pattern of worship established by David and Moses. Setting gatekeepers to prevent the unclean from entering the Temple (verse 19) emphasizes the importance of holiness and separation from the world. The rejoicing of the people and the city’s peace (verse 21) are the fruits of this comprehensive spiritual transformation. This entire section beautifully illustrates the process of repentance, restoration, and renewal that is central to the Christian faith. Consider that online presence must also be cleaned and protected. If you need any help, see how dohosh can assist.

Spiritual Application: Actively reject any form of idolatry in your life, commit to a life of holiness, and participate in the liturgical life of the Church with joy and reverence.

Key Reflections and Teachings ✨

This chapter offers several profound reflections and teachings applicable to our lives:

• Courageous Leadership: Jehoiada’s boldness and strategic planning exemplify the importance of courageous leadership in confronting evil and restoring righteousness.
• Covenant Faithfulness: The covenant renewal highlights the enduring importance of adhering to God’s promises and living in accordance with His will.
• The Dangers of Idolatry: Athaliah’s reign serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive consequences of idolatry and the need to remain vigilant against false worship.
• The Power of Unity: The unity of the Levites, leaders, and people demonstrates the strength that comes from working together for a common spiritual purpose.
• The Importance of Proper Worship: The restoration of the Temple and the Levitical order underscores the significance of reverent and biblically-based worship.
• Divine Providence: God’s hand is evident throughout the narrative, guiding events and ultimately bringing about the restoration of His people.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about 2 Chronicles 23:

• Q: Why was Athaliah executed? Was this not too harsh?

  A: Athaliah was not just a queen but a usurper who had murdered her own grandchildren (except Joash) and introduced Baal worship into Judah. Her actions were a direct threat to the Davidic covenant and the spiritual well-being of the nation. Her execution was considered a necessary act of justice to protect the covenant and ensure the survival of the Davidic line.

• Q: What is the significance of the covenant renewal in this chapter?

  A: The covenant renewal is a pivotal moment, signifying the people’s renewed commitment to God and their acceptance of Joash as their rightful king. It’s a symbolic act of returning to God’s law and rejecting the idolatrous practices that had plagued the land. It highlights the importance of continually reaffirming our relationship with God.

• Q: How does this chapter relate to the New Testament?

  A: Joash’s story, in the line of David, prefigures the coming of Christ, the ultimate King and Son of David. The Temple’s restoration symbolizes the cleansing and renewal that Christ brings to our hearts and lives. The covenant renewal foreshadows the new covenant established through Christ’s sacrifice.

• Q: What practical lessons can we learn from this chapter today?

  A: We can learn the importance of courageous leadership, the dangers of idolatry (even in subtle forms), the need for unity among believers, and the significance of reverent worship. We can also be inspired by the story of Joash’s restoration to believe that even in the darkest of times, God can bring about renewal and hope.

Conclusion ✨

2 Chronicles 23 is a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness and the enduring hope of restoration. The **restoration of the Temple** and the enthronement of Joash mark a decisive victory over evil and a renewed commitment to God’s covenant. The chapter emphasizes the importance of righteous leadership, unity among believers, and the rejection of idolatry. We see in Jehoiada’s courage and wisdom a model for Christian leadership today, calling us to stand firm in our faith and work tirelessly for the Kingdom of God. May we be inspired by this narrative to seek spiritual renewal in our own lives and to work towards the restoration of righteousness in our communities. The lessons of 2 Chronicles 23 remain timeless, offering guidance and hope to all who seek to follow God’s will.

Tags

Coptic Orthodox, 2 Chronicles 23, Joash, Athaliah, Jehoiada, Temple, Covenant, Restoration, Kingship, Old Testament

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Explore 2 Chronicles 23: Joash Crowned King and Athaliah Executed from a Coptic Orthodox perspective. Discover key themes of covenant, restoration, and righteous leadership. The **restoration of the Temple** is a symbol of hope.