What qualities made Jehoiada deserving of burial "among the kings" in 2 Chronicles 24:16? Passage under consideration “And they buried him in the City of David with the kings, because he had done what was good in Israel, toward God and His temple.” (2 Chronicles 24:16) Core qualities Scripture highlights • He did what was “good in Israel.” • He acted “toward God.” • He acted “toward … His temple.” Unpacking those qualities • Consistent righteousness in public life – Jehoiada’s influence permeated “Israel,” shaping national life with godly standards (24:2). • God-centered devotion – Every decision sprang from reverence for the LORD, not personal ambition (23:16). • Zeal for the place of worship – He guarded, repaired, and properly staffed the temple, treating it as holy ground (24:12-14). Concrete actions that displayed these qualities • Protected the Davidic line by hiding the infant Joash from murderous Athaliah (22:11-12). • Convened covenant renewal: “Jehoiada made a covenant between himself, the king, and all the people, that they should be the LORD’s people” (23:16). • Reestablished biblically ordered worship: “Jehoiada stationed the priests…as David had prescribed” (23:18-19; cf. 1 Chronicles 24). • Led courageous removal of evil authority, executing Athaliah and tearing down Baal’s temple (23:17). • Oversaw temple restoration, channeling offerings honestly until repairs were complete (24:11-14). • Mentored King Joash during formative years so “Joash did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest” (24:2). Why these qualities warranted royal burial • He fulfilled the covenant role of a king-maker, preserving David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12-16 fulfilled). • His faithfulness brought national blessing; Proverbs 14:34 notes, “Righteousness exalts a nation.” • Scripture esteems those who honor God’s house (Psalm 69:9; John 2:17). Jehoiada’s zeal mirrored that. • God commands honor for spiritual fathers (1 Timothy 5:17). Judah honored Jehoiada with a king’s burial because he shepherded them like a godly ruler. Takeaway for believers • God esteems courage that protects covenant purposes. • A life shaped by reverence for God and His house leaves a legacy that outlives position or title. • Faithful, scripture-anchored leadership deserves the highest honor, even from earthly authorities. |
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