2 Chronicles 22:12

And Joash remained hidden with them in the house of God for six years while Athaliah ruled the land.

Study Bible

And Joash remained hidden with them
Joash, the rightful heir to the throne of Judah, was hidden by his aunt Jehosheba and her husband, the high priest Jehoiada. This act of concealment was crucial for preserving the Davidic line, which was under threat from Athaliah's usurpation. The protection of Joash can be seen as a divine intervention to ensure the continuation of God's covenant with David, as promised in 2 Samuel 7:16. This concealment also parallels the protection of Moses as a child, hidden from Pharaoh's decree, highlighting God's providential care in preserving His chosen leaders.

in the house of God
The house of God refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a sacred place of worship and the center of religious life in Judah. The temple served as a sanctuary, not only spiritually but physically, for Joash. This location underscores the theme of God's presence and protection, as the temple was where God dwelled among His people. The temple's role as a place of refuge is significant, as it symbolizes God's safeguarding of His promises and His people. The temple's sanctity provided a secure environment for Joash, away from Athaliah's reach.

for six years
The six-year period during which Joash was hidden is significant, as it represents a time of waiting and preparation. Biblically, the number six often symbolizes incompleteness or human effort, contrasting with the divine completion symbolized by the number seven. This period allowed for Joash to be nurtured and prepared for his future role as king. It also reflects a time of testing and endurance for the faithful remnant in Judah, who awaited the restoration of the Davidic line.

while Athaliah ruled the land
Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, ruled Judah with a tyrannical grip, having seized power after the death of her son Ahaziah. Her reign is marked by idolatry and the attempt to eradicate the Davidic line, which she saw as a threat to her authority. Athaliah's rule represents a period of spiritual and moral decline in Judah, as she introduced Baal worship and led the nation away from the worship of Yahweh. Her usurpation is a stark contrast to the rightful kingship of Joash, highlighting the conflict between the forces of evil and God's sovereign plan. This period of Athaliah's rule also serves as a backdrop for the eventual restoration and renewal under Joash, foreshadowing the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joash (Jehoash)
The young king of Judah who was hidden in the temple for six years to protect him from Athaliah's murderous intent. He was the rightful heir to the throne.

2. Athaliah
The mother of Ahaziah and daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, who usurped the throne of Judah and sought to destroy the royal line of David.

3. Jehosheba (Jehoshabeath)
The daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, who courageously saved Joash from Athaliah's massacre and hid him in the temple.

4. Jehoiada
The high priest who played a crucial role in protecting Joash and later orchestrated his coronation as king.

5. The House of God (Temple)
The sacred place where Joash was hidden, symbolizing God's protection and the preservation of His covenant promises.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Protection
God's hand is evident in the preservation of Joash, demonstrating His control over history and His ability to protect His covenant promises.

Courage and Faithfulness
Jehosheba and Jehoiada exemplify courage and faithfulness in the face of danger, reminding believers of the importance of standing firm in God's truth.

The Role of the Temple
The temple serves as a place of refuge and protection, symbolizing God's presence and the importance of seeking Him in times of trouble.

Preservation of God's Promises
Despite human attempts to thwart God's plans, His promises remain steadfast, as seen in the preservation of the Davidic line through Joash.

The Importance of Godly Leadership
The account highlights the impact of godly leadership in preserving and guiding God's people, encouraging believers to pray for and support righteous leaders.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Joash's preservation in the temple illustrate God's sovereignty and faithfulness?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate courage and faithfulness like Jehosheba and Jehoiada in our own lives?

3. How does the temple's role as a place of refuge relate to our understanding of God's presence and protection today?

4. What can we learn from the preservation of the Davidic line about God's commitment to His promises?

5. How can we support and encourage godly leadership in our communities and churches, drawing from the example of Jehoiada?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 11
This parallel account provides additional details about Joash's preservation and Athaliah's reign, highlighting the faithfulness of Jehosheba and Jehoiada.

Psalm 27:5
This verse speaks of God's protection and hiding in His sanctuary, reflecting the physical and spiritual refuge provided to Joash.

Genesis 3:15
The preservation of Joash is a continuation of God's promise to maintain the line of David, ultimately leading to the Messiah.

Matthew 1:1-16
The genealogy of Jesus Christ, which includes Joash, underscores the importance of God's faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line.