Jehosh'eba, also known as Jehosheba, is a notable figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the narrative of the Kingdom of Judah. She is recognized for her courageous actions during a tumultuous period in the royal lineage of David. Her account is primarily found in 2 Kings 11 and 2 Chronicles 22.

Family Background

Jehosh'eba was a princess of the royal house of Judah. She was the daughter of King Jehoram of Judah and the sister of King Ahaziah. Her mother was likely Athaliah, the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, which made Jehosh'eba a member of both the Davidic and Omride dynasties. Jehosh'eba was married to Jehoiada, the high priest, which positioned her uniquely at the intersection of royal and religious spheres in Judah.

Heroic Deed

Jehosh'eba's most significant act was her role in preserving the Davidic line during the reign of her mother, Athaliah. After the death of her brother Ahaziah, Athaliah seized the throne of Judah and sought to eliminate all potential claimants to the throne from the house of David. In this violent purge, Jehosh'eba acted decisively to save her nephew, Joash, the infant son of Ahaziah.

According to 2 Kings 11:2 , "But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being put to death. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah, and he was not killed." Jehosh'eba's bravery and quick thinking ensured the survival of Joash, the rightful heir to the throne.

Protection and Preservation

Jehosh'eba and her husband, Jehoiada, hid Joash in the temple of the LORD for six years, safeguarding him from Athaliah's murderous intentions. This act of protection was not only a testament to her courage but also to her faithfulness to God's covenant with David. By preserving Joash, Jehosh'eba played a crucial role in maintaining the Davidic line, which was central to God's promises to Israel.

Religious Significance

Jehosh'eba's actions had profound religious and political implications. Her intervention allowed for the eventual overthrow of Athaliah and the restoration of rightful worship in Judah. Jehoiada, her husband, orchestrated a coup that placed Joash on the throne, as described in 2 Kings 11:12 : "Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, 'Long live the king!'"

Legacy

Jehosh'eba's legacy is one of faithfulness and courage. Her actions ensured the continuation of the Davidic dynasty, which was integral to the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. Her account is a powerful reminder of the impact of individual faithfulness in the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan. Jehosh'eba's bravery and commitment to God's purposes serve as an enduring example of righteous action in the face of danger.Jehosh'eba (1 Occurrence)

2 Kings 11:2
But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king's sons that were slain, even him and his nurse, and put them in the bed-chamber; and they hid him from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.
(See RSV)

Jehosh'eba (1 Occurrence)
Jehosh'eba. Jehosheba, Jehosh'eba. Jehoshua . Multi-Version Concordance
Jehosh'eba (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 11:2 But Jehosheba, the ...
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Jehosheba (2 Occurrences)

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Jehoshua (4 Occurrences)

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