Background and Context:
Joash, also known as Jehoash, was a significant figure in the history of Judah, primarily known for his miraculous preservation and subsequent reign as king. His account is a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to David. Joash was the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, and his life was marked by divine intervention during a tumultuous period in Judah's history.

The Threat of Athaliah:
Following the death of Ahaziah, Athaliah, Joash's grandmother, seized the throne of Judah. Athaliah was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and her reign was characterized by idolatry and violence. In her quest for power, she sought to eliminate the entire royal lineage of David, which included her own grandchildren. This act of treachery was a direct threat to the Davidic covenant, which promised that David's descendants would continue to rule.

Joash's Rescue and Preservation:
In this dire situation, Jehosheba, the sister of Ahaziah and wife of Jehoiada the priest, took a courageous stand. She secretly rescued Joash, who was just an infant at the time, from the massacre orchestrated by Athaliah. Jehosheba hid Joash and his nurse in a bedroom, and later in the temple of the LORD, where he remained concealed for six years. This act of bravery ensured the survival of the Davidic line. The account is recorded in 2 Kings 11:2-3 : "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. And Joash remained hidden with his nurse in the house of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled the land."

The Role of Jehoiada the Priest:
Jehoiada, the high priest and husband of Jehosheba, played a crucial role in the protection and eventual enthronement of Joash. During the years of concealment, Jehoiada provided spiritual guidance and protection for the young king. In the seventh year, Jehoiada orchestrated a coup to overthrow Athaliah and restore the rightful heir to the throne. He gathered the commanders, the Carites, and the guards, forming a covenant to protect Joash and proclaim him king.

Joash's Coronation:
The coronation of Joash was a carefully planned event, executed with precision and divine favor. Jehoiada brought Joash out of hiding and presented him to the people as the legitimate king. The ceremony took place in the temple, where Joash was anointed and crowned. The people rejoiced, and the city was filled with the sound of trumpets and shouts of "Long live the king!" This momentous event is described in 2 Kings 11:12 : "Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, gave him the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, 'Long live the king!'"

The Downfall of Athaliah:
Athaliah's reign came to an abrupt end when she heard the commotion and rushed to the temple. There, she witnessed Joash being crowned and the people celebrating. Realizing her defeat, she cried out, "Treason! Treason!" However, Jehoiada ordered her to be taken outside the temple grounds and executed, thus ending her tyrannical rule and restoring the Davidic line to the throne.

Joash's Reign:
Joash began his reign at the age of seven and ruled for forty years in Jerusalem. Under the guidance of Jehoiada, Joash initiated significant religious reforms, including the restoration of the temple, which had fallen into disrepair during Athaliah's reign. His early reign was marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh and the removal of Baal worship from Judah. However, after the death of Jehoiada, Joash's reign took a negative turn as he succumbed to the influence of corrupt officials, leading to idolatry and ultimately his assassination.

Significance:
The account of Joash hidden in the temple is a powerful narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant with David. It highlights the importance of righteous leadership and the role of godly individuals like Jehosheba and Jehoiada in preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. Joash's life serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, even after experiencing His deliverance and blessings.