Topical Encyclopedia The Conspiracy of Jehoiada is a significant event in the history of the Kingdom of Judah, recorded in the Old Testament books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. This event marks a pivotal moment in the preservation of the Davidic line and the re-establishment of true worship in Jerusalem.Historical Context The conspiracy took place during the reign of Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, who became queen of Judah following the death of her son, King Ahaziah. Athaliah, a worshiper of Baal, sought to exterminate the royal line of David to secure her position on the throne. Her actions were in direct opposition to God's covenant with David, which promised that his descendants would continue to rule. Jehoiada the Priest Jehoiada, the high priest, emerges as a central figure in this narrative. He was married to Jehosheba, the sister of King Ahaziah. When Athaliah began her massacre of the royal family, Jehosheba and Jehoiada took a bold step to preserve the Davidic line by hiding Joash, the infant son of Ahaziah, in the temple for six years (2 Kings 11:2-3; 2 Chronicles 22:11-12). The Conspiracy In the seventh year of Athaliah's reign, Jehoiada orchestrated a carefully planned conspiracy to overthrow her and restore the rightful heir to the throne. He gathered the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards, swearing them to secrecy and loyalty to the young Joash (2 Kings 11:4; 2 Chronicles 23:1). Jehoiada revealed Joash to the captains and made a covenant with them in the house of the LORD. He divided the men into groups, assigning them specific duties to protect the king and the temple. The plan was executed on the Sabbath, a day when the temple would be crowded, allowing the coup to proceed with the element of surprise (2 Kings 11:5-8; 2 Chronicles 23:4-7). The Anointing of Joash With the guards in place, Jehoiada brought out Joash, crowned him, and presented him with a copy of the Testimony. He anointed Joash as king, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, "Long live the king!" (2 Kings 11:12; 2 Chronicles 23:11). This public declaration was a direct challenge to Athaliah's illegitimate rule. The Downfall of Athaliah Hearing the commotion, Athaliah rushed to the temple and saw the newly crowned king standing by the pillar, as was the custom. Realizing her downfall, she cried out, "Treason! Treason!" Jehoiada commanded the captains to seize her and execute her outside the temple grounds, thus ending her tyrannical reign (2 Kings 11:13-16; 2 Chronicles 23:12-15). Religious Reforms Following Athaliah's death, Jehoiada led a series of religious reforms to restore the worship of Yahweh. He renewed the covenant between the LORD, the king, and the people, committing them to be the LORD's people. The temple of Baal was destroyed, its altars and images shattered, and Mattan, the priest of Baal, was killed (2 Kings 11:17-18; 2 Chronicles 23:16-17). Jehoiada appointed priests and Levites to oversee the temple services according to the Law of Moses, ensuring that burnt offerings were made regularly. The people rejoiced, and the city was at peace, as the rightful king sat on the throne of David (2 Kings 11:19-20; 2 Chronicles 23:18-21). Significance The Conspiracy of Jehoiada is a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line and His covenant promises. It highlights the courage and faith of Jehoiada and Jehosheba, who risked their lives to protect the future of Judah. This event underscores the importance of righteous leadership and the centrality of true worship in the life of God's people. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 11:4-16And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and showed them the king's son. Nave's Topical Index Library David Appointing Solomon The Antiquities of the Jews Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Resources What is the Illuminati conspiracy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Reptilian conspiracy? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian be interested in conspiracy theories? | GotQuestions.org Conspiracy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Conspiracy of Jezebel, Against Naboth Conspiracy of Servants, Against Joash Conspiracy: Abimelech Against Gideon's Sons Conspiracy: Abner, Against Ish-Bosheth Conspiracy: Delilah, Against Samson Conspiracy: Gaal, Against Abimelech Conspiracy: Joseph's Brother, Against Joseph Conspiracy: Miriam and Aaron, Against Moses Conspiracy: People in Jerusalem, Against Amaziah Conspiracy: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego Conspiracy: Shallum, Against Zachariah Related Terms Nergalsharezer (2 Occurrences) |
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