Jehosheba, also known as Jehoshabeath, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the royal lineage of Judah. She is introduced in the historical books of the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Jehosheba was the daughter of King Joram (Jehoram) of Judah and the sister of King Ahaziah. Her account is pivotal in the preservation of the Davidic line during a time of great peril.

Family Background and Historical Context

Jehosheba was born into the royal family of Judah, a lineage that traced its roots back to King David. Her father, Joram, was a king who followed the ways of the kings of Israel, influenced by his marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. This alliance brought the idolatrous practices of the northern kingdom into Judah, leading to spiritual and moral decline.

Role in the Preservation of the Davidic Line

The most notable act of Jehosheba is recorded in 2 Kings 11:1-3 and 2 Chronicles 22:10-12. After the death of her brother Ahaziah, Athaliah, Jehosheba's stepmother, seized the throne of Judah. In a ruthless bid to secure her power, Athaliah attempted to annihilate the entire royal family, thus threatening the Davidic line through which the Messiah was prophesied to come.

Jehosheba, however, took a courageous stand. She secretly rescued her nephew Joash, the infant son of Ahaziah, from the massacre. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this act of bravery: "But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram 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, and she placed him and his nurse in a bedroom. So he was hidden from Athaliah and was not killed" (2 Kings 11:2).

Jehosheba, along with her husband Jehoiada, the high priest, hid Joash in the temple of the LORD for six years. This act of faith and courage ensured the survival of the Davidic line, which was crucial for the fulfillment of God's covenant with David.

Spiritual Significance

Jehosheba's actions are a testament to her faithfulness and courage in the face of danger. Her willingness to risk her life to protect the rightful heir to the throne highlights her commitment to God's promises and the preservation of the covenant. Her account is a reminder of God's providence and the importance of righteous individuals in the unfolding of His divine plan.

Legacy

Jehosheba's legacy is one of bravery and devotion. By saving Joash, she played a critical role in the continuation of the Davidic dynasty, which ultimately led to the birth of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. Her account is a powerful example of how God can use individuals to fulfill His purposes, even in the darkest of times.2 Kings 11:2
But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.
Nave's Topical Index

Jehoiada and Joash
... Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed
all the seed royal.2. But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jehoiada and joash.htm

How Athaliah Reigned Over Jerusalem for Five [Six] Years when ...
... 1. Now when Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab, heard of the death of her brother Joram,
and of ... a sister by the same father, whose name was Jehosheba, and she ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how athaliah reigned.htm

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