Topical Encyclopedia
Jehoshabeath, also known as Jehosheba, is a notable figure in the biblical narrative for her courageous act of love and protection towards her nephew, Joash. Her account is primarily found in
2 Kings 11 and
2 Chronicles 22-23. Jehoshabeath was the daughter of King Jehoram of Judah and the sister of King Ahaziah. She was married to Jehoiada, the high priest, which positioned her uniquely within the royal and religious spheres of Judah.
The context of Jehoshabeath's act of love unfolds during a tumultuous period in Judah's history. After the death of King Ahaziah, Athaliah, his mother, seized the throne and sought to eliminate all potential heirs to secure her rule. In a ruthless bid for power, she ordered the massacre of the royal family. It was during this dark time that Jehoshabeath's love and bravery shone brightly.
Jehoshabeath's love for Joash, her nephew, is demonstrated through her decisive and selfless actions. Recognizing the threat to the Davidic line and the future of Judah, she took a significant risk by rescuing the infant Joash from the slaughter. As recorded in
2 Chronicles 22:11 , "But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King Jehoram, took Joash the son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were being put to death, and she put him and his nurse in a bedroom. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King Jehoram and wife of Jehoiada the priest, hid him from Athaliah so that she could not kill him."
Jehoshabeath's actions were not merely a familial duty but a profound expression of love that aligned with God's covenantal promises to David. By hiding Joash in the temple for six years, she preserved the Davidic lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. Her love was not passive but active, involving great personal risk and sacrifice. She and her husband, Jehoiada, nurtured and protected Joash until the time was right to reveal him as the rightful king.
The love Jehoshabeath showed towards Joash is emblematic of the protective and sacrificial nature of true love. Her account highlights the importance of faithfulness to God's promises and the courage to act in love, even in the face of danger. Jehoshabeath's love for Joash ultimately contributed to the restoration of rightful worship in Judah and the continuation of the Davidic line, as Joash was crowned king and Athaliah was overthrown.
In the broader biblical narrative, Jehoshabeath's love for Joash serves as a reminder of the power of love to preserve life and fulfill divine purposes. Her actions underscore the biblical principle that love often requires courage and sacrifice, reflecting the greater love that God has for His people.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Chronicles 22:11But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest, (for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not.
Nave's Topical Index
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Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... And this answers to those badges and signs of love to religion, that people have
in face, or outward appearance (Matthew 23:27; 2 Corinthians 10:7). ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm
Resources
What are the different types of love mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is finding true love so difficult? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about falling in love? | GotQuestions.orgLove: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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