Topical Encyclopedia Jehoiada, a prominent figure in the history of Judah, is celebrated for his religious zeal and decisive actions in purging evil from the kingdom. As a high priest, Jehoiada played a crucial role in the preservation of the Davidic line and the re-establishment of true worship in Jerusalem. His account is primarily found in 2 Kings 11-12 and 2 Chronicles 22-24.Background and Context Jehoiada was married to Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram of Judah and sister of King Ahaziah. During a time of great turmoil, when Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, seized the throne of Judah and attempted to exterminate the royal family, Jehoiada and Jehosheba acted with courage and faith. They rescued Joash, the infant son of Ahaziah, from the massacre and hid him in the temple for six years (2 Kings 11:2-3; 2 Chronicles 22:11-12). Zeal for Righteousness Jehoiada's zeal for righteousness is most vividly demonstrated in his orchestration of Athaliah's overthrow. In the seventh year of Athaliah's reign, Jehoiada summoned the commanders, the Carites, and the guards, making a covenant with them in the house of the LORD. He revealed Joash, the rightful heir, and anointed him king (2 Kings 11:4-12; 2 Chronicles 23:1-11). This act was not merely a political maneuver but a deeply religious one, aimed at restoring the Davidic line and the worship of Yahweh. Jehoiada's commitment to purging evil is further evidenced by his actions following Joash's coronation. Athaliah, upon hearing the noise of the people and seeing Joash crowned, cried out, "Treason! Treason!" Jehoiada commanded the captains to bring her out between the ranks and to put to death anyone who followed her. Athaliah was executed at the Horse Gate of the king's house (2 Kings 11:13-16; 2 Chronicles 23:12-15). Restoration of True Worship Jehoiada's zeal extended beyond the removal of Athaliah. He was instrumental in the renewal of the covenant between the LORD, the king, and the people, affirming their commitment to be the LORD's people (2 Kings 11:17; 2 Chronicles 23:16). Under his guidance, the people tore down the temple of Baal, smashed its altars and images, and killed Mattan, the priest of Baal, before the altars (2 Kings 11:18; 2 Chronicles 23:17). Jehoiada also took measures to restore the proper order of worship in the temple. He appointed priests and Levites to their duties, as prescribed by the Law of Moses, ensuring that burnt offerings were made continually with rejoicing and singing, as ordained by David (2 Chronicles 23:18). Legacy Jehoiada's influence extended throughout the reign of Joash, who did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada (2 Kings 12:2; 2 Chronicles 24:2). His dedication to purging evil and restoring true worship left a lasting impact on the spiritual life of Judah. Jehoiada lived to the age of 130 and was buried among the kings in the City of David, an honor reflecting his significant contributions to the kingdom (2 Chronicles 24:15-16). Jehoiada's life exemplifies the fervor and commitment required to confront and eradicate evil, ensuring the preservation of godly worship and leadership. His actions serve as a testament to the power of faith-driven zeal in the pursuit of righteousness and justice. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 11:18And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and broke it down; his altars and his images broke they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD. Nave's Topical Index Library Nature of Covenanting. Resources What does the Bible say about being zealous / having zeal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that “zeal for your house will consume me” in John 2:17? | GotQuestions.org What is Christian fanaticism? | GotQuestions.org Zeal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: David Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Elijah Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Israelites Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Jehoiada Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Jehu Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Josiah Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Moses and Levites Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Phinehas Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Samuel Religious Zeal without Knowledge Religious Zeal: Andrew and Philip Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Religious Zeal: General Scriptures Concerning Religious Zeal: Paul and Barnabas Religious Zeal: Peter Rebuking Jesus Religious Zeal: The Healed Deaf-Mute Man Religious Zeal: The Restored Leper Religious Zeal: Two Blind Men Proclaiming the Miracle of Healing Zeal: Provokes Others to do Good Zeal: should be Exhibited for the Glory of God Zeal: should be Exhibited for the Welfare of Saints Zeal: should be Exhibited in Contending for the Faith Zeal: should be Exhibited in Desiring the Salvation of Others Zeal: should be Exhibited in Missionary Labours Zeal: should be Exhibited in Spirit Zeal: should be Exhibited in Well-Doing Zeal: should be Exhibited: Against Idolatry Zeal: Sometimes not According to Knowledge Zeal: Sometimes Wrongly Directed Zeal: Ungodly Men Sometimes Pretend To Related Terms |
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