The anointing and proclamation of Joash as king is a significant event in the history of Judah, marked by divine intervention, covenant renewal, and the restoration of rightful leadership. This event is recorded in 2 Kings 11 and 2 Chronicles 23, highlighting the providential preservation of the Davidic line through the courageous actions of Jehoiada the priest and his wife Jehosheba.

Historical Context

The backdrop of Joash's anointing is a period of turmoil and apostasy in Judah. After the death of King Ahaziah, his mother, Athaliah, seized the throne and attempted to exterminate the royal line of David. Athaliah, a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, brought with her the idolatrous practices of the northern kingdom, further corrupting Judah.

Preservation of Joash

In a divinely orchestrated act of bravery, Jehosheba, the sister of Ahaziah and wife of Jehoiada the priest, rescued the infant Joash from the massacre of the royal family. She hid him and his nurse in a bedroom, and later in the house of the LORD for six years, while Athaliah reigned over the land (2 Kings 11:2-3).

The Role of Jehoiada

Jehoiada, a godly and influential priest, played a pivotal role in the restoration of the Davidic monarchy. In the seventh year, he initiated a carefully planned coup to dethrone Athaliah and establish Joash as king. Jehoiada gathered the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards, forming a coalition to support the young king (2 Kings 11:4).

Covenant Renewal and Anointing

Jehoiada's strategy was not merely political but deeply spiritual. He led the people in a covenant renewal ceremony, reaffirming their allegiance to the LORD and the Davidic covenant. The priest brought out the king's son, placed the crown on him, and presented him with the Testimony. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and proclaimed, "Long live the king!" (2 Kings 11:12).

The Overthrow of Athaliah

The noise of the people's rejoicing reached Athaliah, who came to the house of the LORD. Seeing Joash standing by the pillar as the rightful king, she tore her clothes and cried, "Treason! Treason!" Jehoiada commanded the captains to seize her and execute her outside the temple grounds, thus ending her tyrannical rule (2 Kings 11:13-16).

Reforms and Restoration

Following the anointing of Joash, Jehoiada led the people in a renewed commitment to the LORD. They demolished the temple of Baal, smashed its altars and idols, and killed Mattan the priest of Baal. Jehoiada appointed officers over the house of the LORD, ensuring the restoration of proper worship and the observance of the Law (2 Kings 11:17-18).

Significance

The anointing and proclamation of Joash as king underscore the faithfulness of God in preserving the Davidic line, despite human attempts to thwart His plans. It highlights the importance of godly leadership and the role of covenant fidelity in the life of the nation. Joash's reign, initiated under the guidance of Jehoiada, began with a return to the worship of Yahweh and the reestablishment of the temple as the center of spiritual life in Judah.