Jehoiada Makes Joash King of Judah

II Chronicles 23:1–21
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After Joash had hidden in the temple for six years, Jehoiada the priest, got the support of several army officers (v. 1). These men went to the towns in Judah and invited the Levities and clan leaders to come to Jerusalem (v. 2). They met at the temple where they agreed to help Joash become their next king (v. 3) Three groups of priests and Levites decided to be on guard duty at the gates (v. 4) and the temple courtyards (v. 5). Only the priests and Levites on duty would be able to enter the temple (v. 6). The others had to stay outside in the courtyards (v. 6). Jehoiada instructed the Levites to protect King Joash (v. 7). The Levites and the people of Judah followed Jehoiada’s orders (v. 8).

Jehoiada went into the temple and brought out the swords and shields that had belonged to king David and gave them to the commanders (v. 9). Jehoiada then made sure that the guards took their positions around the temple to protect the king (v. 10). He and his sons then brought Joash outside where they placed the crown on his head and gave him a copy of the instructions for ruling the nation (v. 11). As soon as Queen Athaliah heard the crowd she went to the temple (v. 12) and saw Joash standing in the place of the king (v. 13). She immediately tore her clothes and shouted, “You betrayed me you traitors!” Jehoiada told the commanders not to kill her near the Lord’s temple but to take her front of the troops and kill her and her followers and they did (vv. 14-15). Joash and the people agreed to be faithful to the Lord and smashed the idols of Baal (vv. 16-17. Everyone did their duties according to the law of Moses (vv. 18-19) and Joash became King (vv. 20-21).                     

Application

Jehoiada was a helper to King Joash, and I want to be a good helper to King Jesus.