2 Kings Chapter 11 — The Restoration of Joash
After Athaliah attempts to seize the throne by killing the royal heirs, young Joash is hidden in the temple for six years before being crowned king.
1Now when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal offspring.
2But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were slain, even him and his nurse, and put them in the bedroom; and they hid him from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.
3He was with her hidden in the LORD’s house six years while Athaliah reigned over the land.
4In the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the captains over hundreds of the Carites and of the guard, and brought them to him into the LORD’s house; and he made a covenant with them, and made a covenant with them in the LORD’s house, and showed them the king’s son.
5He commanded them, saying, “This is what you must do: a third of you, who come in on the Sabbath, shall be keepers of the watch of the king’s house;
6a third of you shall be at the gate Sur; and a third of you at the gate behind the guard. So you shall keep the watch of the house, and be a barrier.
7The two companies of you, even all who go out on the Sabbath, shall keep the watch of the LORD’s house around the king.
8You shall surround the king, every man with his weapons in his hand; and he who comes within the ranks, let him be slain. Be with the king when he goes out, and when he comes in.”
9The captains over hundreds did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded; and they each took his men, those who were to come in on the Sabbath with those who were to go out on the Sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest.
10The priest delivered to the captains over hundreds the spears and shields that had been King David’s, which were in the LORD’s house.
11The guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, from the right side of the house to the left side of the house, along by the altar and the house, around the king.
12Then he brought out the king’s son, and put the crown on him, and gave him the covenant; and they made him king and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, “Long live the king!”
13When Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she came to the people into the LORD’s house;
14and she looked, and behold, the king stood by the pillar, as the tradition was, with the captains and the trumpets by the king; and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and cried, “Treason! Treason!”
15Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of hundreds who were set over the army, and said to them, “Bring her out between the ranks. Kill anyone who follows her with the sword.” For the priest said, “Don’t let her be slain in the LORD’s house.”
16So they seized her; and she went by the way of the horses’ entry to the king’s house, and she was slain there.
17Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD’s people; also between the king and the people.
18All the people of the land went to the house of Baal, and broke it down. They broke his altars and his images in pieces thoroughly, and killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. The priest appointed officers over the LORD’s house.
19He took the captains over hundreds, and the Carites, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the LORD’s house, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king’s house. He sat on the throne of the kings.
20So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet. They had slain Athaliah with the sword at the king’s house.
21Jehoash was seven years old when he began to reign.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
2 Kings 11:2
“But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were slain.”
This verse describes the pivotal moment of bravery that preserved the Davidic line from extinction.
2 Kings 11:12
“Then he brought out the king’s son, and put the crown on him, and gave him the covenant; and they made him king and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, 'Long live the king!'”
It marks the official restoration of the rightful heir to the throne of Judah.
2 Kings 11:17
“Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD’s people; also between the king and the people.”
This highlights the spiritual reform and social contract established after the fall of Athaliah.
Chapter Summary
When King Ahaziah of Judah is killed, his mother Athaliah seizes power by attempting to execute all potential royal heirs. However, Jehosheba, the sister of Ahaziah, manages to rescue the infant Joash and hide him and his nurse in the Temple of the Lord. For six years, Joash remains in secret while Athaliah reigns over the land. In the seventh year, Jehoiada the priest gathers the military captains and reveals the young king's existence. He organizes a detailed security plan to protect Joash during a public coronation. Joash is brought out, crowned, and anointed as the people celebrate. Athaliah hears the commotion and cries 'Treason!' but is led away and executed. Following the restoration of the Davidic line, Jehoiada leads the people in a covenant to serve the Lord, resulting in the destruction of the temple of Baal and its idols. Seven-year-old Jehoash (Joash) then takes his place on the throne of Judah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Athaliah was the mother of King Ahaziah. After her son's death, she attempted to kill all members of the royal family so she could seize the throne of Judah for herself.
Joash was rescued by his aunt, Jehosheba, who was the sister of Ahaziah and wife of Jehoiada the priest. She hid Joash and his nurse in a bedroom and later in the temple for six years.
Jehoiada was the priest who orchestrated the plan to reveal Joash to the military and the people. He organized the guards, crowned the young king, and led the spiritual reform to turn the nation back to the Lord.
The text states that Jehoash (Joash) was seven years old when he began his reign after the successful removal of Athaliah.
Study Note
The use of 'David's spears and shields' during the coronation ceremony in verse 10 serves as a symbolic connection back to the foundation of the Davidic dynasty.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.