2 Kings 11:17-21

What commitments accompany the restoration of the throne?

Berean Standard Bible

17 Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people that they would be the LORD’s people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people. 18 So all the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed the altars and idols to pieces, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars. And Jehoiada the priest posted guards for the house of the LORD. 19 He took with him the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, the guards, and all the people of the land, and they brought the king down from the house of the LORD and entered the royal palace by way of the Gate of the Guards. Then Joash took his seat on the royal throne, 20 and all the people of the land rejoiced. And the city was quiet, because Athaliah had been put to the sword at the royal palace. 21 Joash was seven years old when he became king.

What is the context?

Jehoiada establishes a covenant that the Lord, the king, and the people will stand in their proper relationship, with the people belonging to the Lord. He also makes a covenant between king and people.

The people destroy Baal’s temple, altars, and images, and kill its priest Mattan. Guards are appointed for the Lord’s house, and Joash is brought to the palace and seated on the throne.

The account closes with public rejoicing, quiet in the city, and the notice that Joash is seven years old. The restored throne belongs within a renewed obligation to the Lord; a changed ruler alone is not the whole account of reform.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley and the USCCB notes distinguish the covenant with the Lord from the agreement between king and people. Wesley describes the latter as mutual obligations of just rule and loyal support. These explanations concern Judah’s covenant monarchy; the destruction and killing narrated here must not be turned into a general mandate for present religious violence.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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