When Athaliah sees her son Ahaziah is dead, she kills all the royal family, but Jehosheba hides the infant Joash in the temple for six years while Athaliah reigns. In the seventh year, Jehoiada the priest brings out Joash, arms the Carite guards and runners with David's spears and shields from the temple, forms a protective cordon, crowns him, and presents the covenant. They clap and shout 'Long live the king!' Athaliah comes at the noise, sees the crowned king, tears her clothes crying 'Treason!' Jehoiada commands her led out and killed away from the temple; she dies at the horses' entrance. Jehoiada makes a covenant between the LORD, the king, and the people to be the LORD's people, and between the king and the people. They tear down Baal's temple and kill Mattan the priest of Baal. The city rejoices and Joash sits on the throne at age seven.
Read 2 Kings Chapter 11 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
Elijah's successor who performed many miracles and ministered to Israel's kings
Faithful king of Judah who trusted God against Assyria and was healed from illness
Reforming king who rediscovered the Law and led Judah in renewal
Syrian commander healed of leprosy by Elisha, demonstrating God's grace to Gentiles
Wicked king of Judah who led the nation into deep idolatry
King of Israel
Places in This Chapter
The Temple in Jerusalem was the permanent house of worship built by Solomon on Mount Moriah. Destroyed by Babylon, it was rebuilt by Zerubbabel and later greatly expanded by Herod. Jesus taught in the Temple courts, cleared it of merchants, and predicted its destruction, which occurred in 70 AD.
Position in Book
Jehu's revolt, various kings, increasing wickedness in Israel, some good kings in Judah.