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2 Kings 11

2 Kings 11 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

2 Kings 11 shows God preserving David's line when Athaliah tries to destroy it. Joash is hidden as a child, then brought out and crowned king with careful protection and public support. The chapter ends with Athaliah's death and a renewed commitment to the LORD.

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What happens in 2 Kings 11?

After Athaliah sees her son has died, she moves to wipe out the royal family. Jehosheba rescues the infant Joash and hides him in the house of the LORD for six years. In the seventh year, Jehoiada gathers commanders and guards, sets a secure plan, and brings Joash out to be crowned and anointed king. Athaliah hears the celebration, accuses the people of rebellion, and is removed and put to death. Jehoiada then renews covenant loyalty to the LORD, the people destroy the temple of Baal, and Joash takes the throne as the land rejoices.

This chapter follows the overthrow of Ahab's house in the north and continues the account of Judah's line of kings. It marks the end of Athaliah's rule and the survival of David's royal line through Joash. The chapter also sets up the reforming influence of Jehoiada and the early years of Joash's reign.

Themes to notice

  • God preserves the throneEven when the royal family is under attack, Joash is kept alive so David's line does not fail.
  • Courage and faithful leadershipJehosheba and Jehoiada act with wisdom and risk to protect the child king and guide the nation.
  • Renewal of worshipThe removal of Baal worship shows a return to covenant loyalty and proper worship of the LORD.

Questions for 2 Kings 11

  • What does Joash's rescue show about God's care for Judah's future?
  • Why does Jehoiada use such careful planning before presenting the king?
  • What does the tearing down of the temple of Baal say about the people's new direction?

Read the full text of 2 Kings 11 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

2 Kings 11

Athaliah and Joash

1When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs.2But Jehosheba daughter of King Joram, the sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being murdered. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah, and he was not killed.3And Joash remained hidden with his nurse in the house of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled the land.

Joash Anointed King of Judah

4Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada sent for the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards, and had them brought into the house of the LORD. There he made a covenant with them and put them under oath. He showed them the king’s son5and commanded them, “This is what you are to do: A third of you who come on duty on the Sabbath shall guard the royal palace,6a third shall be at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the guards. You are to take turns guarding the temple—7the two divisions that would go off duty on the Sabbath are to guard the house of the LORD for the king.8You must surround the king with weapons in hand, and anyone who approaches the ranks must be put to death. You must stay close to the king wherever he goes.”

9So the commanders of hundreds did everything that Jehoiada the priest had ordered. Each of them took his men—those coming on duty on the Sabbath and those going off duty—and came to Jehoiada the priest.10Then the priest gave to the commanders of hundreds the spears and shields of King David from the house of the LORD.11And the guards stood with weapons in hand surrounding the king by the altar and the temple, from the south side to the north side of the temple.12Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and declared, “Long live the king!”

The Death of Athaliah

13When Athaliah heard the noise from the guards and the people, she went out to the people in the house of the LORD.14And she looked out and saw the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason! Treason!”

15And Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.”16So they seized Athaliah as she reached the horses’ entrance to the palace grounds, and there she was put to death.

Jehoiada Restores the Worship of the LORD

17Then 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.18So 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.19He 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,20and all the people of the land rejoiced. And the city was quiet, because Athaliah had been put to the sword at the royal palace.

21Joash was seven years old when he became king.

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