Chapter 7: The Priest's Covenant

During those years, Athaliah's followers broke into the Temple of the Lord and carried out the sacred vessels, the treasures, everything set apart for God's worship. They gave the dedicated things of the house of the Lord to the Baals. (2 Chronicles 24:7) A temple to Baal rose in Jerusalem, with a priest named Mattan installed to serve it. The house of God fell into disrepair.

In the seventh year, Jehoiada acted.

He summoned five captains of hundreds: Azariah son of Jeroham, Ishmael son of Jehohanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zichri. He also gathered the Levites from all the cities of Judah and the heads of the fathers' houses. They came to Jerusalem quietly.

He brought them into the Temple. He made them swear an oath. Then he showed them what no one expected to see.

The king's son. Alive.

JEHOIADA (to the captains)“Behold, the king's son shall reign, as the Lord has said of the sons of David.”— 2 Chronicles 23:3

A CAPTAIN (after seeing Joash)“Tell us what to do. We are with you. The house of David will be restored.”

Jehoiada laid out the plan. He chose the Sabbath, the day the guard shifts changed, so that two divisions of soldiers could be assembled at the Temple without raising suspicion.

JEHOIADA (assigning positions)“A third of you entering on the Sabbath shall guard the king's house. A third shall be at the Gate of Sur. A third at the gate behind the guards. You shall surround the king on all sides, every man with his weapon in hand. Whoever comes within range, put him to death.”— 2 Kings 11:5-8

Then the priest brought out weapons that had been stored in the Temple for generations. The spears and shields of King David himself.

JEHOIADA (distributing the weapons)“These belonged to King David. Take them. Today, his weapons will fight for his heir.”— 2 Chronicles 23:9

He handed David's spears to the men who would restore David's throne.