1 And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal.

2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.

3 And he was with her hid in the house of the Lord six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land.

4 And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the Lord, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the Lord, and shewed them the king's son.

5 And he commanded them, saying, This is the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you that enter in on the sabbath shall even be keepers of the watch of the king's house;

6 And a third part shall be at the gate of Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard: so shall ye keep the watch of the house, that it be not broken down.

7 And two parts of all you that go forth on the sabbath, even they shall keep the watch of the house of the Lord about the king.

8 And ye shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand: and he that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain: and be ye with the king as he goeth out and as he cometh in.

9 And the captains over the hundreds did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest commanded: and they took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that should go out on the sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest.

10 And to the captains over hundreds did the priest give king David's spears and shields, that were in the temple of the Lord.

11 And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, round about the king, from the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, along by the altar and the temple.

12 And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.

13 And when Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she came to the people into the temple of the Lord.

14 And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the manner was, and the princes and the trumpeters by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets: and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried, Treason, Treason.

15 But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her forth without the ranges: and him that followeth her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the Lord.

16 And they laid hands on her; and she went by the way by the which the horses came into the king's house: and there was she slain.

17 And Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and the people, that they should be the Lord's people; between the king also and the people.

18 And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the Lord.

19 And he took the rulers over hundreds, and the captains, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the house of the Lord, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king's house. And he sat on the throne of the kings.

20 And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king's house.

21 Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Athaliah usurps the government of Judah, Jehoash made king.
Athaliah destroyed all she knew to be akin to the crown. Jehoash, one of the king's sons, was hid. Now was the promise made to David bound up in one life only, and yet it did not fail. Thus to the Son of David, the Lord, according to his promise, will secure a spiritual seed, hidden sometimes, and unseen, but hidden in God's pavilion, and unhurt. Six years Athaliah tyrannized. Then the king was brought forward. A child indeed, but he had a good guardian, and, what was better, a good God to go to With such joy and satisfaction must the kingdom of Christ be welcomed into our hearts, when his throne is set up there, and Satan the usurper is cast out. Say, Let the King, even Jesus, live, for ever live and reign in my soul, and in all the world.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
She destroyed - This was the fruit of Jehoshaphat's marrying his son to a daughter of that idolatrous house of Ahab. And this dreadful judgment God permitted upon him and his, to shew how much he abhors all such affinities.
McArther Bible Commentary
Athaliah. A granddaughter of Omri (2Ki 8:26) and daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. She was zealous to rule after the death of her son, Ahaziah (2Ki 9:27) and was dedicated to seeing the worship of Baal officially sanctioned in Judah (see note on 2Ki 8:18). She reigned for six years (2Ki 11:3) c. 841-835 B.C. See note on 2Ch. 22:10-23:21. destroyed all the royal heirs. The previous deaths of Jehoram's brothers (2Ch 21:4) and Ahaziah's brothers and relatives (2Ki 10:12-14; 2Ch 21:17) left only her grandchildren for Athaliah to put to death to destroy the Davidic line. Though the Lord had promised that the house of David would rule over Israel and Judah forever (2Sa 7:16), Athaliah's purge brought the house of David to the brink of extinction.
Bible Cross References
Judges 9:5 1 Kings 2:44 2 Kings 10:7 2 Kings 10:36 2 Chronicles 22:10

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Athaliah usurps the government of Judah, Jehoash made king.
Athaliah destroyed all she knew to be akin to the crown. Jehoash, one of the king's sons, was hid. Now was the promise made to David bound up in one life only, and yet it did not fail. Thus to the Son of David, the Lord, according to his promise, will secure a spiritual seed, hidden sometimes, and unseen, but hidden in God's pavilion, and unhurt. Six years Athaliah tyrannized. Then the king was brought forward. A child indeed, but he had a good guardian, and, what was better, a good God to go to With such joy and satisfaction must the kingdom of Christ be welcomed into our hearts, when his throne is set up there, and Satan the usurper is cast out. Say, Let the King, even Jesus, live, for ever live and reign in my soul, and in all the world.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
They hid - Jehosheba and her husband Jehoiada. Bed - chamber - Which was in the house of the Lord. So that it was one of those chambers adjoining to the temple, that were for the uses of the priests and Levites only: which made it more proper for this purpose. Now was the promise made to David bound up in one life. And yet it did not fail. Thus to the Son of David will God, according to his promise, secure a spiritual seed: which tho' sometimes reduced to a small number, brought very low, and seemingly lost, yet will be preserved to the end of time. It was a special providence that Joram tho' a king, a wicked king, married his daughter to Jehoiada, a priest, an holy priest. This some might think a disparagement to the royal family; but it saved the royal family from ruin. For Jehoiada's interest in the temple, gave her an opportunity to preserve the child: and her interest in the royal family, gave him an opportunity of setting him on the throne. See what blessings they lay up in store for their families who marry their children to those that are wise and good.
McArther Bible Commentary
Jehosheba. She was probably the daughter of Jehoram by a wife other than Athaliah, and so a half-sister of Ahaziah, who was married to the high priest, Jehoida (2Ch 22:11). Joash. The grandson of Athaliah who escaped her purge. bedroom. Lit. "the room of the beds." It was either the palace storeroom where servants kept the bedding or a room in the living quarters of the temple priests.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 8:3 Judges 9:5 2 Kings 11:3 2 Kings 11:21 2 Kings 12:1

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Athaliah usurps the government of Judah, Jehoash made king.
Athaliah destroyed all she knew to be akin to the crown. Jehoash, one of the king's sons, was hid. Now was the promise made to David bound up in one life only, and yet it did not fail. Thus to the Son of David, the Lord, according to his promise, will secure a spiritual seed, hidden sometimes, and unseen, but hidden in God's pavilion, and unhurt. Six years Athaliah tyrannized. Then the king was brought forward. A child indeed, but he had a good guardian, and, what was better, a good God to go to With such joy and satisfaction must the kingdom of Christ be welcomed into our hearts, when his throne is set up there, and Satan the usurper is cast out. Say, Let the King, even Jesus, live, for ever live and reign in my soul, and in all the world.
McArther Bible Commentary
in the house of the Lord. The temple in Jerusalem. six years. 841-835 B.C.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 11:2 2 Kings 11:4

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Athaliah usurps the government of Judah, Jehoash made king.
Athaliah destroyed all she knew to be akin to the crown. Jehoash, one of the king's sons, was hid. Now was the promise made to David bound up in one life only, and yet it did not fail. Thus to the Son of David, the Lord, according to his promise, will secure a spiritual seed, hidden sometimes, and unseen, but hidden in God's pavilion, and unhurt. Six years Athaliah tyrannized. Then the king was brought forward. A child indeed, but he had a good guardian, and, what was better, a good God to go to With such joy and satisfaction must the kingdom of Christ be welcomed into our hearts, when his throne is set up there, and Satan the usurper is cast out. Say, Let the King, even Jesus, live, for ever live and reign in my soul, and in all the world.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The house - Into the courts of that house, for into the house none but the priests or Levites might enter.
McArther Bible Commentary
seventh year. The beginning of Athaliah's seventh year of reign, 835 B.C. Jehoiada. The high priest during Athaliah's reign (see note on 2Ch 24:15-16). He was the husband of Jehosheba (2Ki 11:2; 2Ch 22:11). captains of hundreds. These were the commanders of each 100-soldier unit; 2Ch 23:1-2 names five of these commanders. The bodyguards were "Carites" associated with the Pelethites (2Sa 20:23), who were mercenary soldiers serving as royal bodyguards. The escorts, lit. "runners," were probably another unit of royal bodyguards who provided palace security (see 1Ki 14:27). Jehoiada received an agreement of support from the royal guards, sealed with an oath of allegiance, and then presented Joash to them. The military leaders supported the plan to dispose of Athaliah and make Joash king.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 20:23 2 Kings 11:3 2 Kings 11:19 2 Chronicles 23:1

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Athaliah usurps the government of Judah, Jehoash made king.
Athaliah destroyed all she knew to be akin to the crown. Jehoash, one of the king's sons, was hid. Now was the promise made to David bound up in one life only, and yet it did not fail. Thus to the Son of David, the Lord, according to his promise, will secure a spiritual seed, hidden sometimes, and unseen, but hidden in God's pavilion, and unhurt. Six years Athaliah tyrannized. Then the king was brought forward. A child indeed, but he had a good guardian, and, what was better, a good God to go to With such joy and satisfaction must the kingdom of Christ be welcomed into our hearts, when his throne is set up there, and Satan the usurper is cast out. Say, Let the King, even Jesus, live, for ever live and reign in my soul, and in all the world.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Of you - Levites, who were distributed into twenty four courses, to minister in turns, each course consisting of about a thousand men for a week. Enter in - That come into the temple to attend your ministry. King's house - Of that part which lead to the king's palace, which Athaliah now possessed.
McArther Bible Commentary
Jehoiada outlined his plan to crown Joash as the king. On a selected Sabbath, the royal guards coming on duty, including priests and Levites (2Ch 23:4), would guard the palace as usual. They would especially make sure that no word concerning the coup in the temple courtyard reached Athaliah and those loyal to her. The companies going off duty would not return to their quarters as usual, but would instead report to the temple to form a tight security ring around the young potential king. The successful accomplishment of Jehoiada's plan is recorded in verses 2Ki 11:9-12.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 11:6 1 Chronicles 9:25

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Athaliah usurps the government of Judah, Jehoash made king.
Athaliah destroyed all she knew to be akin to the crown. Jehoash, one of the king's sons, was hid. Now was the promise made to David bound up in one life only, and yet it did not fail. Thus to the Son of David, the Lord, according to his promise, will secure a spiritual seed, hidden sometimes, and unseen, but hidden in God's pavilion, and unhurt. Six years Athaliah tyrannized. Then the king was brought forward. A child indeed, but he had a good guardian, and, what was better, a good God to go to With such joy and satisfaction must the kingdom of Christ be welcomed into our hearts, when his throne is set up there, and Satan the usurper is cast out. Say, Let the King, even Jesus, live, for ever live and reign in my soul, and in all the world.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Sur - The chief gate of the temple. The guard - Either, the king's guard. Or, the guard of the temple; this gate was in the south - side. So, &c. - So you shall guard all the gates or entrances into the temple that neither Athaliah nor any of her soldiers may break in.
McArther Bible Commentary
gate of Sur. The exact location of this gate is unknown. Verse 2Ki 11:19 implies that this gate connected the temple with the palace.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 11:5 2 Kings 11:7 2 Kings 11:19

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Athaliah usurps the government of Judah, Jehoash made king.
Athaliah destroyed all she knew to be akin to the crown. Jehoash, one of the king's sons, was hid. Now was the promise made to David bound up in one life only, and yet it did not fail. Thus to the Son of David, the Lord, according to his promise, will secure a spiritual seed, hidden sometimes, and unseen, but hidden in God's pavilion, and unhurt. Six years Athaliah tyrannized. Then the king was brought forward. A child indeed, but he had a good guardian, and, what was better, a good God to go to With such joy and satisfaction must the kingdom of Christ be welcomed into our hearts, when his throne is set up there, and Satan the usurper is cast out. Say, Let the King, even Jesus, live, for ever live and reign in my soul, and in all the world.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
That go, &c. - Who having finished their course, should have gone home, but were detained, (2 Chronicles 23:8) . Shall keep - While the rest guard the entrances into the temple; these shall have a special care of the king's person.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 11:6 2 Kings 11:8 1 Chronicles 9:25

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Athaliah usurps the government of Judah, Jehoash made king.
Athaliah destroyed all she knew to be akin to the crown. Jehoash, one of the king's sons, was hid. Now was the promise made to David bound up in one life only, and yet it did not fail. Thus to the Son of David, the Lord, according to his promise, will secure a spiritual seed, hidden sometimes, and unseen, but hidden in God's pavilion, and unhurt. Six years Athaliah tyrannized. Then the king was brought forward. A child indeed, but he had a good guardian, and, what was better, a good God to go to With such joy and satisfaction must the kingdom of Christ be welcomed into our hearts, when his throne is set up there, and Satan the usurper is cast out. Say, Let the King, even Jesus, live, for ever live and reign in my soul, and in all the world.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Ranges - Or, fences, the wall wherewith the courts of the temple were environed.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 27:16 Numbers 27:17 2 Kings 11:7

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Athaliah usurps the government of Judah, Jehoash made king.
Athaliah destroyed all she knew to be akin to the crown. Jehoash, one of the king's sons, was hid. Now was the promise made to David bound up in one life only, and yet it did not fail. Thus to the Son of David, the Lord, according to his promise, will secure a spiritual seed, hidden sometimes, and unseen, but hidden in God's pavilion, and unhurt. Six years Athaliah tyrannized. Then the king was brought forward. A child indeed, but he had a good guardian, and, what was better, a good God to go to With such joy and satisfaction must the kingdom of Christ be welcomed into our hearts, when his throne is set up there, and Satan the usurper is cast out. Say, Let the King, even Jesus, live, for ever live and reign in my soul, and in all the world.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 8:18 2 Chronicles 23:8

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Athaliah usurps the government of Judah, Jehoash made king.
Athaliah destroyed all she knew to be akin to the crown. Jehoash, one of the king's sons, was hid. Now was the promise made to David bound up in one life only, and yet it did not fail. Thus to the Son of David, the Lord, according to his promise, will secure a spiritual seed, hidden sometimes, and unseen, but hidden in God's pavilion, and unhurt. Six years Athaliah tyrannized. Then the king was brought forward. A child indeed, but he had a good guardian, and, what was better, a good God to go to With such joy and satisfaction must the kingdom of Christ be welcomed into our hearts, when his throne is set up there, and Satan the usurper is cast out. Say, Let the King, even Jesus, live, for ever live and reign in my soul, and in all the world.
McArther Bible Commentary
spears and shields. These were probably part of the plunder David captured from King Hadadezer of Zobah (2Sa 8:3-12). Dedicated to the Lord by David (2Sa 8:7, 2Sa 8:11), these articles were stored in the temple. Since the soldiers were already armed, these additional ancient weapons symbolically reassured the soldiers that the temple authorities approved of their actions.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 8:7 2 Kings 11:11 1 Chronicles 18:7

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Athaliah usurps the government of Judah, Jehoash made king.
Athaliah destroyed all she knew to be akin to the crown. Jehoash, one of the king's sons, was hid. Now was the promise made to David bound up in one life only, and yet it did not fail. Thus to the Son of David, the Lord, according to his promise, will secure a spiritual seed, hidden sometimes, and unseen, but hidden in God's pavilion, and unhurt. Six years Athaliah tyrannized. Then the king was brought forward. A child indeed, but he had a good guardian, and, what was better, a good God to go to With such joy and satisfaction must the kingdom of Christ be welcomed into our hearts, when his throne is set up there, and Satan the usurper is cast out. Say, Let the King, even Jesus, live, for ever live and reign in my soul, and in all the world.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 11:10 2 Kings 11:12

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Athaliah usurps the government of Judah, Jehoash made king.
Athaliah destroyed all she knew to be akin to the crown. Jehoash, one of the king's sons, was hid. Now was the promise made to David bound up in one life only, and yet it did not fail. Thus to the Son of David, the Lord, according to his promise, will secure a spiritual seed, hidden sometimes, and unseen, but hidden in God's pavilion, and unhurt. Six years Athaliah tyrannized. Then the king was brought forward. A child indeed, but he had a good guardian, and, what was better, a good God to go to With such joy and satisfaction must the kingdom of Christ be welcomed into our hearts, when his throne is set up there, and Satan the usurper is cast out. Say, Let the King, even Jesus, live, for ever live and reign in my soul, and in all the world.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Testimony - The book of the law, which he put into the king's hand, to mind him of his duty at his entrance upon his kingdom, which was to read and write out that holy book, (Deuteronomy 17:18) , and to govern himself and his kingdom by it: the law of God being frequently and most properly called a testimony, because it is a witness of God's will, and man's duty.
McArther Bible Commentary
the Testimony. This was a copy of the whole law (Psa 119:88). According to Deu 17:18-20, a copy of the law was to be kept with the king always so that it became his guide for life. anointed. A priest or prophet customarily anointed kings, as here (2Ki 9:6; 1Sa 10:1; 1Sa 16:13; 1Ki 1:39).
Bible Cross References
Exodus 25:16 Exodus 31:18 1 Samuel 10:24 2 Samuel 1:10 2 Samuel 16:16 1 Kings 2:44 2 Kings 11:11

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Athaliah put to death.
Athaliah hastened her own destruction. She herself was the greatest traitor, and yet was first and loudest in crying, Treason, treason! The most guilty are commonly the most forward to reproach others.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 14:27 2 Chronicles 23:12

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Athaliah put to death.
Athaliah hastened her own destruction. She herself was the greatest traitor, and yet was first and loudest in crying, Treason, treason! The most guilty are commonly the most forward to reproach others.
McArther Bible Commentary
pillar. Either one of the two pillars, Jachin or Boaz, on the temple's front porch (1Ki 7:21), or a raised platform in the court of the temple (cf. 2Ch 6:13). people of the land. Probably Jehoiada chose to stage his coup on the Sabbath during one of the major religious festivals, when those from Judah who were loyal to the Lord would be in Jerusalem.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 37:29 Genesis 44:13 1 Kings 1:39 1 Kings 1:40 2 Kings 9:23 2 Kings 11:15 2 Kings 23:3 2 Chronicles 34:31

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Athaliah put to death.
Athaliah hastened her own destruction. She herself was the greatest traitor, and yet was first and loudest in crying, Treason, treason! The most guilty are commonly the most forward to reproach others.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Host - Of these companies of Levites, who are elsewhere called the Lord's host, and now were the king's host.
Bible Cross References
Acts 21:30 2 Kings 11:14 2 Kings 11:16

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Athaliah put to death.
Athaliah hastened her own destruction. She herself was the greatest traitor, and yet was first and loudest in crying, Treason, treason! The most guilty are commonly the most forward to reproach others.
McArther Bible Commentary
king's house … she was killed. Execution was not appropriate in the temple area since it was a place of worship (cf. 2Ch 24:20-22). Thus, the soldiers seized Athaliah and put her to death at one of the entrances to the palace grounds.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 9:6 Leviticus 24:17 2 Kings 11:15 Nehemiah 3:28 Jeremiah 31:40

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The worship of the Lord restored.
King and people would cleave most firmly to each other, when both had joined themselves to the Lord. It is well with a people, when all the changes that pass over them help to revive, strengthen, and advance the interests of religion among them. Covenants are of use, both to remind us of, and bind us to, the duties already binding on us. They immediately abolished idolatry; and, pursuant to the covenant with one another, they expressed mutual readiness to help each other. The people rejoiced, and Jerusalem was quiet. The way for people to be joyful and at peace, is to engage fully in the service of God; for the voice of joy and thanksgiving is in the dwellings of the righteous, but there is no peace for the wicked.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A covenant - A sacred covenant whereby he solemnly engaged both the king, and people, that they should be the Lord's people; that they should renounce, and root out all idolatry, and set up and maintain God's true worship. Between the king - This was a civil covenant, whereby the king engaged himself to rule them justly, and in the fear of God; and the people obliged themselves to defend and obey him.
McArther Bible Commentary
a covenant. The renewal of the agreement between the people and the Lord and between the house of David and the people was appropriate because of the disruption under Athaliah. A similar ceremony was held later, during the reign of Josiah (2Ki 23:1-3). See notes on Exo 24:4-8.
Bible Cross References
Joshua 24:25 1 Samuel 10:25 2 Samuel 5:3 2 Kings 23:3 2 Chronicles 15:12 2 Chronicles 23:16 2 Chronicles 34:31 Jeremiah 34:8

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The worship of the Lord restored.
King and people would cleave most firmly to each other, when both had joined themselves to the Lord. It is well with a people, when all the changes that pass over them help to revive, strengthen, and advance the interests of religion among them. Covenants are of use, both to remind us of, and bind us to, the duties already binding on us. They immediately abolished idolatry; and, pursuant to the covenant with one another, they expressed mutual readiness to help each other. The people rejoiced, and Jerusalem was quiet. The way for people to be joyful and at peace, is to engage fully in the service of God; for the voice of joy and thanksgiving is in the dwellings of the righteous, but there is no peace for the wicked.
McArther Bible Commentary
the temple of Baal. A temple in Jerusalem used by Athaliah to promote the worship of Baal in Judah. As Jezebel had promoted Baalism in Israel, her daughter Athaliah had sought its sanction in Judah. During Athaliah's reign as queen, Baalism gained its strongest foothold in Judah. This purge of Baalism in Judah paralleled the earlier purge of Baalism led by Jehu in the Northern Kingdom (2Ki 10:18-29).
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 12:2 Deuteronomy 12:3 1 Kings 18:40 2 Kings 10:21 2 Kings 10:26 2 Kings 10:27 2 Kings 23:20

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The worship of the Lord restored.
King and people would cleave most firmly to each other, when both had joined themselves to the Lord. It is well with a people, when all the changes that pass over them help to revive, strengthen, and advance the interests of religion among them. Covenants are of use, both to remind us of, and bind us to, the duties already binding on us. They immediately abolished idolatry; and, pursuant to the covenant with one another, they expressed mutual readiness to help each other. The people rejoiced, and Jerusalem was quiet. The way for people to be joyful and at peace, is to engage fully in the service of God; for the voice of joy and thanksgiving is in the dwellings of the righteous, but there is no peace for the wicked.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 37:36 2 Kings 11:4 2 Kings 11:6 2 Chronicles 23:20

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The worship of the Lord restored.
King and people would cleave most firmly to each other, when both had joined themselves to the Lord. It is well with a people, when all the changes that pass over them help to revive, strengthen, and advance the interests of religion among them. Covenants are of use, both to remind us of, and bind us to, the duties already binding on us. They immediately abolished idolatry; and, pursuant to the covenant with one another, they expressed mutual readiness to help each other. The people rejoiced, and Jerusalem was quiet. The way for people to be joyful and at peace, is to engage fully in the service of God; for the voice of joy and thanksgiving is in the dwellings of the righteous, but there is no peace for the wicked.
Bible Cross References
2 Chronicles 23:21 Proverbs 11:10

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The worship of the Lord restored.
King and people would cleave most firmly to each other, when both had joined themselves to the Lord. It is well with a people, when all the changes that pass over them help to revive, strengthen, and advance the interests of religion among them. Covenants are of use, both to remind us of, and bind us to, the duties already binding on us. They immediately abolished idolatry; and, pursuant to the covenant with one another, they expressed mutual readiness to help each other. The people rejoiced, and Jerusalem was quiet. The way for people to be joyful and at peace, is to engage fully in the service of God; for the voice of joy and thanksgiving is in the dwellings of the righteous, but there is no peace for the wicked.
McArther Bible Commentary
Jehoash. Jehoash and Joash are variants of the same name, meaning "The Lord gave." See notes on 2Ch 24:1-27.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 11:2 2 Chronicles 24:1