2 Chronicles 23
McGeeCHAPTERS 23 AND 24THEME: Revival during Joash’s reignDuring the reign of Joash, the third period of revival came to the southern kingdom of Judah. Of course it was not much of a revival, and most of the credit for a return to God belongs to the priest Jehoiada.
2 Chronicles 23:1
JOASH IS MADE KINGThe leadership of Judah was dissatisfied with the bloody queen Athaliah. So now Jehoiada, the priest, calls them to a meeting, a very private meeting, to let them know that there is a son of David who is still alive. They all pledge themselves to make this little fellow of the line of David their king. They gathered Levites and the chiefs of Israel and laid careful plans to crown little Joash who was in the line of David. A third part of the group would act as porters at the doors of the temple on the sabbath. A third part would be at the king’s house. A third part would be at the gate of the foundation. They would not permit anyone inside the temple except the priests and the Levites. The Levites around the little king would all be armed with weapons. Jehoiada gave out spears and bucklers and shields which were kept in the temple. All of these arrangements were carried out.
2 Chronicles 23:11
This was an exciting and thrilling coup, and little seven-year-old Joash, who is in the line of David, is now on the throne of Judah.
2 Chronicles 23:12
EXECUTION OF ATHALIAHAthaliah thought that she had killed off all her offspring. Why had she done such a brutal act? She had a thirst for power. She wanted to be queen. There are certain men and certain women in this world who will do anything for power. Every group or class of people has them. There are preachers who will do that, deacons will do it, politicians and dictators will do that. There are many members of the human family who will stoop to almost anything in order to have power. They are, like this queen, craving for power. I tell you, this woman Athaliah was taken by surprise.
2 Chronicles 23:13
From her standpoint it was high treason!
2 Chronicles 23:16
REVIVAL THROUGH JEHOIADAJoash is still a little fellow, only seven years old; so Jehoiada is his regent. Jehoiada is actually the one who will make the decisions until this boy comes of age. Jehoiada is God’s priest, and he leads the nation back to the worship of God. Jehoiada broke down the altars of Baal and killed the priests of Baal. He revived worship of Jehovah by setting up the order of priests and Levites for the burnt offerings. Singing was restored as it had been ordained by David. Porters watched the gates so nothing unclean entered the temple.
2 Chronicles 23:21
There is repetition over and over of the same theme. Sin always brings complications, trouble, heartbreak, and the judgment of God. Revival restores peace and quiet to the land.