2 Kings 11:21: “Joash was seven years old when he began to reign.”
Extended Explanation
This verse is short but carries significant weight in the narrative of 2 Kings. It tells us that Joash, the newly crowned king of Judah, was just seven years old when he began his reign. This fact highlights both the vulnerability and potential of Joash’s early kingship. His young age emphasizes that he would have been dependent on strong, godly leadership, particularly from Jehoiada, the high priest who played a crucial role in protecting Joash and orchestrating his ascension to the throne. Despite his age, Joash was the rightful heir to the throne, continuing the line of David, and he symbolized hope for a nation that had experienced turmoil under the reign of Queen Athaliah.
Joash’s reign would eventually be marked by religious reforms and a return to proper worship of God, but his young age at the beginning of his reign sets the stage for a leadership heavily influenced by Jehoiada’s guidance and wisdom.
Historical Context
Joash’s rise to power took place during a period of political and spiritual upheaval in Judah. Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, had seized control of the kingdom after her son King Ahaziah was killed. In her attempt to solidify her rule, she killed most of the royal family, which nearly wiped out the Davidic line. However, Joash, a direct descendant of David, was rescued as an infant and hidden in the temple by Jehosheba, the wife of Jehoiada the priest.
For six years, Joash was kept safe in the temple, while Athaliah ruled over Judah and promoted Baal worship. When Joash was seven, Jehoiada staged a coup to depose Athaliah, leading to Joash’s coronation. Despite his youth, Joash represented the restoration of the rightful, God-ordained kingship in Judah.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse highlights God’s faithfulness to His promises. Joash’s survival and ascension to the throne demonstrate God’s commitment to the covenant He made with David, promising that David’s descendants would rule over Israel. Even though Athaliah had attempted to destroy the royal line, God preserved Joash, showing that His plans cannot be thwarted by human actions.
This verse also emphasizes the importance of godly leadership and mentorship. Joash’s young age meant that he would have relied heavily on Jehoiada for guidance, especially in the spiritual leadership of the nation. This underscores the need for wise, faithful leaders to guide the next generation, especially in times of spiritual and moral crisis.
Literary Analysis
This verse serves as a transitional point in the narrative of 2 Kings. It concludes the account of Joash’s coronation and sets the stage for the events of his reign. The brevity of the verse contrasts with the dramatic buildup of the previous chapters, where the focus was on the downfall of Athaliah and the restoration of the Davidic line. By simply stating Joash’s age, the author draws attention to the remarkable nature of his kingship—that such a young boy would take the throne during a critical period in Judah’s history.
The use of Joash’s age also serves to highlight the miraculous nature of his survival and ascension to the throne. His kingship was not established by might or political power, but by God’s providential care and the faithfulness of Jehoiada.
Biblical Cross-References
- 2 Samuel 7:12-16 – God’s covenant with David, promising that his descendants would reign forever, which is fulfilled through Joash’s preservation.
- 1 Kings 2:4 – God’s promise that David’s descendants would remain on the throne if they walked faithfully with Him.
- Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” This highlights the importance of Joash’s early spiritual training under Jehoiada’s leadership.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse serves as a reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of age or status, to accomplish His purposes. Joash was just a child, yet God placed him in a position of leadership at a critical time in Judah’s history. This encourages believers to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems unlikely or unconventional. It also reminds Christians of the importance of mentoring and discipleship, as Joash’s reign was shaped by the influence of the godly leadership of Jehoiada.
This verse also reassures believers that God is always faithful to His promises. Despite the challenges, corruption, and even attempts to destroy God’s plan, He will always preserve His people and accomplish His will.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love in preserving Joash, the last heir of David’s line, to fulfill His covenant promises. God’s love is seen in His protection over Joash and His provision of faithful leaders like Jehoiada, who guided him in righteousness. Even in the midst of chaos and rebellion, God’s love for His people remained steadfast, ensuring that His plan for them was not lost.
God’s love is also evident in His care for the people of Judah. By restoring Joash to the throne, God provided them with a leader who would direct them back to Him and away from the idolatry and corruption that had taken root under Athaliah’s reign.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ as part of the larger biblical narrative of God’s preservation of the Davidic line, which culminates in the birth of Jesus, the true and eternal King. Just as Joash was the rightful heir to the throne, Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to David. Despite attempts to destroy the royal line, God faithfully preserved it, ensuring that His promise of a Messiah would be fulfilled in Jesus.
Furthermore, just as Joash was a young and unexpected king, Jesus’ humble beginnings also surprised many. Born in a manger, Jesus did not fit the world’s expectations of a king, but He is the King of Kings who brings true salvation and peace.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Joash’s young age when he began to reign encourage you to trust in God’s ability to use anyone, regardless of their stage in life?
- What role does godly mentorship and leadership play in your life? How can you seek out or become a mentor like Jehoiada?
- How does this verse remind you of God’s faithfulness to His promises, even in difficult circumstances?
- In what ways does Joash’s story point you to the ultimate kingship of Jesus, and how does that impact your understanding of God’s plan for salvation?