2 Chronicles 23:1
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What's really striking here is that Jehoiada "took courage" before he made his covenant. This wasn't a plan hatched in secret and then enacted bravely; his courage was the catalyst that allowed the alliance to form, showing that sometimes, the first step toward godly action is simply daring to believe it's possible. He didn't wait for conditions to be perfect or for others to lead; his own inner resolve sparked the movement.
But in the seventh year Jehoiada took courage and entered into a covenant with the commanders of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, Azariah the son of Obed, Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Queen Athaliah had usurped the throne and reigned wickedly for six years, the priest Jehoiada, acting with great boldness, secretly organized a loyal military force. He gathered key commanders and formed a covenant with them, paving the way for a decisive, divinely-ordained action to restore the rightful king to the throne. This moment marks the turning point from tyranny to rightful succession.
Sometimes, the boldest moves aren't loud explosions, but quiet, strategic decisions made in critical moments. This verse shows us that courage isn't always a feeling; it's an action.
Timing is Everything
The text says Jehoiada "took courage in the seventh year." This wasn't a sudden burst of bravery, but a deliberate choice to act after a period of waiting. He assessed the situation, gathered allies, and acted when the time was right.
Building a Foundation
Jehoiada didn't act alone. He entered into a covenant with key military leaders. This highlights the importance of strategy and coalition-building. True courage often involves mobilizing others and securing their commitment before launching a significant endeavor.
Covenants, especially secret ones, are powerful tools. What does it mean to make a covenant, and why was it so crucial in this context?
More Than Just a Promise
A 'covenant' in the Bible is a serious, binding agreement, often involving oaths and a solemn commitment. It's not a casual handshake but a deep pledge. Jehoiada and the commanders weren't just agreeing to help; they were entering into a sacred pact.
Securing the Throne
This covenant was vital because they were secretly plotting to place the young prince Joash on the throne and remove the wicked Queen Athaliah. A successful, swift transition of power depended on the absolute loyalty and coordinated action of these military leaders. Their secret alliance ensured that when the time came, the right people would be in the right places, ready to defend the rightful heir and the kingdom.
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Understand the original words
berith · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, binding agreement between two or more parties, often involving promises, obligations, and religious ritual. In Scripture, God initiates covenants with His people, establishing a relationship defined by His faithfulness and their required obedience.
This pivotal moment of secret plotting by Jehoiada occurred during a dark period of usurpation and idolatry, highlighting the courage it took to restore the rightful Davidic king and uphold God's covenant amidst extreme danger.
848 BC
Reign of King Ahaziah of Judah
King Ahaziah begins his one-year reign in Judah, influenced by his wicked mother Athaliah.
841 BC
Death of Ahaziah and Athaliah's Usurpation
After the assassination of Ahaziah by Jehu's forces, his mother Athaliah seizes the throne and begins to massacre the royal heirs.
841 BC - 835 BC
Athaliah's Reign of Terror
Athaliah rules Judah as queen, promoting Baal worship and eliminating any threats to her throne, including most of David's descendants.
c. 835 BC
Jehoiada Hides the Young Prince
High priest Jehoiada and his wife Jehosheba rescue and hide the infant Joash, the only surviving heir, for six years to protect him from Athaliah.
c. 835 BC— this verse
Jehoiada Takes Courage and Covenants
High priest Jehoiada secretly organizes military commanders and Levites, taking courage to form a covenant to depose the wicked Queen Athaliah and restore the Davidic line.
c. 835 BC
Coronation of King Joash
Jehoiada presents the young Joash to the people, crowns him king, and leads a revolt that results in Athaliah's execution and the end of her destructive reign.
c. 835 BC - 796 BC
Joash's Reign Under Jehoiada's Guidance
King Joash begins his reign, initially guided by the wise counsel of High Priest Jehoiada, restoring true worship in Jerusalem.
This passage provides the parallel account from the northern kingdom's perspective, highlighting the same critical decision to crown Joash and the involvement of the same key figures.
2 Chronicles 22:10-12This narrative immediately before shows the devastating impact of Athaliah's usurpation, setting the stage for Jehoiada's bold move to restore the rightful Davidic line and create the urgent need for a covenant.
Deuteronomy 17:14-20This passage outlines the biblical requirements for kingship, including the necessity of a king being chosen by God and adhering to the Law, which underscores Jehoiada's actions in securing a covenant for the new king.
Nehemiah 9:38This verse describes a later covenant made by the people with God, showing the enduring importance of formal agreements and commitments in faithfulness to God and His chosen leaders throughout Israel's history.
What's really striking here is that Jehoiada "took courage" before he made his covenant. This wasn't a plan hatched in secret and then enacted bravely; his courage was the catalyst that allowed the alliance to form, showing that sometimes, the first step toward godly action is simply daring to believe it's possible. He didn't wait for conditions to be perfect or for others to lead; his own inner resolve sparked the movement.
After Queen Athaliah had usurped the throne and reigned wickedly for six years, the priest Jehoiada, acting with great boldness, secretly organized a loyal military force. He gathered key commanders and formed a covenant with them, paving the way for a decisive, divinely-ordained action to restore the rightful king to the throne. This moment marks the turning point from tyranny to rightful succession.
After Queen Athaliah had usurped the throne and reigned wickedly for six years, the priest Jehoiada, acting with great boldness, secretly organized a loyal military force. He gathered key commanders and formed a covenant with them, paving the way for a decisive, divinely-ordained action to restore the rightful king to the throne. This moment marks the turning point from tyranny to rightful succession.
"But in the seventh year Jehoiada took courage and entered into a covenant with the commanders of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, Azariah the son of Obed, Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the so…" — What's really striking here is that Jehoiada "took courage" before he made his covenant. This wasn't a plan hatched in secret and then enacted bravely; his courage was the catalyst that allowed t…
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Last reviewed October 2026
