Then he brought out the king’s son and put the crown on him and gave him the testimony. And they proclaimed him king and anointed him, and they clapped their hands and said, “Long live the king!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's striking here is that after the dramatic rescue and coronation, the people's immediate response isn't just cheers, but they give him "the testimony." This wasn't just a piece of jewelry; it was likely the scroll containing God's Law, signaling that this new king was to rule not just by power, but by God's covenant and Word. It’s a powerful reminder that true leadership, even in moments of triumph, must be rooted in faithfulness to divine standards.
Then he brought out the king’s son and put the crown on him and gave him the testimony. And they proclaimed him king and anointed him, and they clapped their hands and said, “Long live the king!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This moment follows a violent coup where the wicked Queen Athaliah murdered her own grandchildren to seize the throne. A hidden priest and loyalists rescued the young Joash and kept him safe for years before dramatically presenting him as the rightful king in the temple. This passage marks Joash's public coronation, a bold act of defiance against Athaliah's tyranny and a restoration of David's line.
Imagine a child suddenly thrust into a position of immense power. What does it mean to be crowned king, especially at a young age?
This passage describes the coronation of Joash. Notice the actions: 'put the crown on him,' 'gave him the testimony,' 'proclaimed him king,' 'anointed him,' and the people's cry, 'Long live the king!'
A New Identity
Being crowned isn't just about a fancy hat. It signifies a complete shift in identity and responsibility. Joash, a boy, is now the ruler of Judah.
The Testimony
The 'testimony' given to the new king likely refers to the laws and covenant of God. This wasn't just a political appointment; it was a spiritual one, binding the king to God's commands and the people's well-being.
A king is made not just by a crown, but by the voices that proclaim him. What does this tell us about leadership and the people?
The text doesn't just focus on the priests or officials. It highlights the enthusiastic response of the people: 'they clapped their hands and said, “Long live the king!”'
Shared Affirmation
This wasn't a forced acclamation. Their clapping and shouts were expressions of their acceptance and support. The coronation was a public, communal event, solidifying Joash's legitimacy in the eyes of the nation.
Divine and Human Connection
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While God ultimately ordains kings (as seen throughout Israel's history), human participation is vital. The people's affirmation was a crucial part of establishing Joash's reign. It underscores that leadership is a covenant not just between the ruler and God, but also between the ruler and the ruled.
Understand the original words
nezer · Hebrew Noun
A symbol of royal authority, sovereignty, and the coronation of a ruler, often associated with the exercise of power and rule over a nation.
eduth · Hebrew Noun
Often referring to the Book of the Law or the Decalogue (Ten Commandments), representing the covenantal requirements, God's moral standard, and the foundation for royal conduct.
mashach · Hebrew Verb
The act of consecrating a person for a specific office or mission by applying oil, signifying the empowerment and setting apart of an individual by God.
This event highlights the precariousness of royal succession and the divine intervention that preserved the Davidic line, even amidst brutal power struggles and usurpation.
842 BC
Reign of King Ahaziah
Ahaziah, son of King Ahab and Jezebel, ruled Israel. He died young after a fall, leaving the throne vacant.
841 BC
Athaliah Usurps the Throne
Athaliah, mother of Ahaziah and daughter of King Ahab and Jezebel of Israel, seizes power in Judah after her son's death. She orders the massacre of the royal heirs to secure her reign.
841 BC
Jehoash Hidden and Protected
Jehoash, an infant prince, is secretly rescued from the massacre by his aunt, Jehosheba, and hidden in the Temple. He is raised in secret by the priests for six years.
835 BC— this verse
Jehoash Proclaimed King
The High Priest Jehoiada reveals the young prince Jehoash to the public, rallying support against the usurper Athaliah. Jehoash is crowned king, and Athaliah is executed.
835 BC
Temple Restoration Begins
Under Jehoash's reign and with Jehoiada's guidance, a national effort is launched to repair and restore the Temple, which had fallen into disrepair during Athaliah's rule.
This passage describes Samuel anointing Saul as king, highlighting the sacred act of choosing and setting apart a ruler by God's command, mirroring the anointing described in 2 Kings.
2 Samuel 5:3Here, the elders of Israel anoint David as king over all Israel, emphasizing the covenantal relationship and the people's recognition of God's chosen leader.
Matthew 2:2The wise men inquire about the 'king of the Jews who has been born,' showing the significance and expectation surrounding the birth of a king, echoing the public acclamation in 2 Kings.
Acts 4:27This verse speaks of rulers gathering against Jesus, God's anointed one, demonstrating the spiritual battle often surrounding kingship and God's chosen servants.
What's striking here is that after the dramatic rescue and coronation, the people's immediate response isn't just cheers, but they give him "the testimony." This wasn't just a piece of jewelry; it was likely the scroll containing God's Law, signaling that this new king was to rule not just by power, but by God's covenant and Word. It’s a powerful reminder that true leadership, even in moments of triumph, must be rooted in faithfulness to divine standards.
This moment follows a violent coup where the wicked Queen Athaliah murdered her own grandchildren to seize the throne. A hidden priest and loyalists rescued the young Joash and kept him safe for years before dramatically presenting him as the rightful king in the temple. This passage marks Joash's public coronation, a bold act of defiance against Athaliah's tyranny and a restoration of David's line.
This moment follows a violent coup where the wicked Queen Athaliah murdered her own grandchildren to seize the throne. A hidden priest and loyalists rescued the young Joash and kept him safe for years before dramatically presenting him as the rightful king in the temple. This passage marks Joash's public coronation, a bold act of defiance against Athaliah's tyranny and a restoration of David's line.
"Then he brought out the king’s son and put the crown on him and gave him the testimony. And they proclaimed him king and anointed him, and they clapped their hands and said, “Long live the king!”" — What's striking here is that after the dramatic rescue and coronation, the people's immediate response isn't just cheers, but they give him "the testimony." This wasn't just a piece of jewelry; it wa…
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Last reviewed October 2026