And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and people, that they should be the LORD’s people, and also between the king and the people.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to focus on the covenant with God, but notice that Jehoiada also established a covenant between the king and the people. This dual covenant highlights that good leadership isn't just about devotion to God, but also about a shared commitment and responsibility between rulers and their subjects for godly living.
And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and people, that they should be the LORD’s people, and also between the king and the people.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After the wicked Queen Athaliah was overthrown and the young king Joash was placed on the throne, Jehoiada the priest established a new covenant. This wasn't just a political agreement between Joash and his subjects; it was a solemn renewal of their commitment to be God's people. This act reaffirms their allegiance to the LORD, setting a new direction for the kingdom after years of idolatry.
In ancient Israel, covenants were serious business. They established relationships and obligations. What was the absolute foundation of this covenant renewal?
God's Priority
Jehoiada, the priest, expertly crafts this covenant. Notice its structure: first, a covenant is made 'between the LORD and the king and people, that they should be the LORD’s people.' This is the bedrock.
Before any king-people agreement, there's a God-people agreement. This isn't just a political pact; it's a spiritual rededication. The people, and their king, are declared to belong to the LORD. Their identity, their purpose, their very existence is defined by their relationship with Him.
The covenant wasn't just about submission to God. It also established a crucial bond between the rulers and the ruled. What does this tell us about good governance?
Mutual Accountability
The second part of the covenant, 'and also between the king and the people,' speaks to the reciprocal relationship. It wasn't a one-way street of royal decree.
This covenant implies that the king was not above the people in terms of their shared commitment to the LORD, nor was he free from responsibility towards them. The people, in turn, had obligations to their king, who was God's appointed leader. This mutual pledge created a framework for righteous leadership and loyal citizenship, all under God's authority.
Understand the original words
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berit · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, binding agreement or promise between God and his people, or between individuals, often ratified by a sacrifice or sign, carrying divine witness and obligation.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The proper name of the God of Israel, the self-existent, eternal One who revealed Himself to Moses and entered into a covenant relationship with His people.
841 BC
Reign of Athaliah
After her son King Ahaziah died, Athaliah, his mother and a daughter of Jezebel, seized the throne and reigned for six years, promoting Baal worship.
c. 835 BC— this verse
Coronation of Joash
Jehoiada the priest and his wife Jehosheba rescued the infant Joash from Athaliah's purge and secretly raised him. They then dramatically crowned him king at age seven in the temple.
c. 835 BC
Overthrow of Athaliah
The people acclaimed Joash king. Athaliah was captured and executed, ending her wicked reign and the house of Omri's direct influence on the throne.
c. 835 BC
Temple Reforms
Following Joash's coronation and the purging of Baal worship, Jehoiada initiated a restoration of temple worship and the collection of funds for its repair.
This passage echoes the same theme of entering into a covenant with the Lord, emphasizing that the people are to be His own, solidifying their relationship and commitment.
Exodus 19:5-6Here, God establishes a similar covenant relationship with Israel at Sinai, highlighting that if they obey Him, they will be His treasured possession, a theme directly mirrored in Jehoiada's actions.
Joshua 24:14-15Joshua calls the people to choose who they will serve, specifically urging them to serve the Lord and cast aside other gods, reinforcing the idea of a covenantal commitment to God alone.
Jeremiah 31:31-33This prophetic passage looks forward to a new covenant where God's law will be written on their hearts, illustrating the enduring importance of a covenant relationship between God and His people.
It's easy to focus on the covenant with God, but notice that Jehoiada also established a covenant between the king and the people. This dual covenant highlights that good leadership isn't just about devotion to God, but also about a shared commitment and responsibility between rulers and their subjects for godly living.
After the wicked Queen Athaliah was overthrown and the young king Joash was placed on the throne, Jehoiada the priest established a new covenant. This wasn't just a political agreement between Joash and his subjects; it was a solemn renewal of their commitment to be God's people. This act reaffirms their allegiance to the LORD, setting a new direction for the kingdom after years of idolatry.
After the wicked Queen Athaliah was overthrown and the young king Joash was placed on the throne, Jehoiada the priest established a new covenant. This wasn't just a political agreement between Joash and his subjects; it was a solemn renewal of their commitment to be God's people. This act reaffirms their allegiance to the LORD, setting a new direction for the kingdom after years of idolatry.
"And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and people, that they should be the LORD’s people, and also between the king and the people." — It's easy to focus on the covenant with God, but notice that Jehoiada also established a covenant between the king and the people. This dual covenant highlights that good leadership isn't just abou…
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Last reviewed October 2026