2 Chronicles 23

Chapter Summary

2 Chronicles 23 recounts the events following the death of King Ahaziah of Judah, who was killed by Jehu. Athaliah, Ahaziah's mother, seized the throne and attempted to destroy all the royal seed, but Jehosheba, the king's sister, hid Joash, one of Ahaziah's sons. Six years later, Jehoiada the priest formed a conspiracy against Athaliah, and with the help of the Levites and the captains of the hundreds, he had Athaliah put to death and Joash crowned as the new king. Jehoiada then led the people in a covenant to follow the Lord, and they destroyed the temple of Baal, killing its priest Mattan in the process. The chapter concludes with the establishment of Joash as king and the beginning of his reign, marked by the repair of the house of the Lord under Jehoiada's guidance, as seen in 2 Chronicles 23:1-21.

Context for the Chapter

2 Chronicles 23 is part of the larger narrative of the divided kingdom, where Judah and Israel are separate entities. The chapter follows the death of King Ahaziah of Judah and the brief, tumultuous reign of Athaliah, who sought to eradicate the royal lineage. This context is crucial in understanding the significance of Jehoiada's actions and the rededication of the people to their covenant with God. The events in this chapter are also connected to the broader biblical narrative, including the prophetic writings and the New Testament, which emphasize God's faithfulness and the importance of covenant obedience.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages believers to stand for truth, even in the face of overwhelming opposition, and to trust in God's sovereignty over all circumstances. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity in worship and being faithful to the covenant that God has established with His people. As seen in 2 Chronicles 23:3 and 23:16, believers should strive to follow God's commandments and obey His will, just as the people of Judah did under Jehoiada's guidance.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of how God preserved the royal lineage of Judah through the actions of Jehoiada and Jehosheba, despite the attempts of Athaliah to destroy it, as seen in 2 Chronicles 23:1-3. It highlights the importance of standing for truth, maintaining purity in worship, and trusting in God's sovereignty, as noted in 2 Chronicles 23:3 and 23:16. The chapter encourages believers to be faithful to their covenant with God and to obey His commandments, just as the people of Judah did under Jehoiada's guidance.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord's people are never utterly forsaken, for He has always a remnant according to the election of grace, as seen in the preservation of Joash in 2 Chronicles 23:1-3. In the darkest hour, there is always a glimmer of light, a spark of life which shall yet develop into a flame.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The destruction of the temple of Baal and the killing of its priest in 2 Chronicles 23:17 serve as a reminder that God will not tolerate idolatry and that those who engage in such practices will face His judgment. This event highlights the importance of maintaining purity in worship and the need for believers to separate themselves from false idols.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Chapter (2 Chronicles 23:1-3) — The chapter begins with the death of King Ahaziah and the rise of Athaliah, who seeks to destroy the royal lineage. However, Jehosheba, the king's sister, hides Joash, one of Ahaziah's sons, preserving the lineage, as seen in 2 Chronicles 23:1-3.
2. Jehoiada's Conspiracy Against Athaliah (2 Chronicles 23:4-7) — Jehoiada forms a conspiracy against Athaliah, gathering the Levites and the captains of the hundreds to support him, as described in 2 Chronicles 23:4-7. This event marks a significant turning point in the chapter, as Jehoiada's actions ultimately lead to the downfall of Athaliah and the restoration of true worship.
3. The Crowning of Joash (2 Chronicles 23:8-11) — Jehoiada crowns Joash as the new king, and the people rejoice at the restoration of the monarchy, as seen in 2 Chronicles 23:8-11. This event highlights the importance of God's sovereignty and the significance of the royal lineage in the biblical narrative.
4. The Destruction of the Temple of Baal (2 Chronicles 23:12-15) — The people, led by Jehoiada, destroy the temple of Baal and kill its priest, Mattan, as described in 2 Chronicles 23:12-15. This event serves as a warning about the consequences of idolatry and the importance of maintaining purity in worship.
5. Conclusion and the Reign of Joash (2 Chronicles 23:16-21) — The chapter concludes with the establishment of Joash as king and the beginning of his reign, marked by the repair of the house of the Lord under Jehoiada's guidance, as seen in 2 Chronicles 23:16-21. This event highlights the significance of the royal lineage and the importance of maintaining the purity of worship in the biblical narrative.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God

This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all human affairs, using various individuals and circumstances to achieve His purposes, as seen in the preservation of the royal lineage and the restoration of true worship, as noted in 2 Chronicles 23:3 and 23:16.

Importance of Covenant Obedience

The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity in worship and being faithful to the covenant that God has established with His people, as seen in 2 Chronicles 23:3 and 23:16. Believers should strive to follow God's commandments and obey His will, just as the people of Judah did under Jehoiada's guidance.

Consequences of Idolatry

The destruction of the temple of Baal and the killing of its priest serve as a warning about the consequences of idolatry and the importance of maintaining purity in worship, as described in 2 Chronicles 23:17

Faithfulness of God

The chapter demonstrates God's faithfulness in maintaining the Messianic line, despite the attempts of evil forces to eradicate it, as noted in 2 Chronicles 23:1-3. This event highlights the significance of God's sovereignty and the importance of trusting in His faithfulness.

Lessons from 2 Chronicles 23

1. The Importance of Faithfulness — This chapter teaches the importance of faithfulness, particularly in the face of opposition or adversity, as seen in the actions of Jehoiada and Jehosheba in 2 Chronicles 23:1-3. Believers should strive to be faithful to their covenant with God and to obey His commandments, just as the people of Judah did under Jehoiada's guidance.
2. The Dangers of Idolatry — The destruction of the temple of Baal and the killing of its priest serve as a warning about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of maintaining purity in worship, as described in 2 Chronicles 23:17. Believers should be cautious not to engage in idolatrous practices and should strive to maintain the purity of their worship.
3. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty over all human affairs, using various individuals and circumstances to achieve His purposes, as seen in the preservation of the royal lineage and the restoration of true worship, as noted in 2 Chronicles 23:3 and 23:16. Believers should trust in God's sovereignty and providence, knowing that He is always working to achieve His good purposes.
4. The Importance of Leadership — Jehoiada's leadership in this chapter serves as an example of the importance of godly leadership in guiding the people of God, as seen in 2 Chronicles 23:1-3 and 23:8-11. Believers should strive to follow godly leaders and to seek guidance from those who are faithful to God's word.
5. The Faithfulness of God — The chapter demonstrates God's faithfulness in maintaining the Messianic line, despite the attempts of evil forces to eradicate it, as noted in 2 Chronicles 23:1-3. This event highlights the significance of God's sovereignty and the importance of trusting in His faithfulness, as seen in 2 Chronicles 23:3 and 23:16.

Themes from 2 Chronicles 23

1. God's Sovereignty — The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty over all human affairs, using various individuals and circumstances to achieve His purposes, as seen in the preservation of the royal lineage and the restoration of true worship, as noted in 2 Chronicles 23:3 and 23:16. This theme is significant because it highlights God's ability to work through various means to achieve His good purposes.
2. Faithfulness — The chapter teaches the importance of faithfulness, particularly in the face of opposition or adversity, as seen in the actions of Jehoiada and Jehosheba in 2 Chronicles 23:1-3. This theme is significant because it emphasizes the need for believers to be faithful to their covenant with God and to obey His commandments.
3. Idolatry — The destruction of the temple of Baal and the killing of its priest serve as a warning about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of maintaining purity in worship, as described in 2 Chronicles 23:17. This theme is significant because it highlights the need for believers to be cautious not to engage in idolatrous practices and to strive to maintain the purity of their worship.
4. Leadership — Jehoiada's leadership in this chapter serves as an example of the importance of godly leadership in guiding the people of God, as seen in 2 Chronicles 23:1-3 and 23:8-11. This theme is significant because it emphasizes the need for believers to follow godly leaders and to seek guidance from those who are faithful to God's word.
5. Redemption — The preservation of the royal lineage of Judah in this chapter points to the larger narrative of God's plan to send a Savior through the line of David, as noted in Matthew 1:1 and Luke 1:32. This theme is significant because it highlights the significance of God's sovereignty and the importance of trusting in His faithfulness, as seen in 2 Chronicles 23:3 and 23:16.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does this chapter teach about the importance of standing for truth, even in the face of overwhelming opposition, as seen in the actions of Jehoiada and Jehosheba in 2 Chronicles 23:1-3?
2. How does the preservation of the royal lineage of Judah in this chapter point to the larger narrative of God's plan to send a Savior through the line of David, as noted in Matthew 1:1 and Luke 1:32?
3. What warning does the destruction of the temple of Baal and the killing of its priest in 2 Chronicles 23:17 serve, and what implications does this have for believers today?
4. In what ways can believers apply the lessons of this chapter to their own lives, particularly in terms of maintaining purity in worship and being faithful to their covenant with God, as seen in 2 Chronicles 23:3 and 23:16?
5. How does the chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty and faithfulness encourage believers to trust in His goodness and providence, as noted in 2 Chronicles 23:3 and 23:16?

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Top Cross References

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 23

	Sermon	Description
	Burning for God by G.W. North	In this sermon, the preacher describes a vision of seeing the Son of Man, who is described as having a majestic appearance with white hair, fiery eyes, and feet like brass. The pre
	And the City Was Quiet After They Had by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of decisive action against evil, using the example of Jehoiada's boldness in overthrowing Athaliah to restore righteousness in the nation. He ar

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 23

Matthew Henry's commentary on 2 Chronicles 23 highlights the faithfulness of God in preserving the royal lineage of Judah, despite the attempts of Athaliah to destroy it. He notes that the actions of Jehoiada and Jehosheba serve as an example of the importance of standing for truth, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. Henry also emphasizes the significance of the crowning of Joash as king, marking a new era in the history of Judah, and the destruction of the temple of Baal, serving as a warning about the consequences of idolatry. He encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, knowing that He is always working to achieve His good purposes, as seen in 2 Chronicles 23:3 and 23:16. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

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