Jehoiada יְהוֹיָדָע
High priest who overthrew Athaliah and crowned Joash
Who is Jehoiada in the Bible?
Jehoiada was a high priest of Judah who played a decisive role in preserving the royal line and restoring proper worship in the kingdom (2 Kings 11, 2 Chronicles 23-24). When Queen Athaliah seized the throne and murdered the royal heirs, Jehoiada and his wife Jehosheba rescued the infant Prince Joash and hid him in the temple for six years (2 Chronicles 22:11). In the seventh year, Jehoiada orchestrated a military coup, gathering soldiers and Levites to reveal Joash's existence, overthrow Athaliah, and crown the rightful king (2 Kings 11:4-16). He then served as Joash's trusted advisor throughout the king's reign, guiding religious reforms and temple repairs (2 Chronicles 24:2-14). Jehoiada's faithfulness and courage made him instrumental in rescuing the Davidic dynasty from extinction and restoring true worship of God in Judah.
Biography
Jehoiada, also referred to as Barachiah in Mat.23.35, was a high priest during the reign of King Joash of Judah. He played a crucial role in preserving the Davidic lineage and restoring the worship of Yahweh in Judah.
When Athaliah, the mother of the deceased king Ahaziah, seized the throne and ordered the execution of all the royal heirs, Jehoiada and his wife Jehosheba rescued the infant Joash and hid him in the temple for six years (2Ki.11.1-3; 2Ch.22.11-12). In the seventh year, Jehoiada gathered the military leaders and Levites, revealing the existence of the rightful heir and orchestrating a coup against Athaliah (2Ki.11.4-12; 2Ch.23.1-11). Joash was crowned king, and Athaliah was executed (2Ki.11.13-16; 2Ch.23.12-15).
During Joash's reign, Jehoiada served as his advisor and guided him in the ways of the Lord (2Ki.12.2). Jehoiada also initiated repairs to the temple and oversaw the collection of funds for this purpose (2Ki.12.7-16; 2Ch.24.4-14). He died at the age of 130 and was buried among the kings in the City of David, a testament to his significant role in the history of Judah (2Ch.24.15-16).
After Jehoiada's death, Joash turned away from the Lord and even ordered the execution of Jehoiada's son, Zechariah, for speaking out against the king's disobedience (2Ch.24.17-22; Mat.23.35). This act of betrayal led to the downfall of Joash and the kingdom of Judah.
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In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 1 with study content2 Kings 5 verses
- 2 Kings 11:4
"Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada sent for the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards, and had them brought into the house of the LORD. There he made a covenant with them and put them under oath. He showed them the king’s son"
- 2 Kings 11:9
"So the commanders of hundreds did everything that Jehoiada the priest had ordered. Each of them took his men—those coming on duty on the Sabbath and those going off duty—and came to Jehoiada the priest."
- 2 Kings 11:15
"And Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.”"
- 2 Kings 11:17
"Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people that they would be the LORD’s people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people."
- 2 Kings 12:2
"And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days he was instructed by Jehoiada the priest."
2 Chronicles 5 verses
- 2 Chronicles 22:11
"But Jehoshabeath daughter of King Jehoram took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being murdered, and she put him and his nurse in a bedroom. Because Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King Jehoram and the wife of Jehoiada the priest, was..."
- 2 Chronicles 23:1
"Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself and made a covenant with the commanders of hundreds—with Azariah son of Jeroham, Ishmael son of Jehohanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zichri."
- 2 Chronicles 23:8
"So the Levites and all Judah did everything that Jehoiada the priest had ordered. Each of them took his men—those coming on duty on the Sabbath and those going off duty—for Jehoiada the priest had not released any of the divisions."
- 2 Chronicles 23:9
"Then Jehoiada the priest gave to the commanders of hundreds the spears and the large and small shields of King David that were in the house of God."
- 2 Chronicles 23:11
"Then Jehoiada and his sons brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him and shouted, “Long live the king!”"
Matthew 1 verse
- Matthew 23:35
"And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יְהוֹיָדָע |
| Greek | Greek | Βαραχίας |