This verse refers to the story of Joash, the infant heir to the throne of Judah, and his escape from a massacre orchestrated by his grandmother, Athaliah. Let's break down the meaning:
"He was with them": "He" refers to Joash, a baby at the time. "Them" refers to Jehosheba, Joash's aunt (daughter of King Jehoram and sister of King Ahaziah) and her husband, Jehoiada the priest.
"Hidden in God's house": This specifies that Joash and his nursemaid were concealed within the Temple in Jerusalem. This location provided a degree of safety and secrecy. The Temple was considered a sacred place, and it was likely a location where Jehoiada, the priest, had influence and control over access.
"Six years": This tells us the duration of Joash's concealment. For six years, he lived in the Temple, presumably raised and cared for by Jehosheba and Jehoiada.
"While Athaliah reigned over the land": This places Joash's hiding period within the reign of Athaliah. After the death of her son, King Ahaziah, Athaliah seized power in Judah and attempted to eliminate the entire royal line to secure her position as queen.
In essence, the verse means that Joash, the rightful heir to the throne of Judah, was secretly hidden in the Temple for six years by his aunt and her husband, while his power-hungry grandmother, Athaliah, ruled the land after murdering the rest of the royal family.
Significance:
Preservation of the Davidic Line: This verse highlights the preservation of the Davidic line, from which the Messiah was prophesied to come. Had Joash been killed, the lineage of King David would have been extinguished, potentially disrupting God's promises.
Hope in the Midst of Evil: The verse demonstrates that even in the darkest of times, when evil seems to prevail, God can preserve hope and ensure His plans are not thwarted.
The Importance of Courage and Faith: Jehosheba and Jehoiada risked their lives to protect Joash. Their actions exemplify courage, faith, and a commitment to what they believed was right in the eyes of God.
In summary, 2 Chronicles 22:12 is a pivotal verse that sets the stage for the eventual overthrow of Athaliah and the restoration of the Davidic line through Joash's eventual coronation as king. It is a story of survival, faith, and God's faithfulness in preserving His promises.
This verse refers to the story of Joash, the infant heir to the throne of Judah, and his escape from a massacre orchestrated by his grandmother, Athaliah. Let's break down the meaning:
"He was with them": "He" refers to Joash, a baby at the time. "Them" refers to Jehosheba, Joash's aunt (daughter of King Jehoram and sister of King Ahaziah) and her husband, Jehoiada the priest.
"Hidden in God's house": This specifies that Joash and his nursemaid were concealed within the Temple in Jerusalem. This location provided a degree of safety and secrecy. The Temple was considered a sacred place, and it was likely a location where Jehoiada, the priest, had influence and control over access.
"Six years": This tells us the duration of Joash's concealment. For six years, he lived in the Temple, presumably raised and cared for by Jehosheba and Jehoiada.
"While Athaliah reigned over the land": This places Joash's hiding period within the reign of Athaliah. After the death of her son, King Ahaziah, Athaliah seized power in Judah and attempted to eliminate the entire royal line to secure her position as queen.
In essence, the verse means that Joash, the rightful heir to the throne of Judah, was secretly hidden in the Temple for six years by his aunt and her husband, while his power-hungry grandmother, Athaliah, ruled the land after murdering the rest of the royal family.
Significance:
Preservation of the Davidic Line: This verse highlights the preservation of the Davidic line, from which the Messiah was prophesied to come. Had Joash been killed, the lineage of King David would have been extinguished, potentially disrupting God's promises.
Hope in the Midst of Evil: The verse demonstrates that even in the darkest of times, when evil seems to prevail, God can preserve hope and ensure His plans are not thwarted.
The Importance of Courage and Faith: Jehosheba and Jehoiada risked their lives to protect Joash. Their actions exemplify courage, faith, and a commitment to what they believed was right in the eyes of God.
In summary, 2 Chronicles 22:12 is a pivotal verse that sets the stage for the eventual overthrow of Athaliah and the restoration of the Davidic line through Joash's eventual coronation as king. It is a story of survival, faith, and God's faithfulness in preserving His promises.