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estates of the realm. Similarly, the execution of the plan was entrusted to those to whom
action in the matter naturally belonged; and if the high-priest marked the accession of the
new king by a covenant between him and the people and Jehovah, he was at least equally
careful to secure the constitutional rights and liberties of the people by another covenant
between them and their sovereign. Lastly, in the period that followed, Jehoiada used his
position and influence only in favor of what was best, and not at any time for lower or
selfish purposes. To this record of his life we have to acid his activity in connection with
the restoration of the Temple. We do not wonder that when he died at a patriarchal age,*
the unparalleled honor was accorded him of a burial not only in Jerusalem itself, where,
according to tradition, there were no burying-places, but "in the city of David" and
"among the kings," "because he had done good in Israel, and toward God and His house"
(2 Chronicles 24:16).
- He is described as "satiated of days" (A.V., "full of days"). The expression is only used
in regard to these five persons: Abraham, Isaac, David, Job and Jehoiada. Needless doubt
has been cast on the age of Jehoiada. The computation of age in the historical books is
generally very moderate and this is characterized as an exceptionally long life.
But perhaps the most striking part in this history is the almost miraculous preservation of
the infant prince Joash. This fulfillment of the Divine promise concerning the
permanence of the house of David (2 Samuel 7:12- 16) must have impressed all those
who believed in "the sure mercies of David." This the more, that during the six years of
Joash's concealment, and when an Athaliah occupied the throne, it must have seemed to
have entirely failed. The proclamation of the youthful scion of David in the Temple, the
solemn religious covenant by which it was accompanied, and the happy reformation
which followed, must have vividly recalled the ancient Divine promise, and directed the
minds of all tree-hearted Israelites to the great goal in that Son of David in Whom all the
promises were to be finally fulfilled. And for a time all seemed in accordance with the
beginning of Joash's reign. It is only reasonable to suppose that during his minority,
which would not have been so long as in the West, Jehoiada virtually, if not formally,
acted as regent. In fact, the religious influence of the priest over the king continued "all
his days, because [or since*] Jehoiada the priest instructed him." If any doubt could
attach to the meaning of this expression, it would be removed by the parallel notice**
that "Joash did that which was right in the sight of Jehovah all the days of Jehoiada the
priest" (2 Chronicles 24:2).
- It has been proposed to translate, "all his days" viz., all Joash's life long - but this is
impossible; or else, "all the days that (while)." In any case, the meaning intended to be
conveyed is as explained in the text.
** The view given above is supported by the ancient versions of 2 Kings 12:2.
(^)