Athaliah Usurps the Throne

111 When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead , she rose and destroyed all the royal offspring . 2 But Jehosheba , the daughter of King Joram , sister of Ahaziah , took Joash the son of Ahaziah and stole him from among the king's sons who were being put to death , and placed him and his nurse in the bedroom e . So they hid him from Athaliah , and he was not put to death . 3 So he was hidden with her in the house of the Lord six years , while Athaliah was reigning over the land .

4 Now in the seventh year Jehoiada sent and brought the captains of hundreds of the Carites and of the guard , and brought them to him in the house of the Lord . Then he made a covenant with them and put them under oath in the house of the Lord , and showed them the king's son . 5 He commanded them, saying , "This is the thing that you shall do : one third of you, who come in on the sabbath and keep watch over the king's house 6 (one third also shall be at the gate Sur , and one third at the gate behind the guards ), shall keep watch over the house for defense . 7 "Two parts of you, even all who go out on the sabbath , shall also keep watch over the house of the Lord for the king . 8 "Then you shall surround e e the king , each with his weapons in his hand ; and whoever comes within the ranks shall be put to death . And be with the king when he goes out and when he comes in." 9 So the captains of hundreds did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded . And each one of them took his men who were to come in on the sabbath , with those who were to go out on the sabbath , and came to Jehoiada the priest . 10 The priest gave to the captains of hundreds the spears and shields that had been King David's , which were in the house of the Lord . 11 The guards stood each with his weapons in his hand , from the right side of the house to the left side of the house , by the altar and by the house , around the king . 12 Then he brought the king's son out and put the crown on him and gave him the testimony ; and they made him king and anointed him, and they clapped their hands and said , " Long live the king !"

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Kings 11:1-12

Commentary on 2 Kings 11:1-12

(Read 2 Kings 11:1-12)

Athaliah destroyed all she knew to be akin to the crown. Jehoash, one of the king's sons, was hid. Now was the promise made to David bound up in one life only, and yet it did not fail. Thus to the Son of David, the Lord, according to his promise, will secure a spiritual seed, hidden sometimes, and unseen, but hidden in God's pavilion, and unhurt. Six years Athaliah tyrannized. Then the king was brought forward. A child indeed, but he had a good guardian, and, what was better, a good God to go to With such joy and satisfaction must the kingdom of Christ be welcomed into our hearts, when his throne is set up there, and Satan the usurper is cast out. Say, Let the King, even Jesus, live, for ever live and reign in my soul, and in all the world.