against Athaliah, although from his custody of the infant-prince, no less than from his age and

dignity, it naturally devolved upon him. In the language of the Book of Chronicles, he had to "take

courage" for it. And when at last he acted, it was, to use a modern expression, in the most

"constitutional" manner, as well as in the most earnest religious spirit. There cannot be doubt that

the occupancy of the throne by Athaliah was not only an usurpation and a crime, but contrary to

the law and constitution of the land. Yet in bringing about a change which was strictly legal,

Jehoiada acted in the most careful manner, having first consulted with, and secured the co-

operation of, all the 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 t he 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 unparalle led 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 Divin e 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 thro ne, 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*] Jehoia da 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.

His change after that is only too clearly evidenced by the murder of Zechariah, the son of

Jehoiada, an event which has not been seriously called in question even by negative critics.

On the whole, it cannot be doubted that the great defect of the character and reign of Joash was a

fatal weakness, such as that of his ancestor Ahab, probably due to want of stable, personal

religious convictions. Under the guiding influence of Jehoiada, he "did that which was right;" yet

even so he tolerated the worship of the people at the "high places." In view of his character, we

must regard it as a specially wise act on the part of the high-priest to concern himself about the