2 Chronicles 23 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Jehoiada proclaims Joash king. Athaliah is slain. The altars of Baal are destroyed.

Before Christ 878.

And the chief of the fathers of Israel— Judah is here called by the general name of Israel.

Of the priests the Levites— Of the priests, and of the Levites. Houbigant.

REFLECTIONS.—1st, Six years the usurped dominion of Athaliah lasted; but, by the prudence and courage of Jehoiada, she is hurled from her bloody throne, and the rightful heir restored, 2 Kings 11:4.

2nd, Athaliah's impotent attempt hastens her ruin: the people were too tired of her government to afford her any assistance; she fell, therefore, a just sacrifice to the manes of her murdered family. Joy and gladness now spread through the land; the king and people, by Jehoiada as mediator, renew their covenant with God and each other; and, as the first fruits of their zeal, Baal's hated worship is destroyed, and regularity and order restored to the house of God. Thus was this happy revolution effected so prosperously and speedily, and once more the seed of David possessed in peace the throne of their ancestors. Note; (1.) The throne of David shall never be vacant; one king for ever reigns upon it, whom none of his enemies can gainsay or resist: happy they who are spiritually the subjects of his government. (2.) Let kings consider the maintenance of God's holy religion and virtue as the great stability of their crown.