Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 23

Introduction

2 Chronicles 23, 24. The Reign of Joash (see notes on 2 Kings 11:4 to 2 Kings 12:21.— While the Chronicler bases his narrative, in the main, on the parallel passage in 2 K., he makes changes by means of additions and omissions which leave an entirely different impression on the mind of the reader; this applies more especially to the passage 2 Chronicles 23:1-11. According to 2 K. it is the captains of hundreds, the royal body-guard composed of foreigners, who enter the Temple at the instance of Jehoiada and proclaim Joash king; the Chronicler, on the other hand, imputes this action, not to the soldiery but to the priests and Levites, because the Law allowed none but priests and Levites to enter the sanctuary. He thus makes the entire coup d’é tat due to ecclesiastical, not military, action.

Verses 1-21

2 Chronicles 23, 24. The Reign of Joash (see notes on 2 Kings 11:4 to 2 Kings 12:21.— While the Chronicler bases his narrative, in the main, on the parallel passage in 2 K., he makes changes by means of additions and omissions which leave an entirely different impression on the mind of the reader; this applies more especially to the passage 2 Chronicles 23:1-11. According to 2 K. it is the captains of hundreds, the royal body-guard composed of foreigners, who enter the Temple at the instance of Jehoiada and proclaim Joash king; the Chronicler, on the other hand, imputes this action, not to the soldiery but to the priests and Levites, because the Law allowed none but priests and Levites to enter the sanctuary. He thus makes the entire coup d’é tat due to ecclesiastical, not military, action.

2 Chronicles 23:1-11 . Joash is made king. 2 Chronicles 23:2. An addition by the Chronicler.

2 Chronicles 23:12-15 . Athaliah is slain.

2 Chronicles 23:16-21 . Reformation under Jehoiada’ s guidance.