Jehoiada

Technical Profile

  • Name Meaning: Hebrew Yehôyāḏāʿ (“Yahweh knows”)
  • Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (Kingdom of Judah)
  • Main References: 2 Kings 11–12; 2 Chronicles 22–24
  • Key Connections: Husband of Jehosheba (daughter of King Jehoram); guardian of King Joash; συνεργant with temple guards and Levites in Jerusalem

Who was Jehoiada?

Jehoiada was a leading priest in Jerusalem during Athaliah’s reign in Judah.
He and his wife Jehosheba hid the child Joash in the temple to protect the royal line.
He organized a lawful transfer of power that restored Davidic kingship in Jerusalem.

Key Events & Achievements

  • Coup for Joash: Coordinated priests, Levites, and guards to enthrone Joash and depose Athaliah (2 Kings 11; 2 Chron. 23).
  • Covenant Renewal: Led the people and the king in a covenant commitment to be the LORD’s people and regulated temple worship (2 Kings 11:17–18; 2 Chron. 23:16–19).
  • Temple Repairs: Oversaw the collection and administration of funds for repairing the house of the LORD during Joash’s early reign (2 Kings 12:4–16; 2 Chron. 24:4–14).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Jehoiada’s leadership shows how priestly stewardship could shape royal legitimacy and public faithfulness in Judah’s covenant life.

Key Verse

“Jehoiada then made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they would be the LORD’s people, and also between the king and the people.” — 2 Kings 11:17, NIV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. During whose reign in Judah was Jehoiada a leading priest in Jerusalem?

2. What major responsibility did Jehoiada oversee during Joash’s early reign?