Who is Jehoshabeath? Also called Jehosheba, she is an unsung hero of the Bible that demonstrates God’s unwavering faithfulness.
2 Chronicles 22:11 (ESV)
11 But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were about to be put to death, and she put him and his nurse in a bedroom. Thus Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King Jehoram and wife of Jehoiada the priest, because she was a sister of Ahaziah, hid him from Athaliah, so that she did not put him to death.
Throughout Scripture, we can find many examples of God’s providence, His faithfulness, and His love for man. Nestled within the history of Israel is a story of a woman who exemplifies all of these attributes of God. While it’s common to think of the more prominent women of faith in the OT—Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Esther, Ruth, and Rahab—we must assuredly add Jehoshabeath to this list.
Much treachery was being played out between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. In our study verse above, Athaliah, who is the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and has usurped the leadership role in Judah, seeks to destroy the Davidic line in retribution for the massacre of all of the descendants of the evil northern king Ahab. She almost succeeded.
Enter Jehoshabeath (Jehosheba), Ahaziah’s sister and wife of the high priest Jehoiada. Taking the very last individual to carry on the line of David—and God’s Davidic Covenant—Jehoshabeath manages to hide young Joash in the temple for the six years of Athaliah’s ruthless reign.
Without this act, God’s Covenant with David—which includes the Messianic line leading to Jesus Christ—would have ended right then. Instead, we see the faithfulness of God prominently displayed, as He raises up individuals in all of His sovereignty to fulfill His purposes and promises (2 Samuel 7:16). We also see in this rescue a prefiguration of the rescue of Jesus from Herod (Matthew 2:13-15).
God protected the line of David because He promised an eternal throne from the house of David, which was fulfilled by the Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of God remains true, for no man can thwart the plans of God Almighty.
And this is our takeaway.
Just as God kept His promise with David, so He will with you and me. It should bring you much joy when you consider the promises God has made to us. Here are just a few:
- God promised salvation to all who believe in His Son (Romans 1:16–17)
- God promised that all things will work out for good for His children (Romans 8:28)
- God promised to supply our needs (Matthew 6:33; Philippians 4:19)
- Jesus promised abundant life to those who follow Him (John 10:10)
- Jesus promised eternal life to those who trust Him (John 4:14)
- Jesus promised that He will return for us (John 14:2–3)
Rejoice in the life of Jehoshabeath. Rejoice in the promises of God.
