Pendant six ans, il resta caché avec sa nourrice dans le temple du Seigneur, tandis qu'Athalie régnait sur le pays. Profitant du coup d'État de Jéhu, Athalie, mère du roi de Juda, décide de mettre à mort les descendants de la famille royale et de régner à Jérusalem. Grâce à la princesse Yochéba, le jeune Joas, son neveu, échappe au massacre. Au bout de sept ans, le grand-prêtre Yoyada décide d'installer Joas, ce descendant de David, sur le trône royal. Ainsi est préservée in extremis la promesse divine faite à David. Le v. 12 précise qu'avant de recevoir l'onction, Joas reçoit solennellement le document de l'alliance. Cette usurpatrice doit sa célébrité moderne à la tragédie de Jean Racine (1691), au bel oratorio qu'en a tiré Georg Friedrich Haendel (Athalia, 1733), et à Gustave Doré (1866).
Que signifie ce verset ?
This verse tells us that a boy named Joash was hidden in the Temple for six years to protect him from Athaliah, who had taken over the kingdom. It shows how God's people were in a difficult situation but found ways to protect and preserve the line of David.
Expliqué aux enfants
Imagine if you had to hide in your room for a long time to be safe from someone who wanted to hurt you. That's what happened to a boy named Joash. He hid in the Temple because a mean lady named Athaliah was trying to get rid of him.
Contexte historique
The Book of 2 Kings was written by prophets and historians in the Israelite community around 560 BC. It was written for the Israelites in exile to remind them of God's faithfulness and the consequences of their actions.
Application pour aujourd'hui
In our lives, we sometimes face situations where we need to hide or stay hidden for our own safety. This verse teaches us about the importance of trust and protection, like how Joash was kept safe until it was time for him to step forward.