What do you remember about being seven years old? Perhaps you remember your second grade teacher helping you count to one hundred or spell “Mississippi.” But you were also finding all kinds of ways to use your imagination. So when someone asked what you wanted to be when you grew up, do you remember how you would answer? In 2 Chronicles 23, Joash is seven years old. Until now, he has been secluded in the temple, raised by his aunt Jehoshabeath, wife of the high priest Jehoiada. But this boy had no dreams of becoming a priest when he grew up—or a builder or soldier. By age seven, he learned that his career path was already determined. This lad was destined to be king—and not someday, but now! Queen Athaliah had been reigning for six years over Judah, but she had no legitimate claim on the throne. She had no connection to the line of David, and her parents were notorious idol worshipers, as she was. And we can’t assume that people liked her, since she came to power only by massacring her own family members. It was only a matter of time before Jehoiada would make it known that Athaliah’s grandson Joash was still alive, the true heir-apparent. At that point, the queen’s reign would be over. Maybe the priest waited until the new king would be able to sign his name on a royal edict or solve basic problems on his own! For whatever reason, when Joash was seven, Jehoiada decided it was time to act. Calling together the priests, Levites, and heads of clans scattered around the land, they all agreed that the moment had come to install little Joash as king (v 1-3). Jehoiada did all he could to make this revolution as secure as possible. Weapons were distributed, and a large security detail took their positions, guarding the temple and surrounding the boy king. A royal crown was placed on the head of young Joash, and the law of God was placed in his hands. As the band played, everyone began to shout, “Long live the king!” (v 4-11). When Athaliah stopped in to see what all the commotion was about, she was shocked, to say the least! Ignoring her hollow cries of “Treason!” the officers escorted her out of the temple, executing her in front of the palace (v 12-15). Spiritual reforms were then initiated by Jehoiada, and all the people rejoiced, for a son of David was again on the throne of Judah—more evidence that God can always be trusted. He will never break covenant with His people (v 16-21). For further meditation: