And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD'S people.

2 CHRONICLES 23:16KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 23:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 23:16 mean?

2 Chronicles 23:16 describes how Jehoiada, the priest, made a formal agreement with the new king and all the people, committing everyone to belong to the LORD and serve Him together. This covenant was a public promise that the nation would recognize the LORD as their God.

Jehoiada is the leading priest at a time when Judah is turning away from the worship of false gods. He gathers the people and the newly crowned king, Joash, to renew their loyalty to the LORD. This act is a turning point, marking a fresh start for the nation after a period of spiritual decline and chaos.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 23:16

  • בְּרִית (berit, "covenant"): This word means a binding agreement or treaty. In this context, it highlights the seriousness and formality of the commitment being made, not just a casual promise.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH, "LORD"): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. The verse emphasizes that the people are pledging themselves specifically to the LORD, not just to any deity.
  • עָם (am, "people"): This word refers to the whole community or nation. The covenant is not just between leaders but includes everyone, showing a collective responsibility.

Why 2 Chronicles 23:16 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the restoration of true worship in Judah was not just a decision by leaders but a shared commitment by the entire nation.
  • It connects to the wider story, showing that Jehoiada’s reforms were about more than just removing a bad ruler; they were about realigning the people’s hearts and actions with their faith.
  • The emphasis on a covenant reminds readers that faith in the LORD was meant to be a public, communal, and lasting commitment, not just a private or temporary feeling.

Where else these words appear

“Jehoiada” Hebrew H3077 · used in 48 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.
  • 1 Kings 4:4 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the host: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:
  • 2 Chronicles 23:8 So the Levites and all Judah did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest had commanded, and took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that were to go out on the sabbath: for Jehoiada the priest dismissed not the courses.