Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 11 - Verse 21

At the age of seven, Jehoash ascended to the throne as the king of Judah. This young age may seem unusual for someone to take on such a significant role, but in ancient times, it was not uncommon for young rulers to come to power. In the case of Jehoash, his reign was overseen by a group of advisors and mentors who helped guide him in his leadership duties. Despite his youth, Jehoash went on to become a successful king who implemented reforms and repairs to the temple of the Lord. This verse serves as a testament to the importance of leadership at any age, as well as the significance of having wise counsel to support and guide those in positions of authority.

When examining the verse "Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign" from a theological perspective, it is important to consider the significance of age in ancient cultures. In biblical times, age often carried symbolic meaning, with certain ages representing different stages of life or levels of maturity. The age of seven, in particular, was seen as a significant milestone in a young person's life, marking the transition from childhood to early adolescence. In the case of Jehoash, being seven years old when he began to reign highlights his status as a young and inexperienced ruler who would need guidance and support from others, such as the priests and court officials who played a key role in shaping his reign. Additionally, the choice of the number seven may also carry symbolic weight, as the number seven is often associated with completeness or perfection in the Bible, suggesting that Jehoash's reign was ordained by God and part of a larger divine plan.