the seventh yeer Jehoiada] 2 Chron. 23. 1. A chiof priest at that time, Chap. 12. 7. rulers, &c.] Five expressed by name, 2 Chronicles 22:1. These also were priests, as is gathered from their functions, v. 5, &c. There were valiant men among the priests and Levites, 1 Chronicles 9:13. into the house of the Lord] Whereinto none might go but priests and Levites, 2 Chronicles 23:6. made a covenant] To depose Athaliah, to set Joash on the throne, to put down idolatry, and to establish true religion. When good governours reformed religion, they used to begin with a covenant, to binde themselves and their subjects more stedfastly thereto. See 2 Chron. 15. 12. and 29. 10. and 34. 31. Ezra 10:3. Nehemiah 9:38. an oath] Of secrecie and fidelity.