Jehoiada's conspiracy — the priest's initiative — 'In the seventh year Jehoiada took courage, and entered into a covenant with the commanders of the hundreds: Azariah son of Jeroham, Ishmael son of Jehohanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zichri' (וּבִשְׁנַת־הַשְּׁבִעִית הִתְחַזַּק יְהוֹיָדָע וַיִּשְׂמֹר אִתּוֹ אֶת־שָׂרֵי הַמֵּאוֹת). In the seventh year of Athaliah's usurpation, the priest Jehoiada takes courage (התחזק, strengthened himself). The verb ישׂמר (enter into covenant) suggests a binding oath among military commanders (שׂרי המאות, commanders of hundreds). The enumeration of names — Azariah (twice), Ishmael, Maaseiah, Elishaphat — suggests military leaders loyal to the Davidic house. Jehoiada's initiative represents the priesthood asserting its covenantal authority to restore the legitimate dynasty. The seventh year has numerological significance (completion, perfection); divine timing is implicit.

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