דברי הימים ב, פרק כ״ב, פסוק י״ב

A young royal heir's survival depends on absolute secrecy within the sacred walls of the Temple, creating a sharp contrast with the political dominance of a powerful queen in the outside world. The young prince, Joash, remains hidden under the careful watch of Jehoshabeath and her husband, Jehoiada. The primary approach among commentators is that concealing the child within the House of God for six years was only possible due to Jehoiada's prominent position as the High Priest who oversaw the Temple. Because the couple resided there permanently, they were able to offer the boy a safe haven and strict protection directly within their domain. As a result, he grew up in the Temple for years, completely hidden from public knowledge.

While the young heir remained safely concealed, Athaliah ruled over the land. She firmly established her authority as a powerful queen, surrounding herself with ministers and advisors, and governed the country entirely on her own terms [ביאור שטיינזלץ].