דברי הימים ב, פרק כ״ג, פסוק א׳

Restoring the rightful Davidic line to the throne requires a highly calculated and secretive rebellion. Recognizing the magnitude of the task, Jehoiada understands that he cannot execute his plan alone. He begins to gradually build connections, recruiting key figures to his cause [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

He initiates this process by enlisting specific military commanders of hundreds. While the parallel historical account in the Book of Kings mentions these military leaders only generally, the record here identifies them by their exact names. These commanders are given a critical covert mission: they are appointed as swift messengers, traveling throughout the territory of Judah to gather the Levites [מלבי״ם].

The primary goal of assembling these commanders is to form a secret covenant. By bringing them into this hidden pact, Jehoiada unites their forces, ensuring they act as a single, coordinated front to crown Joash as the rightful king [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This covert alliance ultimately expands well beyond the military leaders. Following the call of the commanders, the Levites and the heads of the families gather from across the land and enter into the covenant as well. The inclusion of these national leaders in the rebellion is a crucial historical detail unique to this account [מלבי״ם].