מלכים ב, פרק י״א, פסוק ג׳

The young heir to the royal dynasty finds an unexpected and secure refuge in the holiest of places, right under the nose of the queen who seized power. While a hostile force rules the kingdom, the true king grows up in secret within the walls of the Temple.

Hiding the child in the Temple was a careful choice based on two complementary reasons. Practically, Jehosheba was married to the High Priest, making her constant presence in the Temple entirely natural and free of suspicion [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. Additionally, the location provided perfect camouflage. No one would ever suspect that a child was living and hiding in such a sacred space, guaranteeing that no search parties would look for him there [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The child remained safely concealed for six years while Athaliah ruled the land, though her six years in power were actually partial, incomplete years [מצודת דוד]. This extended period of secrecy finally concluded in the seventh year. The High Priest gathered the military commanders and the Levites to form a covenant, revealing the hidden royal heir to them so they could crown the boy and protect him from Athaliah [אברבנאל].