Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Chronicles 24:17

"Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them." — 2 Chronicles 24:17 (ASV)

The nobles had taken part in the revolution that placed Joash on the throne (2 Chronicles 23:2, 13, 20), but probably on political rather than on religious grounds. They might dislike the rule of a woman and a foreigner without participating in the zeal of Jehoiada for purity of religion.

They now petitioned for a toleration of idolatry, not for a return to the conditions that prevailed under Athaliah. No doubt they carried a considerable party with them, but the temple worship continued, as appears from the history of Zechariah (2 Chronicles 24:20). Nor is the king personally charged with idolatry.