SCRIPTURE: 2 KINGS 11
ATHALIAH AND JOASH (vs. 1-21)
After Ahaziah died, his mother Athaliah proceeded to destroy the whole royal family, but Jehosheba, the sister of Ahaziah and aunt of Joash took Joash, son of Ahaziah and stole him away and hide him away from Athaliah. He remained hidden with his nurse at the temple of the Lord for 6 years while Athaliah ruled the land.
In the 7th year, Jehoiada, the priest sent for the commanders, the Carites, and the guard and had them brought to him at the temple of the Lord. He showed them the king’s son and commanded them have the weapons in their hands and divide into 3 companies. 1/3 should guard the royal palace, 1/3 at the South gate and 1/3 at the gate behind the guard. One company should guard the temple. The other 3 companies who went off Sabbath duty must guard the temple for the king. They should guard the king and stay close to him wherever he goes.
The commanders of units did as what Jehoiada the priest ordered. Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son and put the crown on him. He presented him with a covenant and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, “Long live the king!” (v. 12)
While Athaliah heard the noise and saw the king standing there with people rejoicing and blowing trumpets, she tore her robe and called out: “Treason! treason!” Jehoiada the priest ordered the commander to bring her out and put to sword anyone who followed her. They seized her and slain her with with the sword at the palace.
Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the people that they will be the Lord’s people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people. All the people tore down Baal temple. They smashed the altar and idol to pieces and killed Mattan, the priest of Baal in front of the altar. Then Jehoiada the priest accompanied the king together with the commanders into the palace. The king took his place on the royal throne and all the people of the land rejoiced. Joash was 7 years old when he began to reign.
THOUGHTS:
Queen mother Athaliah was determined to wipe out the entire royal family so that no rival could steal the throne from her. But God rescued a little boy and protected him for 7 years to David’s seed on the throne of Judah. But Jehosheba, who was the sister of Ahaziah, aunt of Joash and wife of Jehoiada, the priest saved Joash’s life. Athaliah’s attempt to kill all of Ahaziah’s son was futile because God had promised that the Messaiah would be born through David’s descendants.