2 Kings 11
-The story of the seven year old king begins in this
chapter. After the news of Ahaziah’s death in Israel along with much of his
family (2 Kings 9:27-28; 10:13-14), Athaliah seized the southern kingdom by
force killing all the royal offspring who might have opposed her. She was
likely a relative of the evil Jezebel to the north and possibly even her
daughter. In any event, she was of the same idolatrous spirit as this pagan
queen and ended up ruling in Judah for six long years. However, Jehosheba, the daughter
of King Joram and sister of Ahaziah, rescued the infant son of Ahaziah from the
slaughter and hid him in the LORD’s house under the control and authority of
Jehoida the priest. In the seventh year Jehoida orchestrated a coup d'état for
the rightful Davidic heir to the throne for the young boy Joash (Jehoash).
Carites, who scholars believe migrated to southern Palestine from the island of
Crete, were hired as mercenary troops to give defense for the overthrow of
power in the land. They brought out weapons from the Temple that had been
David’s and they successfully anointed Joash as king and put the crown on him and
gave him the testimony (probably a list of Divinely ordained laws). The people
of Judah rejoiced with this action as the rightful line was back in control,
and Athaliah was crying, “Treason! Treason!” to no avail. She was seized and
executed at the horses’ entrance of the king’s house. “Then Jehoiada made a
covenant between the LORD and the king (Joash) and the people, that they would
be the LORD’s people, also between the king and the people (2 Kings 11:17).”
After this, the people went and destroyed the house of Baal, his alters and his
images, and killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the alters (2 Kings 11:18).
Officers were appointed by Jehoida the priest over the house of the LORD for
its continuance and protection. King Joash was enthroned in his king’s house, and
all the people of the land rejoiced and the city was quiet again. Joash (Jehoash)
was only seven years old when he took the throne of Judah. God’s providence prevailed
again according to His promise to David (2 Samuel 7).
-*Application* God’s people have a right to stand up and fight
for righteousness. This took careful planning and strategy to come up with an effective
plan to eradicate the evil that was in control of the throne, but it happened according
to the will of the LORD. Thankfully, we do not need to grow impatient as we wait,
strategize, and plan for the work that the LORD has called us. He will give the
resources, timing, and ultimate execution of the plan when and where He ordains.
Rest in His will and do what He tells you for the Kingdom of God. When you do, not
only you, but those around you will rejoice in what the LORD was able to do! Also,
covenant with God and determine in your own heart to obey all that He says. We need
to be His devoted people, just like the people of Judah.
Verse to Memorize: 2
Kings 11:17
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