Evil queen is ousted by a child king

II Kings Chapter 11

After King Ahaziah of Judah was dead, his wife Athaliah, destroyed the entire royal family. But Ahaziah's sister Jehosheba, daughter of King Jehoram, hid Azahiah's infant son Joash and his nurse in a bedroom. Then they remained hidden in the Temple of the Lord for six years while Athaliah ruled.

In the seventh year of her reign, Jehoiada the priest summoned the commanders, the Carite mercenaries and the guards and made a pact with them to swear an oath of loyalty to the king's son. He told them, one third of the men were to guard the royal palace. Another third were to stand guard at the Sur Gate and the final third of men must stand guard behind the palace guard. They formed a bodyguard for the king and were to keep their weapons in hand and any unauthorized person who approached must be killed.

So the commanders did as Jehoiada ordered and were supplied with spears and shields from those that once belonged to King David and stored in the Temple of the Lord. Then Jehoiada brought out Joash the king's son and placed a crown on his head and presented him with a copy of God's covenant and proclaimed him king.

When Althaliah heard all the noise made by the guards and people, she saw the newly crowned king and people rejoicing and she shouted, "Treason!" Then Jehoiada ordered the commanders to have her taken out of the Temple and killed outside the gates and to kill anyone who tried to rescue her.

Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and the people that they would be the Lord's people. And the people tore down the temple of Baal and demolished altars and idols and killed Mattan the priest of Baal. Jehoiada stationed guards at the Temple of the Lord and the commanders, Carite mercenaries, guards and all the people escorted the new seven year old king to the Temple of the Lord and he took his place on the royal throne. So the people of the land rejoiced and the city was peaceful.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Athaliah's attempt to kill all of Ahaziah's sons was futile because remember that God had promised that the Messiah would be born through David's descendants.

Jehosheba was the wife of Jehoiada the priest, so the temple was a practical and natural place to hide the baby Joash. Athaliah, who loved idolatry, would have no interest in the Temple.

The covenant referred to, was the same old covenant set up in the book of Deuteronomy for the righteous rule of the nations. It had been ignored for over 100 years. So if Joash was king at seven years old, who really ran the country? Probably the high priest, the king's mother and other advisers.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? This chapter shows us the power and foresight of God in that he waited for many years to have a new king crowned and peace throughout the land. As well as, the end to idolatry in Judah. It goes to prove who is really in charge of things. In case you doubt these days, it is still God in charge. He is all powerful and only he can determine our days. Be patient with him. He will show us the way.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Update on Stella: I’m sorry to report that this tiny baby has finally passed and is in heaven with our Lord. She fought a long fight and endured much in her few months. Pray for her family.
Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: She has shed the feeding tube and is taking formula on her own! But breathing problems are still with her, though improving all the time. She continues to have a long road, so prayers are still needed. She has been moved to a St. Louis hospital.
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for Brian and Ashley, as they lost the expected baby boy. It was so sad because she was 4 months and we had seen the sonogram of him moving and sucking his thumb.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.