CROWNED | 2 Kings Chapter 11

PODCAST

Week 7 / Day 33

Written by Rae Johnson

---

INTRODUCTION

Before we dive into today’s passage, let’s take a moment for a quick reminder of who these people are, about whom we are about to read.

First, we have Athaliah, the queen currently reigning over the Kingdom of Judah.  She was a daughter of King Ahab and the mother of Ahaziah, the previous king of Judah who Jehu killed back in chapter 10.

Second, Jehoida - a priest, who will be a key player in (spoiler alert) bringing an end to Athaliah's reign of terror here in chapter 11.

Third, Joash - the future King of Judah and lone survivor of the total slaughter of his family thanks to the quick thinking of a woman named Jehosheba. It’s important to note that Joash is sometimes also referred to as Jehoash here in 2 Kings.  These two names were used interchangeably.  

And finally, Jehosheba - a member of God’s faithful remnant who saved Joash from being murdered by Queen Mother Athaliah.  

---

READ

Now, go ahead and read 2 Kings 11.

---

REFLECT

Today’s passage almost reads more like an epic tale than a portion of Scripture, as it is a story full of jealousy, peril, deception, and justice.  It would be easy to read chapter 11 and walk away thinking nothing more than “Now THAT is a crazy story!”  But it’s important when reading Scripture to take a moment to ask the Lord, what are you speaking to us through this story?  After all, it’s included in the Bible for a reason, and one that reaches far beyond just our enjoyment and entertainment.  

So, in an effort to uncover a few of the teachable truths found within this passage, let’s quickly recap what we just read.

First, following the death of her son (King Ahaziah), Athaliah takes it upon herself to kill everyone else in the royal family who could potentially claim the throne, and declares herself queen over Judah.  However, unknown to Athaliah, one of her grandchildren, Joash, escaped the mass slaughter, as his infant self was hidden from Athaliah in the Temple for 6 years, thanks to the quick thinking of Jehosheba, former King Ahaziah’s sister.  

So for six years Athaliah ruled over Judah, feeling secure in her queenship since there was not another left living who could claim rights to the throne.  However, in the seventh year of her reign, that pipe dream shattered when a priest named Jehoiada began carrying out a plan to dethrone Athaliah.  And what an epic plan it was!!!

While Athaliah sat obliviously on the throne, Jehoiada gathered the captains and the guards and revealed to them the long-kept secret that the line of David had in fact NOT been extinguished, for Joash, the true heir to the throne of Israel, was alive, having been safely hidden away from the wrath of Athaliah.  

With this new knowledge and a ray of hope, they collectively decided to appoint him king in front of the people, with the guards agreeing to guard him during the coronation.  When the big day of appointment arrived, Joash, now a 7-year-old boy, was brought before the people and crowned king, and a massive celebration ensued as the people accepted the coronation and received him as their king.  

Athaliah, still unaware of this plot to retake the throne, hears word of what is taking place; she immediately cries foul!  After all, this secret plan, though sacred, was no doubt an act of treason; however, her power had already been stripped, and her cries for justice fell on deaf ears.  Instead, SHE was arrested and taken outside of the temple, where she was executed for all the evil she had done throughout her reign.  

With Athaliah’s corrupt kingdom now in shambles, Jehoida, the priest, called on the people of God to return to Him, to obey and respect His laws and commands once again.  In response, the people went to the house of Baal, tore it down, demolished the altars, and even went as far as to kill the idolatrous priest.  

Thanks to the brave act of a simple woman, Jehosheba, and the bold plan of a priest, Jehoida, God’s people see firsthand the Grace of God in their lives - not only freeing them from the tyrannical reign of an evil queen, but also preserving the promise and prophetic word that the Savior of the world was coming through the line of David.  A line that should have been exterminated, if it were not for a faithful remnant and the providence of the Lord.  

There are so many great truths we can learn from this passage, but today, I want to focus on two:​

1. God’s plans survive even the darkest times!  When Athaliah tried to destroy the royal line, she nearly succeeded.  But ONE hidden child, Joash, kept not only the line of David, but also the fulfillment of the Lord’s prophecy and promise alive.  So no matter how dark life may seem at the moment, NOTHING you are facing can put out the Light of God.  He preserves His plans, He preserves His promises, and He will preserve you!

2. Small acts of obedience lead to massive victory and breakthrough.  When Jehoiada decided to hide Joash safely and securely in the back rooms of the temple, she not only saved an infant's life but also preserved the lineage of a people.  One seemingly simple act of grace and obedience literally had an effect on eternity.

---

RESPOND

1. Where in your life does it seem like darkness, disappointment, or opposition has the upper hand?  How might God be quietly preserving His promise even when you cannot see it?  Take a moment to remind yourself of God’s promises made to us in Scripture and pray them over your heart, life, and situation.  Here are a few verses to help you get started.

• He promised peace. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

• He promised wisdom. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

• He promised protection. “He will cover you with His feathers.  He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Psalm 91:4 (NLT)

• He promised strength. “But those who trust in the Lord will find strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles.  They will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

2. Jehosheba's act of obedience seemed small and hidden, yet it changed the course of history. What “hidden” act of obedience is God asking of you today that you may be tempted to overlook because it feels insignificant?

3. After Athaliah’s reign ended, the people didn’t simply celebrate their freedom - they destroyed the idols that had taken root during her rule.  What unhealthy influences, compromises, or “idols” has God revealed in your life that need to be torn down now that He has brought freedom in YOUR heart and life?

4. Joash was preserved by a faithful remnant who chose courage over comfort.  Who has God entrusted to your influence - your family, friends, coworkers, or the next generation - and what responsibility do you have to faithfully preserve and pass on God’s truth to them?