(REFLECTIONS ON 2 Kings 11:1-21)

Athaliah was the daughter of Ahab, the former king of Israel, and married Jehoram (also called Joram), the former king of Judah. Through this marriage, the spiritual corruption of the northern kingdom found its way into the southern kingdom of Judah.

In today’s Scripture, when Athaliah saw that her son, Ahaziah, was dead, she attempted to destroy all the royal offspring, most likely to eliminate every rival so that she could seize the throne of Judah for herself.

However, her plans were foiled by Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram,

2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were being put to death, and placed him and his nurse in the bedroom. So they hid him from Athaliah, and he was not put to death. 3 So he was hidden with her in the house of the Lord six years, while Athaliah was reigning over the land.

In the seventh year, Jehoiada the priest gathered the military commanders of Judah, revealed the young Joash, and anointed him king to the joyful cry, “Long live the king!”

Athaliah was seized and put to death at the Horse Gate of the king’s house. Afterwards, the people went to the house of Baal, which had infiltrated the southern kingdom of Judah and tore down its altars and images, putting Mattan, the priest of Baal, to death.

Athaliah’s attempt to secure the throne was short-lived because of the courage and wisdom of Jehosheba. She risked her own life to hide her nephew, Joash, preserving the Davidic line until the time appointed by the Lord for him to reign.

Brothers and sisters, in the face of injustice, oppression, darkness, and destruction, what are we willing to do to preserve the will of the Lord? When we see the world seeking to undermine the church or turn people’s faith away from glorifying God, do we stand idly by, or do we take up our cross, as Jesus commanded, and faithfully do what we can to preserve what the Lord has established?

Indeed, the work belongs to the Lord, and we are merely vessels through whom His will is accomplished. Yet God often chooses to work through the faithful obedience of His people. Let us therefore be bold like Jehosheba in the face of evil, and steadfast like Jehoiada the priest. They trusted God’s promises and acted courageously at the right time.

In the ongoing spiritual battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, may the Lord grant us the same courage, wisdom, and faithfulness. Just as He preserved His covenant through Jehosheba and Jehoiada, He will also preserve His church, accomplish His purposes, and remain faithful to all who trust in Him.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: 2 Kings 11