Explore 2 Kings 11 and how Joash became king and God preserved the Davidic line.
The eleventh chapter of 2 Kings records a dramatic turning point in the history of Judah. After the death of Ahaziah, his mother Athaliah seized the throne and attempted to destroy all the royal heirs. This act of usurpation threatened to end the Davidic line and the promise of a perpetual dynasty. However, God's faithfulness to His covenant with David ensured that a remnant of the royal house would survive.
The narrative centers on the courageous actions of Jehosheba, the sister of Ahaziah, who hid the infant Joash from Athaliah's massacre. Jehosheba took Joash and his nurse and hid them in the temple of the Lord for six years while Athaliah reigned over the land (2 Kings 11:2-3). The preservation of Joash was a direct act of divine providence, demonstrating that God would not allow the line of David to be extinguished. The temple, which had been neglected and desecrated under Athaliah's rule, became the sanctuary where the future king was protected.
The chapter concludes with the anointing of Joash as king and the execution of Athaliah. The high priest Jehoiada orchestrated the coup, gathering the guards and presenting the young king to the people. The people rejoiced, and the covenant was renewed. The preservation of Joash ensured the continuation of the Davidic line and the fulfillment of God's promise of a future Messiah who would come from the house of David.
The Usurpation of Athaliah
The Massacre of the Royal Seed
When Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal (2 Kings 11:1). Athaliah was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and she had inherited their ruthless ambition. Her act of destroying the royal heirs was an attempt to secure the throne for herself and to eliminate any threat to her power.
The massacre was a brutal act that demonstrated the depths of Athaliah's wickedness. She was willing to kill her own grandchildren to maintain her hold on power. The lesson is that the love of power can corrupt the human heart and lead to unspeakable cruelty. The apostle Paul writes, "For the love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Timothy 6:10), and the desire for power is similarly dangerous.
The slaughter of the royal seed was also an attempt to thwart God's purposes. Athaliah was unwittingly trying to destroy the line through which the Messiah would come. The lesson is that human schemes cannot frustrate God's plans. The Psalmist writes, "The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect" (Psalm 33:10).
The Faithfulness of Jehosheba
Despite Athaliah's massacre, one infant survived. Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah and stole him from among the king's sons who were being slain (2 Kings 11:2). Jehosheba's actions were courageous and decisive. She risked her own life to save the infant king.
Jehosheba hid Joash and his nurse in the temple of the Lord for six years. The temple, which was the center of worship, became a place of refuge. The lesson is that God provides refuge for His people even in the midst of danger. The Psalmist writes, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe" (Proverbs 18:10).
Jehosheba's actions were also a fulfillment of God's promise to preserve the line of David. The covenant with David was unconditional, and God would not allow it to be broken. The lesson is that God's promises are sure and that He will preserve His people. The apostle Paul writes, "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance" (Romans 11:29).
The Reign of Athaliah
Athaliah reigned over the land for six years (2 Kings 11:3). Her reign was characterized by idolatry and oppression. She was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and she continued the wicked practices of her parents. The worship of Baal was promoted, and the temple of the Lord was neglected.
The reign of Athaliah was a dark period in Judah's history. The people were led into sin, and the worship of the Lord was suppressed. The lesson is that ungodly leadership leads to spiritual decline. The writer of Proverbs writes, "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn" (Proverbs 29:2).
The lesson is that the consequences of sin are far-reaching. The alliance between Jehoshaphat and the house of Ahab had led to the introduction of Baal worship into Judah. The lesson is that believers must guard against alliances with the wicked. The apostle Paul writes, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14).
The Anointing of Joash
The Conspiracy of Jehoiada
In the seventh year, Jehoiada the priest took action. He sent for the captains of the guard and brought them into the temple of the Lord. He made a covenant with them and showed them the king's son (2 Kings 11:4). Jehoiada was a faithful priest who recognized the importance of preserving the Davidic line.
Jehoiada's conspiracy was carefully planned. He commanded the guards to protect the young king and to ensure that no one would harm him. The guards were organized into three divisions, and they were stationed around the temple to protect the king (2 Kings 11:5-8). The lesson is that God's work often requires careful planning and organization.
The guards were commanded, "He that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain" (2 Kings 11:8). The protection of the king was paramount. The guards obeyed Jehoiada's instructions, and the young king was kept safe. The lesson is that faithful servants will obey the commands of their leaders and protect those whom God has appointed.
The Presentation of the King
Jehoiada brought out the king's son and put the crown upon him. He gave him the testimony and anointed him king (2 Kings 11:12). The anointing was a symbolic act that transferred royal authority to Joash. The testimony was the law of God, which the king was to obey.
The people clapped their hands and shouted, "God save the king" (2 Kings 11:12). The response of the people was one of joy and celebration. The lesson is that godly leadership brings joy to the people. The writer of Proverbs writes, "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice" (Proverbs 29:2).
The presentation of the king was a public affirmation of God's faithfulness. The Davidic line had been preserved, and the covenant with David was intact. The lesson is that God's faithfulness is a cause for celebration. The Psalmist writes, "Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness" (Psalm 30:4).
The Execution of Athaliah
When Athaliah heard the noise of the people, she came to the temple and saw the king standing by a pillar. She rent her clothes and cried, "Treason, Treason" (2 Kings 11:14). Her cry was an accusation, but the people recognized that she was the usurper.
Jehoiada commanded the captains, "Have her forth between the ranges: and him that followeth her slay with the sword" (2 Kings 11:15). The command ensured that Athaliah would be killed and that her supporters would be eliminated. The captains executed the command, and Athaliah was slain at the horse gate (2 Kings 11:16).
The execution of Athaliah was the end of her wicked reign. The lesson is that God's justice will prevail. The Psalmist writes, "For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off" (Psalm 37:28). The lesson is that God will not allow the wicked to prosper forever.
The Restoration of the Temple
The Covenant Renewal
Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD's people (2 Kings 11:17). The covenant renewal was a formal act that recommitted the nation to the worship of the Lord. The covenant was between God, the king, and the people.
The covenant renewal also included a covenant between the king and the people. The king was to rule in righteousness, and the people were to obey the king. The lesson is that leadership requires accountability. The king was not above the law but was subject to God's authority.
The people went to the house of Baal and broke it down. They thoroughly broke in pieces the altars and the images and slew the priest of Baal before the altars (2 Kings 11:18). The destruction of Baal worship was a necessary act of purification. The lesson is that idolatry must be eliminated from the lives of believers.
The Restoration of Worship
The priests appointed officers over the house of the LORD (2 Kings 11:18). The restoration of the temple was the restoration of proper worship. The temple had been neglected under Athaliah's reign, and now it was being restored to its proper function.
The people rejoiced, and the city was quiet, after Athaliah had been slain with the sword (2 Kings 11:20). The peace that followed Athaliah's death was a result of God's judgment and the restoration of righteous leadership. The lesson is that righteousness brings peace. The Psalmist writes, "Righteousness and peace have kissed each other" (Psalm 85:10).
Joash was seven years old when he began to reign (2 Kings 11:21). The young king was a sign of hope and a new beginning for the nation. The lesson is that God often raises up leaders in unexpected ways and in unexpected times. The lesson is that God's timing is perfect, and His plans will be accomplished.
The Significance of Joash's Reign
Joash's reign was a restoration of the Davidic line. The preservation of Joash was a direct act of divine providence, and his reign was a sign of God's faithfulness. The lesson is that God's faithfulness is unchanging and that His promises are sure.
The reign of Joash also pointed forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Son of David, and His kingdom is everlasting. The preservation of the Davidic line ensured that the Messiah would come. The lesson is that God's faithfulness to His promises is the foundation of our hope.
The lesson is that God is faithful even when His people are unfaithful. The preservation of Joash is a reminder that God's plans will not be thwarted by human schemes. The prophet Isaiah writes, "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever" (Isaiah 40:8).
Lessons from 2 Kings 11
The Providence of God
The preservation of Joash demonstrates the providence of God. Despite Athaliah's attempt to destroy the royal seed, God ensured that Joash survived. The lesson is that God's providence is at work in all circumstances, protecting His people and preserving His purposes.
The Psalmist writes, "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1). The lesson is that believers can trust in God's providence, knowing that He is in control of all events.
The Courage of Faithful Servants
The actions of Jehosheba and Jehoiada demonstrate the courage of faithful servants. They risked their lives to preserve the line of David and to restore the worship of God. The lesson is that faithful servants are willing to take risks for the sake of God's kingdom.
The writer of Hebrews writes, "By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not" (Hebrews 11:31). The lesson is that faith requires courage and action. Believers are called to step out in faith and to trust God for the outcome.
The Danger of Idolatry
The worship of Baal under Athaliah demonstrates the danger of idolatry. Idolatry leads to spiritual decline and judgment. The lesson is that believers must guard against idolatry in all its forms and must worship the Lord alone.
The apostle John writes, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols" (1 John 5:21). The lesson is that idolatry is a serious sin that must be eliminated from the lives of believers.
The Importance of Covenant Renewal
The covenant renewal under Jehoiada was a recommitment to the worship of the Lord. The people renewed their covenant with God and committed themselves to be His people. The lesson is that believers need to regularly renew their commitment to God.
The apostle Paul writes, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1). The lesson is that believers are called to renew their commitment to God daily.
The Preservation of the Davidic Line
The preservation of Joash ensured the continuation of the Davidic line. The promise of a perpetual dynasty was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The lesson is that God's promises are sure and that His faithfulness is eternal.
The prophet Isaiah writes, "Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever" (Isaiah 9:7). The lesson is that God's covenant with David was a foreshadowing of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ.
Connections to Scripture
The Covenant with David
The preservation of Joash is a fulfillment of the covenant with David. God had promised that David would have a descendant on the throne forever (2 Samuel 7:16). The preservation of Joash ensured the continuation of the Davidic line. The lesson is that God's promises are sure and that His faithfulness is eternal.
The Psalmist writes, "I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations" (Psalm 89:3-4). The lesson is that God's covenant with David was a foundation for the hope of the Messiah.
The Preservation of Moses
The preservation of Joash parallels the preservation of Moses. Both were hidden from those who sought to destroy them, and both were raised up to lead God's people. The lesson is that God's providence protects His chosen servants.
The writer of Hebrews writes, "By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment" (Hebrews 11:23). The lesson is that God preserves His servants for His purposes.
The Judgment on Athaliah
The judgment on Athaliah parallels the judgment on Jezebel. Both were wicked queens who promoted idolatry and were judged by God. The lesson is that God's judgment is impartial and that He will judge all who promote evil.
The apostle Peter writes, "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished" (2 Peter 2:9). The lesson is that God will judge the wicked and preserve the righteous.
The Restoration of the Temple
The restoration of the temple under Jehoiada parallels the restoration of the temple under Josiah and Hezekiah. The lesson is that God desires pure worship and that the restoration of worship is a sign of spiritual renewal.
The lesson is that believers must prioritize the worship of God. The Psalmist writes, "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker" (Psalm 95:6).
Conclusion
The eleventh chapter of 2 Kings records the dramatic preservation of the Davidic line through the infant Joash. Athaliah's usurpation threatened to destroy the royal seed, but God's providence ensured that Joash survived. Jehosheba's courageous actions and Jehoiada's faithful leadership were instrumental in preserving the line of David and restoring the worship of God.
The lesson of this chapter is that God's faithfulness is unchanging and that His promises are sure. The preservation of Joash ensured the continuation of the Davidic line and the fulfillment of God's promise of a future Messiah. Athaliah's wicked reign was ended, and the covenant was renewed. Believers today are called to trust in God's providence, to take courage in the face of opposition, and to renew their commitment to the worship of God. The preservation of the Davidic line points forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, whose kingdom is everlasting.
The chapter also demonstrates the importance of faithful leadership. Jehoiada's courage and wisdom were instrumental in restoring the nation to righteousness. The lesson is that godly leaders can bring about spiritual renewal and restoration. The events of 2 Kings 11 call believers to trust in God's providence, to stand firm in the face of opposition, and to commit themselves to the worship of the Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Athaliah destroy the royal seed of Judah?
Athaliah destroyed the royal seed of Judah to secure the throne for herself and to eliminate any threat to her power. She was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and she inherited their ruthless ambition. Her act of killing her own grandchildren was an act of extreme wickedness. The lesson is that the love of power can corrupt the human heart and lead to unspeakable cruelty.
2. What was the significance of Jehosheba's actions in hiding Joash?
Jehosheba's actions in hiding Joash were courageous and decisive. She risked her own life to preserve the line of David and to fulfill God's purposes. Her actions demonstrate the importance of faithful servants who are willing to take risks for the sake of God's kingdom. The lesson is that God provides refuge for His people even in the midst of danger.
3. Why did Jehoiada make a covenant with the captains of the guard?
Jehoiada made a covenant with the captains of the guard to ensure the protection of the young king and to orchestrate the coup against Athaliah. The covenant was an agreement to support Joash as king and to protect him from harm. The lesson is that God's work often requires careful planning and organization.
4. What was the significance of the covenant renewal under Jehoiada?
The covenant renewal under Jehoiada was a formal act that recommitted the nation to the worship of the Lord. The covenant was between God, the king, and the people, and it reaffirmed the relationship between God and His people. The lesson is that believers need to regularly renew their commitment to God and to recommit themselves to His service.
5. How does the preservation of Joash point forward to Jesus Christ?
The preservation of Joash points forward to Jesus Christ by demonstrating God's faithfulness to the Davidic covenant. The preservation of the Davidic line ensured that the Messiah would come from the house of David. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic promise, and His kingdom is everlasting. The lesson is that God's promises are sure and that His faithfulness is eternal.
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