II Kings Chapter 11
Please read: II Kings 11 –
Your Bible probably has titles above each chapter as mine does to help us understand the subject matter. The title of this chapter is “Athaliah reigns in Judah.” Athaliah was the woman who married King Jehoram (or Joram) and was the daughter of the northern king, King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Athaliah’s husband was already dead, and she just learned that her son King Ahaziah had been killed. So, her next move was to assume the throne for herself. The only problem was there were other royal family members who should have been the next king. Athaliah just killed them all or had them all killed.
Little did Athaliah know but her own sister hid a little one year old boy, Athaliah’s grandson, from the murderous hand of Athaliah. This boy’s name was Jehoash (or Joash). Joash became the next king over Judah when he was just seven years old.
Let's Reflect
1. According to verse 9 who was it that took control of things, recognizing the evil that Athaliah had perpetuated in the kingdom?
2. Verse 4-8 a plan was set into motion the guards of the temple were sworn to secrecy and then shown the little boy that was the rightful heir to the throne, Joash. What instructions were the guard given concerning the boy as seen in verse 8?
3. These temple guards were not armed soldiers but served more as a lookout to warn if someone or something evil was approaching the temple. But they were given arms for this special assignment. Where did the weapons come from?
4. With the temple guards armed they brought out the little boy and placed a crown on his head and declared him king. All the shouting of “Long live the king” and the celebration caught the attention of Athaliah. When she came to the temple what did she do?
5. Jehoida the priest ordered the assassination of Athaliah, but not to be carried out inside the temple. So, they followed her out and killed her where?
6. The priest Jehoida then made a covenant to the LORD. What was his covenant?
7. It was a beautiful thing to see the temples of Baal torn down and the tyranny of Athaliah over. How did the people of Judah feel that all of that was behind them?
