II Kings 11
From the scrolls of Jehoiada,
Priest for the Living God in Judah
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He was just a boy. I knew. But Judah could no longer tolerate the evil Ahtaliah as queen. Everyday she remained on the throne the kingdom fell farther away from worshiping the Almighty, the God of our fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Something had to be done. Now.
I called the other priests and soldiers for a meeting. They followed through with the preparations I requested and a crowning ceremony for seven-year-old Joash followed,
We didn't hold back the noise and cheering that followed. The country had to witness the changing of rule. Unfortunately, this meant Athaliah, would also find out.
I must admit my courage slipped a bit. I had to stay focused, and knew that God would keep--even make his promise happen. A son of David would be on the throne. Don't forget, Athaliah thought she killed all of the royal family before taking the throne. My sweet wife, Jehosheba rescued Joash before Athaliah reached the room where the princes stayed.
From my position, I saw Athaliah stomping toward the temple of the Lord. She stopped suddenly and looked at Joash standing by the pillar as was the custom for a newly crowned king.
I didn't stop the officers and people from shouting their cheers and blessings. Neither did I stop the trumpeters from blowing their horns.
Still, above all the sounds, Ahtaliah's voice suddenly boomed. "Treason! Treason!" She tore her robe to show her anger.
Before she could voice a single command I stepped forward and ordered the commanders of units of a hundred troops. "Bring her out between the ranks and put to sword anyone who follows her."
Despite my desires, Athaliah could not be killed while she stood on the ground of the temple of the Lord. Instead, we waited as she stomped about, shouting and attempting to retake control of the throne. When she reached the place where the horses enter the palace grounds, the soldiers put her to death.
This ended the horrible reign of Athaliah over Judah and began the reign of young Joash, a son of David.
We, God's people, the priests, and king Joash stood at the temple of the Lord and made a covenant to be the Lord's people. We all marched to the temple of Baal and tore it down, smashing the altars and idols and killed the evil priest of Baal as he stood in their temple.
Oversight of the temple of the Lord was returned to the Levites as David had assigned. They presented burnt offerings of the Lord as written in the Law of Moses, with rejoicing and singing. Just as David had ordered. Doorkeepers were also stationed at the gate of the Lord to prevent those who were unworthy to enter.
I took the commanders of hundreds, the nobles, the rulers of the people, and called all the people of the land to join us as we brought young Joash down from the temple of the Lord and paraded through the city into the palace through the Upper Gate. We led young Joash to the throne room and watched him sit.
Oh my, if only you could have heard the people rejoicing, singing praises to God, and cheering for the new king of Judah, Joash, a son of David.
In my private room I wiped a tear and couldn't help but smile. At last. The city was quiet, because Athaliah had been slain with the sword.
Young Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years I had the strength to instruct him. We can rest in our worship.
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1. Who was the Priest for the temple of the Lord?
2. Who was hidden in the temple for seven years?
3. Who did they hide this person from?
4. Why did they hide this person?
5. What did Queen Athaliah do when she heard the noise?
6. All the people, priests, and troops led a seven-year-old boy where?
7. Why?
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