Seven-year-old Joash Crowned King

By Mary Vee
II Kings 11

From the scrolls of Jehoiada, 

Priest for the Living God in Judah

Photo Courtesy

Seven long years have passed since Jehu became king of Israel and destroyed the temple of Baal in Israel. Why do I say long years? Because during that time, Athaliah killed all the royal family in Judah then took the throne. She has tormented the citizens in Judah since she began her rule.

What Athaliah didn't know was my wife, Jehosheba, rescued the youngest prince and hid him here in the temple with us. He has been cared for, tutored, and educated in the duties of a king as much as he could understand. 

When he turned seven, the other priests and I agreed little Joash would be ready to sit on the throne. We just needed to get rid of Queen Athaliah. This would not be an easy task. She had a lot of power.

I called the commanders of units of a hundred men. I asked them to go throughout Judah and tell the Levites and heads of Israelite families for all the towns to come meet with me. 

The other priests and I sneaked them in to an inner chamber where we showed them young Joash. They were quite surprised and cheered. They made a covenant with the young king to serve him. 

I said, "The king's son shall reign. This is to keep the Lord's promise to have a son of David on the throne. This is what you need to do to help put Joash on the throne. 

"One third of the priests and Levites who go on duty on the Sabbath are to keep watch at the doors.

"One third of the priests and Levites watch the royal palace.

"One third of the priests and Levites watch the Foundation Gate. 

"Any other priests or Levites are to be in the courtyards of the temple of the Lord. No one is to enter the temple of the Lord except the priests and Levites on duty since they are consecrated.  All other men are to guard what the Lord has assigned.

"The Levites are to stand around the king, each man with his weapon in his hand. Anyone who enters the temple must be put to death. Stay close to the king wherever he goes."

The men left to do as I asked. In the meantime, my sons and I brought the king's son up to the main part of the temple and put the crown on him. We gave young Joash a copy of the covenant and proclaimed him king. I poured oil over his head to anoint him and shouted, "Long live the king!"

And now we wait for Athaliah to hear the news. 

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1. Is Athaliah a good queen?
2. Athaliah did what to become queen?
3. Who was hidden from her and why?
4. After seven years, priest Jehoida decided it was time to do what?
5. He called the commanders and took them inside the temple to see ________
6. The Levites were to hold their weapons and make sure ________ entered the temple.
7.  Priest Jehoida and his sons brought _______ to the main part of the temple, poured oil over ______________ and shouted ________________.