King Joash-At last, Judah Can Rest.

By Mary Vee
II Kings 11

From the scrolls of Jehoiada, 

Priest for the Living God in Judah

Photo Courtesy

Last week, I, Jehoida, high priest in Judah, wrote about the courage God gave me to put young Joash on the throne. 

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?

Sweet and Courageous Jehosheba Hid the Prince

By Mary Vee
II Kings 11

From Jehosheba's Journal

The castle was in mass chaos. The king, Ahaziah had been hunted down and killed. Many of the princes who would inherit the throne had been killed. Most likely the rest will be killed as well.

Right now, I am hiding in one of the rooms with the door slightly open.

Listening.

Trying to decide what to do.

Photo Courtesy

King Ahaziah's mother, Athaliah, is running through the corridors shouting commands to kill everyone from the royal family in the house of Judah. 

If she is successful, she will become queen. This would be a terrible thing because she is Jezebel's daughter and just as evil.

I, too, am at risk. King Ahaziah was my brother. I have an advantage, though. I am the wife of the priest Jehoiada. With my connections, I have access to many places in the palace that others do not have. 

I couldn't hide forever, though. Not here in the palace. 

One of the princes needed to be spared to someday take the throne from her. I ran to the room where the princes played. They didn't understand what was about to happen to them. I wished I could spare them all, but that was impossible. 

I opened the door and hurried inside. Some of the princes worked with their tutors, some played and others rested. I looked around the room until the youngest came to my view. I ran to his crib, grabbed little Joash who was only one-year-old, and signaled his nurse to follow. "Hurry."

She asked no questions and did all that I asked.

We escaped through another way and ran to the Temple of God. We ran through corridors and down stairs to an inner chamber of the temple where little Joash could not be heard.

I opened the door of a room and led them inside. "This isn't much to offer, but at least his life will be spared."

The nurse took Joash from my arms and hugged him. "Thank you."

"I don't know how long you will have to hide here. I will send someone to you once a day to see what your needs are. You must not leave this area to prevent Athaliah from finding you."
Jehosheba rubbed her hand over the little boy's head. "I am quite certain Athaliah will take over the throne shortly after killing Joash's brothers. He must stay hidden until his safety is certain. This may take years."

The nurse nodded. "I understand and will do everything in my power to care for him."

I knew she would. Her desire to protect the young prince outweighed any loyalty she may have for Athaliah.

I returned to my husband, Jehoida, the priest and told him what I had done.

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1. Who is Jehosheba's brother? _____________________
2. Why was there chaos in the palace?
3. Who is Jehosheba's husband?
4. Who did Jehosheba want to save?
5. How old is the one she saved?
6. Where did she take him?