2 Kings 11 Evil and Good

Judah moves through two rulers today. Evil comes first in the form of Athaliah, Ahaziah’s mother and daughter of Ahab. Good comes with Joash, the only surviving heir to David’s throne.

We have very little information of Athaliah’s reign, other than how it started and how it ended. We also know its length. She was an evil woman through and through. She had Jehoram’s ear and led him in the ways of Ahab. She had Ahaziah doing her bidding, and also going the ways of Ahab. Now, there is nothing between her evil heart and the throne. She doesn’t have to temper her words to make them appeal to anyone.

Joash was in his first year of life when Athaliah killed of the royal family. If not for the quick thinking of his aunt, he would have been among the dead bodies that day. But God put people in place to preserve David’s line.

It is time for Ahab’s influence to fall and David’s to rise. Down with Athaliah and up with Joash! Second Chronicles 23 gives us a little more detail on the players in the fall of Athaliah and rise of Joash. I will be bringing these details into our story today. Let’s rejoin our story and see where the Spirit takes us with it today.

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It has been close to six years since Athaliah murdered the royal family and took the throne of Judah. The people have suffered under her hand. She has not gone to war with any nation, and they have no appetite to attack a woman. She leads the people further and further away from the Lord with each passing year. The Levites do all they can to bring the people back. Jehoiada has a special plan to bring them back.

He has a well-kept secret. If the queen were to learn of it, blood would be spilt. Jehoiada is caring for the son of Ahaziah, Joash, for the last six years. It is time that this secret sees the light of day. As a final precaution, no one will meet Joash until a day or two before he stands before all of Judah.

Jehoiada is careful in choosing his allies. He searches out men who are loyal to the family of David and the Lord. He chooses those who are in the high ranks of the army of Judah and have men under them who would give their lives in service to their commander. He also chooses the captains of the Carites as they are the royal body guards. The men Jehoiada chooses are; “Azariah the son of Jeroham, Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, Azariah the son of Obed, Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri” (2 Chronicles 23:1).

Jehoiada searches them out and secretly meets with each of them separately. Once he knows that he has the full support of all of them, he begins the next phase in his plan. They need to know the whole story. He decides to share it with them as a group.

Jehoiada calls a secret meeting of all the commanders he has chosen. This is the first time that all of the men have met together as a group. Great care was taken with each man’s route and arrival. Concerns might reach the queen if it were noted that all these high-ranking officials met together and not under her direction.

“I have a story to tell you.” Jehoiada paused to gather his thoughts to best present them to the captians gathered before him. “As you all know, six years ago, Athailah laid waste to the royal family. Unknown to her at the time was a selfless act perpetrated by her daughter Jehosheba. The infant son of Ahaziah was hidden away with his nurse during those dark hours. When the ashes of the dead were being blown across the city of Jerusalem as the wind caught the bonfire, the infant and his nurse stole away into the House of the Lord. He has remained here these six years in hiding. He has been educated in the Law of the Lord and the matters of the land of Judah. He is still a child in the eyes of man but the Lord has instructed me that it is time to bring him forth so he may take the throne of his father David.”

All the captains are stunned. If it were not for the need for secrecy, they would break out praising the Lord at that very moment. “The throne of David is not lost” breathes Ishmael.

Jehoiada is not finished. He knows that the Levites have to be on board with this plan for it to work. Joash will need their support as well as the militaries.

“You all have access to places that I do not. In your duties, you can move about the land. I am confined to the Temple of the Lord and Jerusalem at best. We need to raise support among the Levites if we are to raise David’s descendant to the throne. He is a child and will need support from all areas of leadership. Go throughout the land and rally the Levites. Have everyone assemble here on the Sabbath following the child’s seventh birthday.”

Jehoiada can see the wheels turning already in the minds of the commanders. They are thinking of where to search and who to enlist to help them. He gives them a little time to think before bringing the last piece of business forward.

“This task, if it is discovered, could cost the life of any or all of us. I want to make a covenant between all of those here today regarding an oath of secrecy and protection of the king and one another. I will swear my life to this cause, of bringing the rightful king to the throne of David. Will you?”

Each man, one at a time swears the same oath. The need to recruit Levites is the only exception to the secrecy requirement. And great care is exercised in ensuring that those approached are loyal to the family of David. ANYONE who learns of this plan and shows any disloyalty to David is immediately killed.

The morning of the beginning of Joash’s seventh year begins like so many before it. He stretches his arms high into the air before rising from his pallet. It is not that his body is stiff with age but he has seen Jehoiada do it each day and he imitates him. Jehoiada is the only person he had seen in his life since his nurse departed when he reached the age of five. Jehoiada is his world! And he loves him with his whole heart.

Jehoiada has taught Joash to love Someone else even more; the Lord his God. Joash studies His words every day. He knows the commandments of the Lord by heart. Not just the words but the meaning behind the words too. He knows the stories of deliverance and victory as well as the stories of discipline and defeat. His heart if FULLY convinced that the only hope in life is to follow the words of the Lord with all his heart.

Joash makes his way to the table where his breakfast waits. He knows that today will be a very important day. Jehoiada has been preparing him for it for the last three months. In truth he has been preparing Joash for this day all his life, but who is counting. Joash has only known this day was special for a short time.

“Is today the day father” asks Joash as he takes his seat at the table.

“It is indeed my son. By sunset you will be crowned king of Judah.”

“I will be a good king.”

“If your heart remains true to the Lord.”

“It will father.”

“I pray it is so my son.”

Once breakfast is over and cleared away Joash goes to his hiding place. It is a small room where he spends much of his time. In this room he has learned many things over the years. He learned to read and write. He learned to work with numbers. He learned the cities and towns of the land of Judah. He learns daily about the issues that faced the nation he will one day rule. And most importantly he learns the Law of the Lord continually. All these things he will need when he becomes king. When he is finally allowed to leave this room behind; the room, but NOT the lessons.

Joash comes to this room every morning and stays until called out in the evening. It is critical he not be discovered until the time is right. Jehoiada has tasks he has to attend to as a priest of the Lord. Joash works on his lessons while Jehoiada tends to the needs of the people. Today will be the last day he is hidden away.

“What if the people don’t like me?” “What will it be like outside?” “What if I’m not a good king?” “What will the queen do when she sees me?” These questions and more fill Joash’s mind this morning as he waits.  He is glad that today’s wait will not be as long as usual. His mind is too full for him to concentrate on his studies.

Jehoiada has been working hard to make sure this day goes as planned. He commits it once again into the hands of the Lord. He knows the Lord is the One with ultimate control over Joash’s future and how this day goes. He knew this from the day Jehosheba laid him in his arms. The Lord spoke as much to his spirit. The Lord also began preparing him for the tasks of this day several months ago. Jehoiada knew Joash would one day be king of Judah but he didn’t know when that would be. The thought of a seven year old king never crossed his mind until the Lord laid it there.

Jehoiada calls one of the servants of the Temple to him. As he watches his arrival he takes a deep breath. “Here we go” he thinks.

“Carry this message to the garrison. ‘Jehoiada the priest requires the presence of the captains of the Carites and of the guards. Attend him at the northeast corner at midday.’”

The servant rushes off to deliver discharge his duties. He carries the full confidence of Jehoiada.

The men Jehoiada summons are those he has covenanted with. They were the ones who carried Ahaziah back after he was struck down by Jehu. When Athaliah struck down the royal family they refused to follow her. She is NOT of the house of David and they hold no allegiance to her. They wait on the hand of the Lord and the call of Jehoiada. They know the prophecy of the line of David reigning forever. They hold fast to that promise and serve in Judah’s army, anticipating that day.

Ishmael is the captain of captains for the Carites. He is the man Jehoiada’s servant seeks out. He is drilling with his men when a guard approached.

“Master, the servant of Jehoiada the priest requests an audience with you. He carries a message for your ears only.”

“Very well. I will be along in a moment. Have him wait in my chambers.”

The guard salutes and hurries off to escort the Levite to his master’s chambers. Ishmael calls his second to take command of the troops and then makes his way to his chambers.

The Levite stands at attention beside Ishmael’s desk as he enters.

“I was told you had a message for me.”

“I have my lord but it is also for the captains of the guards. Would you that I reveal it to you first or do so in the presence of all?”

Ishmael ponders only for a moment then steps to the threshold and summons the guard.

“Have Azariah the son of Jeroham, Azariah the son of Obed, Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri report to me at once.”

The guard salutes and rushes to find the men his captain named. While they wait the Levite quietly surveys the commander’s quarters. This is the first time he has ever been inside the garrison. His tasks usually keep him close to the Temple. He is surprised to see similarities in the quarters of a great military commander and that of a lowly servant. Both contain a place for sleeping, a table and chair, and trunks for storage. This is where the similarities end. Ishmael’s chambers have weapons displayed on the wall and standing in the corners. The table is much larger and covered in scrolls that probably deal with matters far above a servant’s station. Before he can contemplate what differences might lie within the trunks the door opens and Anath strides through.

“Join us please” says Ishmael to the captains. “This young Levite says he has a message for us from Jehoiada.” Ishmael turns to the servant and addresses him. “Speak your message.”

The servant inclines his head in respect, then begins. “My master Jehoiada the priest requires the presence of the captains of the Carites and of the guards. Attend him at the northeast corner at midday.”

Ishmael waits to see if there is any more to the message but the Levite falls silent.

“Is that all?”

“Yes my lord” replies the servant.

“Then you are dismissed.”

The servant exits without even a glance back. He is most grateful his task is complete. He is more than happy to return to the Temple where he belongs.

“I have a feeling that it is time to present the secret.” Ishmael says with a smile.

“Do we dare ascend in mass at this time? Won’t that alert the queen” asks Azariah.

“This is a good point. I and Maaseiah will go. We will bring back instructions to the rest of you. While we are gone, quietly rally your men.”

Jehoiada is waiting when the two commanders arrive at the appointed hour.

“Commanders” greets Jehoiada with a nod.

“How may we serve” asks Ishmael.

“I would know if you are still loyal to the house of David. Are you still committed to the task we have discussed?”

Ishmael bristled at this question. How dare anyone challenge his allegiance. Jehoiada quickly responded to the fire he saw ignite in the captain’s eyes.

“No disrespect intended commander. I must be certain before I continue. Lives depend on your answer.”

“My allegiance since birth to this day has not changed. I have sworn to protect the house of David with my life. I swore an oath to you as well, and I will uphold it as surely.”

“And you commander” Jehoiada asks.

“I too serve the house of David. We await the Lord’s hand in restoring it as He promised.”

“Good. This is all I needed to hear. Follow me please.”

The men follow Jehoiada into the quarters of the priests. Jehoiada leads them to the room where Joash waits. It is time to introduce Joash to the men who will protect him with their lives. He opens the door to Joash’s hiding place and motions him to come out. He takes the boy’s hand and brings him to stand in between himself and the two captains.

“My I introduce you to Joash, rightful king of Judah.”

Joash held his head high as the two battle hardened soldiers knelt before him. They could not see the nervousness that hid within him. He knows what the revelation of his life means. Nothing will ever be the same again. But he has the Lord to walk beside him and Jehoiada to guide him.

“This is the thing that you shall do:…” says Jehoiada after giving the two captains time to pay their new king honor. “…one third of you, those who come off duty on the Sabbath and guard the king’s house shall guard the palace. And the two divisions of you, which come on duty in force on the Sabbath and guard the house of the Lord on behalf of the king, shall surround the king, each with his weapons in hand. And whoever approaches the ranks is to be put to death. Be with the king when he goes out and when he comes in” (verses 5, 6b-8).

“My troops and I will be ready” replied Ishmael.

“As shall we” agrees Maaseiah.

Jehoiada squeezes Joash’s shoulder in support as the captains leave. The Sabbath started at sundown tomorrow. By this time in two days Joash will be on the throne. Until then he has to return to hiding.

The Sabbath arrives with all its usual grace. Jehoiada has prepared the Levites for something special to take place. Only those who have sworn their loyalty know exactly what that is. Regardless, they are all to stand ready at the hour of the evening sacrifice. None are to be absent.

The guard changes one hour before sundown to ensure the new shift is in place in time for the evening sacrifice. Instead of leaving their posts at the king’s gate and returning to their garrison they go instead to guard the palace. Those who are assigned to guard the House of the Lord report directly to Jehoiada. Ishmael stands as their leader. Jehoiada gives him the spears and shields that had been King David’s. They have been kept safe in the House of the Lord and used only in service to the king and on days of commemoration to the Lord.

Ishmael accepted the armament with all honor due them. He distributed them among those who will stand closest to Joash.

Jehoiada has to move about his tasks with great speed this day. ALL has to be in place the moment the evening sacrifice began. As this is an ordinary Sabbath, as far as the people know, he is not required to perform this day’s sacrifice. This frees him up to stand beside Joash as he stands beside the pillar of the king.

Joash has been in hiding all day. To stop his mind from racing he began reciting the psalms of David. Even at the age of seven he had learned the comfort they hold. He hopes to someday be able to sing David’s psalms to the Lord in front of His altar. Staying hidden, even from the Levites who minister in the Temple prevents him from worshiping the Lord in fullness. This is the last day that requirement will stand in the way between him and his Lord.

“It’s time” calls Jehoiada as he openes the door to Joash’s hidden room.

The two of them make their way through the Temple. Jehoiada has snuck Joash out in the night time on a few occasions, so he would be familiar with the route to take and where to stand for this momentous day.

From near a dividing curtain Ishmael and his men wait the arrival of Joash and Jehoiada. Their soft footsteps give them away only to the most experienced ears of Ishmael. He turns to meet them as they move from the shadows.

“All is ready my king” Ishmael says to Joash.

The words nearly freeze Joash’s small feet. “My king. Will I ever get used to hearing those words address me” he thinks.

“I’m ready” he replies with confidence beyond his years, and also beyond what he is feeling.

The first group of guards press forward through the curtain and spread out in a defensive position. They take positions from the south side of the house all the way to the north side, encompassing also the altar where the priest will present the evening sacrifice in just a few minutes.

Once the first group is in place the second group takes their place upon the steps leading up to the portico. Each soldier in both ranks holds his sword at the ready in his hands. None will dare approach such a formidable rank.

Jehoiada and Joash step onto the portico. They take up position beside the pillar of the king. There before hundreds of people, who have gathered for the evening sacrifice, stands two rows of elite guards, the high priest and a young boy dressed in royal robes.

Jehoiada produces the crown of the king from the folds of a cloth laid upon a nearby table. The ordinary table had gone unnoticed until that moment. It was out of place but such a small thing that no one had bothered to look long at it. Jehoiada steps behind Joash and gently places the crown upon his head. His small head required some alterations to the crown to make it fit but it sits beautifully upon Joash’s head.

Jehoiada then retrieves a scroll. It contains the Law of the Lord. Each king is to have a copy of the Law to meditate on so he will lead the people in the way of the Lord. He lovingly delivers it to Joash’s outstretched arms. It’s length is nearly half of the height of Joash but he holds it fast with a look of determination that would rival the hardiest soldier.

Jehoiada’s final act is to anoint Joash with oil. He removes the flask of oil from the folds of his robe and pours it over Joash’s head.

At that moment Maaseiah blows the trumpet and the people break out in chorus, “Long live the king!” (2 Kings 11:12b).

Athaliah hears the commotion coming from the House of the Lord. She stopped attending the sacrifices and feasts shortly after installing herself as queen. She only darkens its doorsteps when absolutely necessary for her office. But the sounds she hears rising in the evening call for her urgent attention and attendance in the House of the Lord.

She quickly summons her personal guards and makes her way through the palace. As she exits the palace her guards are stopped by those placed by and loyal to Maaseiah. Athaliah’s guards are no match for this elite group. Athaliah’s guards are held fast but she is allowed to proceed. She is ‘allowed’ to learn of her fate.

Athaliah rushed through the courtyard gate and into the House of the Lord. She pushes her way through the crowd until she too can see Joash wearing the crown standing beside the pillar, according to the customs. Beside him are Maaseiah, Ishmael, Jehoiada, and trumpeters heralding the king. There was no mistaking this sight. A new king had been crowned right under her nose.

Upon closer scrutiny Athaliah sees the features of her own son reflected in the face of the new king. Somehow she has missed this child. He holds the right to the seat she occupies. Athaliah tears her clothes in anguish and cries out.

“Treason! Treason!” (2 Kings 11:14b).

Ishmael, Maaseiah and Jehoiada all noticed her at the same time. Jehoiada acts quickly. He has been expecting something such as this. He speaks to the two captains who stand with him.

“Bring her out between the ranks, and put to death with the sword anyone who follows her. Let her not be put to death in the House of the Lord” (2 Kings:15a, 15c.).

Maaseiah signals to three of his men. They close in on Athaliah and take hold of her. They bodily carrr her back through the crowd and out the horses’ entrance to the king’s house. Many in the crowd turn their attention to her as she is being pressed through their midst but only a handful follow.

Athaliah’s guards, who had been detained earlier are assembled with those who followed her from the House of the Lord. All are gathered in one place. Athaliah is the first to be put to death. Those who followed her out followed her in death and her guards followed them. There will probably be more cleansing of those loyal to Athaliah in the days to come but for now, her supporters are no more.

Back inside the House of the Lord, Jehoiada continues on with the requirements of the day. The people have accepted Joash as king without reservation. Now there needs to be a renewal of the covenant with the Lord.

Joash has been raised his entire life in the House of the Lord. He already vowed to serve Him only. The people needed to know of his commitment and needed to commit themselves to walk after their king AND their God.

“I present to you this day a son of David, whom the Lord spared, to sit upon the throne. The Lord has raised him up for this day. Will you covenant with your king, Joash, to walk in the ways of the Lord all your days?”

“We will” answer the people as one.

Jehoiada turns to Joash. “And will you Joash, son of David, king of Judah, commit to lead the people in the ways of the Lord all the days of your life?”

“I will” answers Joash without a moment’s hesitation or an ounce or reservation.

“As the servant of the Lord what is your command?”

Jehoiada had discussed Joash’s first act as king in detail. The temple of Baal has to be torn down to establish that Judah had only one God, the God of their fathers; the One who chose them as His own.

“Baal must be purged from the land. Tear down its altars and break the images in pieces. The priests must be put to death for they are an abomination to the Lord.”

The crowd roars with determination to see the king’s first command brought to life. They move in mass. Within moments they have reached the house of Baal that was erected during the time of Ahaziah. They storm its gates, break down its walls, smash its images and take hold of its priests. There before the altar of this apostate god, his priest Mattan is killed.

The roar of the crowd can be heard all the way to the very portico where Joash waits. Jehoiada is waiting for a specific sound to carry to him and his king; that of victory.

Shouts of joy reached the ears of Jehoiada and he knows it was time for the last portion of Joash’s ascension to the throne. Joash would be presented to the people and actually take his seat on the throne.

Jehoiada motions for eight of his men to stand watch over the house of the Lord. Ishmael and his men surround Joash as they move in unison down the steps of the House of the Lord. They make their way across the courtyard and to the gate of the guards. Proceeding through this gate they make their way to the king’s house and into the throne room. Joash then takes his seat on the throne of the kings.

The people bear witness and rejoice as their king makes his way to his rightful place. No longer will they bear the commands of a murderous queen. No more will the worship of Baal come between them and their Lord. They are once again committed to follow the Law of their God and to follow a king who has committed to lead them in this path.

By nightfall all Jerusalem is at peace. Athaliah is dead, along with those who followed her. The temple of Baal lay in ruins. And the people of Judah go to their homes in peace.

(to be continued)

God had a plan all along. Athaliah’s actions could NOT derail His plan. Her actions actually helped to fulfill it. Ahab’s descendants were wiped from the face of Judah under her hand. All but one. But his line to David precluded his connection to Ahab.

I wonder how many people Athaliah killed. There had to be A LOT of them if you think of all of David’s descendants. We are told that she killed the “royal family”. Is this only those in direct line for the throne? Why didn’t God go back a few generations and bring one of the brothers of Jehoram forward to be king? I’m going to say, He has His reasons.

With as many people as participated in the ‘secret’ it is a wonder that the queen didn’t know about it before hand. As a grandmother, I cannot see how it is even possible to ‘lose track’ of one of your grandchildren. We have big family events every year and my husband can identify the children by the sounds of their laughter. I can’t imagine missing one from that ‘chorus’.

Father God, thank You for having a plan. One that I can depend upon, NO MATTER WHAT! Every step is planned out in detail. I CANNOT mess up Your plan! In fact, You made it ‘Annette’ proof. I trust You to bring it about fully in my life. I will keep learning and waiting for whatever You have next for me.