Main Highlights
Athaliah, Ahab's granddaughter, seizes the throne of Judah and attempts to kill the royal line, but Joash, a young prince, is rescued and eventually crowned king, restoring the Davidic dynasty.
Key Verses
"Now when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal family." 2 Kings 11:1
"But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, Ahaziah's sister, took Joash the son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the king's sons who were being murdered, and she put him and his nurse in a bedroom. Thus they hid him from Athaliah, so that he was not murdered." 2 Kings 11:2
"And Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and the people, that they should be the Lord's people, and also between the king and the people." 2 Kings 11:17
"So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet. They had put Athaliah to death with the sword at the king's house." 2 Kings 11:20
Related Scripture
"I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who will do all my will." Acts 13:22
Scholar Insight
""The preservation of Joash is a testament to God's faithfulness to his covenant with David, assuring the continuation of the Davidic dynasty despite Athaliah's attempts to eradicate it." - John H. Walton and Victor H. Matthews, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000), p. 444."
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
God is faithful to his covenant promises and protects his chosen people, even in the face of great evil. God is sovereign and uses unlikely people to complete his will.
Christological Connection
Joash's preservation and eventual coronation foreshadow the preservation of the lineage of Christ and his ultimate reign as King.
Systematic Theology
Providence: God's sovereign control over events to accomplish his purposes, even through difficult and seemingly impossible circumstances.
Law & Grace
"For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." John 1:17
This passage emphasizes the law through the covenant with David and the restoration of rightful kingship. Divine grace is seen in the preservation of Joash and the fulfillment of God's promises despite Athaliah's treachery.
Personal Application
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
We should trust in God's faithfulness, even when facing difficult circumstances, knowing that he is working all things for our good and his glory. We should also stand up for righteousness and defend those who are vulnerable.