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Bible Pathways 05/05/2002


May 05

Read 2 Kings 11 -- 13

In Today's Reading:

Athaliah reigns in Judah; David's descendants murdered except for baby Joash; Athaliah's execution; Jehoash crowned king and repairs the Temple; evil reign of Jehoahaz; death of Elisha.

Verse for Today:

When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son (King Ahaziah) was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal (2 Kings 11:1).

When Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, received word that her son, King Ahaziah, was dead, she seized the throne of Judah and proclaimed herself queen. To make sure she had no competition, she murdered her own grandsons. She thought she had killed the entire royal family of David (2 Kings 11:1; 2 Chronicles 22:10). However, God intervened and saved the helpless, one-year-old Joash (Jehoash) from being killed (2 Kings 11:2-3; 2 Chronicles 22:11-12). He was the sole link that preserved the dynasty of David and the very lineage of Jesus Christ. Jehosheba, the wife of Jehoiada the high priest, was used of God to hide her nephew Joash from Athaliah's wholesale assassinations. [Joash was hid] in the House of the Lord six years. And Athaliah [reigned] over the land (2 Kings 11:3).

During that time, Joash was in the care of Jehosheba, who prepared him for his destiny. Joash was about seven years old when Jehoiada brought forth the king's son, and put the crown [on] him, and gave him the Testimony (a copy of the Mosaic Law); and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king (11:12). The people's excited shouts caught the attention of Athaliah who ran into the Temple court just in time to hear Jehoiada command the captains of the guard to execute her. Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and the people which resulted in the destruction of the Baal temple and execution of its chief priest Mattan (11:17-18).

Jehoash (Joash) did . . . right in the sight of the Lord all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him (12:2; 2 Chronicles 24:2). But, following the death of Jehoiada, Joash gave his approval to the princes who left the House of the Lord . . . and served groves and idols; and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for their trespass. . . . And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest [who] . . . said [to] them . . . Why [do you] transgress the Commandments of the Lord, (so) that [you] cannot prosper? because [you] have forsaken the Lord, He [has] also forsaken you (24:17-18,20). Instead of repenting, King Joash wickedly commanded the prophet-priest be murdered. Soon after this, Hazael King of Syria . . . set his face to go up to Jerusalem (2 Kings 12:17). The Lord delivered a very great host into (Syria's) hand, because they had forsaken the Lord (2 Chronicles 24:24).

Joash was then forced to give Hazael all the treasures from the palace and the Temple. Angered over his killing Zechariah, Joash's servants . . . slew Joash (2 Kings 12:20; 2 Chronicles 24:25). The account of Joash illustrates that to forsake the Word of God results in untold miseries: The wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold (hinder) the truth in (by their) unrighteousness (Romans 1:18).

Christ Portrayed:

By Jehoiada, who protected Joash and, in holy judgment, had Athaliah slain (2 Kings 11:4-16). Christ keeps us safe to fulfill His will and will return to judge all who obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:8).

Word Studies:

11:7 two parts = two companies; 11:8 compass = surround; 12:5 breaches = the damaged places; 12:11 laid it out = paid it out; 13:6 grove = the place to worship the goddess Ashtoreth.

Prayer Needs:

Government Official: Rep. Charles Gonzalez (TX) · Pray for your Pastor · Country: Cote d'Ivoire (16 million) in western Africa · Major languages: French and over 60 native dialects · Religious freedom · 40% animist; 25% Muslim; 10% Roman Catholic; 5% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Cry and pour out your soul in prayer in time of affliction (Isaiah 26:16).

Optional Reading: Romans 8

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Peter 1:23



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