Bible Pathways - May 5, 2005

May 5

 

Read II Kings 11 -- 13

 

In Today's Reading:

 

Athaliah reigns; David's descendants murdered; Joash crowned king; he repairs the Temple; worship restored; evil reign of Jehoahaz

 

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 ruthlessly murdered her own grandsons. She thought she had killed all of David's descendants (see II Kings 11:1; II Chronicles 22:10).

 

However, God intervened and saved one-year-old Joash (Jehoash), the sole link that preserved the dynasty of David and the lineage through which Jesus Christ would come (see II Kings 11:2; II Chronicles 22:11-12). Joash remained in the protective care and influence of Jehoiada the high priest, hidden in the House of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land (II Kings 11:3).

 

When Joash was about seven years old, Jehoiada brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the Testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save (long live) the king (11:12). The excited shouts caught the attention of Athaliah, who ran into the Temple court just in time to hear Jehoiada the high priest command the captains of the guard to execute her (see 11:15). And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD's people (11:17-18).

 

And Jehoash (Joash) did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him (12:2; II Chronicles 24:2). Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance (bowed down) to the king. Then the king hearkened (listened) to them. And they left the House of the LORD God of their fathers, and served . . . idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass (sin). Yet He sent prophets to them, to bring them again to the LORD . . . but they would not give ear. . . . And . . . his (Joash's) own servants conspired against him . . . and slew him (24:17-19,25; also II Kings 12:20). The account of Joash illustrates that God's covenant people have the responsibility to live according to the demands of their relationship with God and that to forsake the Word of God results in untold miseries. Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22).

 

Christ Portrayed:

 

By Jehoiada, who protected Joash and, in holy judgment, had Athaliah slain (II 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 (II 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:

 

Pray for BPM Staff: Barbara Bivens · Government Official: Rep. Charles Gonzalez (TX) · Country: United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, & Wales) (59 million) off the coast of western Europe · Major languages: English and Welsh · Religious freedom · 53% Protestant; 10% Roman Catholic; 2.5% Muslim; .8% Sikh; .7% Hindu; .6% Jewish · Prayer Suggestion: Trust that God will provide your needs when you put His will first in your life (Matthew 6:31-33).

 

Optional Reading: Romans 8

 

Memory Verse for the Week: I Thessalonians 5:22