Biblical Prophets - Bible Study Online

As we turn our attention back to the Southern Kingdom which is known as Judah, we find that the queen-mother Athaliah had just found out that king Ahaziah; her son, had been killed -- by Jehu the new Israel king of the Northern Kingdom.

Athaliah was not happy when she received this news about her son -- in fact, she became very incensed; and proceeded to destroy David's entire household.

We must remember, that Athaliah; was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and so therefore -- she was part of the family dynasty, that had ruled the Northern Kingdom Israel.

She married into the House of David, which is also known as the Southern Kingdom Judah; and so therefore, she was not loyal to the House of David. She was forever loyal to the House of Ahab. But now, Ahab's house has been cut off and destroyed by the sword of Jehu.

So out of revenge and jealousy, she proceeded to destroy Judah -- The house of David. She went throughout the palace, killing all that she could find; when it came to the royal family of Judah. This would include all the infants, which were her grandchildren that was set to reign after her. But in the midst of her rage, what she failed to realize; is that, she would be going against God; and His promise that he had made to David:

"When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever." (2 Samuel 7:12-13)

As Athaliah continued her onslaught against the House of David, the Scripture confirms, that one of her daughters; who went by the name of Jehosheba, took her nephew Joash; and hid him from his wicked grandmother. Jehosheba would hide the child, and the nurse that took care of him; in a bedroom, so they could escape the murderous wrath of Athaliah.

A short while later, we would also learn; that Jehosheba would move them to the temple of the Lord, and this is where Joash and his nurse would remain for the next six years -- while Athaliah ruled and tyrannized the land.

Now we also learnt, that Athaliah had also instituted her family Baal practices into the House of David as well: "Now the sons of that wicked woman Athaliah had broken into the temple of God and had used even its sacred objects for the Baals." (2 Chronicles 24:7)

So in the seventh year, we find that Jehosheba's husband; Jehoiada the priest -- had sent for the commanders, which numbered in the hundreds; and he had them to meet him in the temple of the Lord.

They would come to an agreement, when it came to Athaliah; and soon after, they would seal this agreement -- with a covenant promise, and an oath of sworn secrecy. After they had done this, Jehoiada would bring out Ahaziah's son Joash, and show him to the commanders. For Joash, was the rightful heir to the throne.

Jehoiada reveals a plan, that will take place on the coming Sabbath. This plan, will remove Athaliah from the throne; and make young Joash the new king of Judah. So when the Sabbath day came, Jehoiada had the Levites and the priest posted in three key areas:

He had one third of their number, placed at the royal palace. He had another third of their number, placed at the Sur Gate. While stationing the remaining third of their number, at the guard post of the temple -- so they can protect the young king Joash.

Jehoiada gave the commanders, King David's old weapons that were stored inside the temple. After everybody was at their positions, Jehoiada brought out the young Joash and crowned him the new king of Judah.

"Long live the king!" they shouted and clapped as the young Joash was being anointed by Jehoiada the priest. The celebration was so loud, that Athaliah was able to hear them from the palace -- so she went down to the temple to see what was going on.

When she arrived, she looked; and there was the young Joash standing there next to the pillar. As the officers stood around the young king, and the trumpeters played their horns; as the people rejoiced. Athaliah became irate, and began tearing her royal robes: "This is treason... treason!" Athaliah shouted.

"Seize her, and bring her out between the ranks; and put to the sword anyone who follows her. She must not be put to death in the temple of the Lord." Jehoiada would order the commanders. So the commanders took her out to the place where the horses would enter the palace grounds, and it was at this place she would be put to death.

Now with Athaliah out of the way, Jehoiada would make a renewed covenant between the Lord, the new king Joash; and the people of the land. Jehoiada would also make a vow that they will be the Lord's people. Then Jehoiada would make a separate covenant, that included the new king Joash; and the people of the land. Then they all would head down to the temple of Baal.

Upon their arrival, they started tearing down the temple of Baal, and smashed the altars and idols to pieces. They also killed Matten the priest of Baal -- in front of the Baal altars as well.

Jehoiada would then, post guards at the temple of the Lord; and took with him the commanders, the nobles; the guards, and all the people of the land; and together, they brought the new young king Joash down from the temple of the Lord.

They would enter the palace, by way of the gate of the guards; and the young king Joash took his rightful place on the throne. All the people of the land would rejoice, and the city would become quiet and peaceful -- for Athaliah's tyranny, was no more. Athaliah's reign would last for only six years, and Joash would take his throne at the young tender age of seven.

Elijah the Fire Prophet

Elisha the Apprentice

Elisha the Master Prophet

**YOUR CURRENT SERIES WOULD BE HERE**

31) The Demise of Jezebel

32) The Royal Seventy

33) The Baalism Deception

34) Jehu's Achilles' Heel

35) <-CURRENT PAGE->