Now when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she a rose and destroyed all the royal family of the house of Judah. (2 Chronicles 22:10)
Today we take a look at the story of Q ueen Athaliah, whose wicked heart corrupted the nation of Judah. S he ruled for her own gain, even killing her own grandchildren to secure her power. She however, overlooked one grandchild, Joash, who was hidden in the temple and later became king. This story highlights God’s faithfulness in preserving His promises.
In the story of Queen Athaliah, we see a stark example of evil leadership. Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, brings the idolatry and wickedness of her parents into Judah. She married Jehoram, leading him and the nation astray. When her husband and sons die, Athaliah seized the throne and brutally kills her own grandchildren to eliminate any threats to her power.
Athaliah’s reign is a dark period for Judah. Her self-serving rule plunges the nation into corruption and despair. Yet, in the midst of this darkness, God’s promise to David remains unbroken. Athaliah’s daughter, Jehosheba, hides Joash, one of the surviving grandsons, in the temple. For six years, Joash is raised by priests, hidden from Athaliah’s murderous reach.
This story served as a very powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. Despite Athaliah’s ruthless attempts to destroy David’s line, God’s plan prevails. When Joash is old enough, he is anointed king, and Athaliah’s evil reign comes to an end. The priests and people rally around Joash, restoring the rightful king and renewing their covenant with God.
Daily Questions
- How can you trust in God’s promises even when surrounded by evil and corruption?
- Have you ever seen a time when someone who was a “tyrant” finally receive justice?
2 Chronicles 22:10-12; 23:8-15
22:10-12 – Now when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she a rose and destroyed all the royal family of the house of Judah. But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from a long the king’s sons who were about to be slain, and she put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. Thus Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King Jehoram and wife of Jehoiada the priest, because she was a sister of Ahaziah, his him from Athaliah, so that she did not slay him; and he remained with them six years, his in the house of God, while Athaliah reigned over the land.
23:8-15 – The Levites and all Judah did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded. They each brought his men, who were to go off duty on the sabbath, with those who were to come on city on the sabbath; for Jehoiada the priest did not dismiss the divisions. And Jehoiada the priest delivered to the captains the spears and the large and small shields that had been King David’s, which were in the house of God; and he set all the people as a guard for the king, every man with his weapon in his hand, from the south side of the house to the north side of the house, around the altar and the house. Then he brought out the king’s son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they proclaimed him king, and Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and they said, “Long live the king.” When Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she went into the house of the Lord to the people, and when she looked, there was the king standing by his pillar at the entrance, and the captains and the trumpeters beside the king, and all the people of the land rejoicing and blowing trumpets, and the singers with their musical instruments leading in the celebration. And Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried, “Treason! Treason!” Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains who were set over the army, saying to them, “Bring her out between the ranks; any one who follows he is to be slain with the sword.” For the priest said, “Do not slay her in the house of the Lord.” So they laid hands on her; and she went into the entrance of the horse gate of the king’s house, and they slew her there.
Daily Prayer
Dear God, through the life of Queen Athaliah we will make sure that as we step into any positions of leadership we will not be motivated by power, prestige or position. Instead, we will do everything within our power to make sure that everything we do is motivated by love.
We will not seek leadership merely to gain power over others or to revel in a smug feeling of superiority but will focus our motive to meet the needs and grow the cause of Your Kingdom. Increase Your Godly character in our lives, fortify the walls of our faith so that our pursuit will be one of love and service to others which ultimately leads to You being glorified God.
We are ready and willing to step up and to be used to show people the magnitude of how much You love them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Reflection
Consider the challenges you face where evil or corruption seems to dominate. Are there steps you can take to stand firm in your faith and trust in God’s promises?
Athaliah’s story reminds us that God’s plans are not thwarted by human wickedness. This week, week God’s guidance in overcoming the challenges before you. Pray for wisdom and courage to act in ways that honor Him. Reflect on His past faithfulness and let that strengthen your resolve to trust in His plan for your life.
No Thought Police 