The Way
Joash, the Child Hidden in the Temple
David's lamp, almost put out
Story
When Ahaziah king of Judah died, his mother Athaliah rose up and killed the whole royal family. On the day the sword swept through the palace, Ahaziah's sister Jehosheba secretly took her baby nephew Joash and hid him with his nurse in a bedroom. For the next six years the child grew up hidden in the temple of the Lord, while Athaliah ruled the land.
In the seventh year, the priest Jehoiada called the commanders of hundreds to the temple, put them under oath and showed them the king's son. Jehoiada handed out to them the spears and shields that had belonged to King David. The guards stood with weapons in hand along both sides of the temple. Jehoiada brought out the boy, put the crown on him and anointed him. The people clapped their hands and shouted, “Long live the king!”
Athaliah heard the shouting and came into the temple. When she saw the young king standing by the pillar and the people blowing trumpets, Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason! Treason!” Jehoiada gave the order: “Do not put her to death inside the temple.” Athaliah was dragged out and put to death, and the people tore down the temple of Baal. Seven-year-old Joash sat on the throne of David.
Walk this scene on the map →Words of God and the Prophets
Bring Athaliah out between the ranks. Strike down with the sword anyone who follows her. Do not put her to death inside the temple of the Lord.
Treason! Treason!
Long live the king!
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: 2 Kgs 11:1–21
Background
Second Chronicles tells us that Jehosheba was the wife of Jehoiada the priest. Athaliah came from Ahab's house in northern Israel and married into Judah, and she brought Baal worship into Jerusalem.
Pause and Reflect
Even if no one notices, can I step up to protect someone?