Judah recommitted herself to the Lord
2 Kings 11:1-12:21
Key Verse: 11:17
A. Uprooting the last vestige of the Baalism
1. How did Athaliah come to be a queen in Judah (11:1)? When Athaliah
destroyed the royal family, how did Joash survive (2-3)? How and when did Joash
become king? (4-12) Discuss the grace of God who maintained a lamp for David
and his descendants (2Ki 8:19). Who was
Jehosheba? Who was Jehoiada (2 Chr 22:11)? Discuss their role and faith in it. Whom did he prepare
for the coup and how (4-7)? When, where, and how was the coup carried out
(8-11)? How did Jehoiada presented Joash as king (12)?
Athaliah’s reign, and danger to Judah’s linage
and her suffering
This Ch concludes the saga of Ahab’s dynasty, a
dynasty rooted in pagan belief, Baal/Asherah. It began when
Ahab married Jezebel, a daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians. Her entry
to the northern kingdom Israel reinforced the military strength of the nation,
while southern Judah remained as the weakling of the two. God sent prophets to
turn Ahab and his people from Baalism to the LORD. God cited that Ahab sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the
LORD. This implied that he sold himself to his wife
Jezebel and to all that she stood for Baalism for the strength of the nation.
Jehoshaphat, the king of the weak nation Judah, welcomed Athaliah, the daughter
of Ahab and Jezebel as his son Jehoram’s wife in order to survive among the
powerful nations. Through this marriage, Baalism flowed from Israel into Judah
and took a deep root in the kingdom. This endangered the very survival of not
only Israel but also Judah, the Davidic dynasty by incurring God’s wrath. God
had to take a drastic action if He were to keep His people in His fold. First,
God decimated Ahab and his dynasty by selecting Jehu. In addition,
he also killed Ahaziah, the king of Judah, the grandson of Jehoshaphat. As God
saw, Jehu saw in Ahaziah the sin of Ahab/Jezebel and killed him. This was God’s
will to eradicate Baalism from Israel as well as from Judah.
Seeing the death of all her families, Athaliah,
the only remnant of Jezebel/Ahab’s union, decided to take control of the
Southern Kingdom Judah. She killed all her
stepsons or the grandsons of Jehoshaphat, an obvious effort to restore the
kingdom back the Baalistic dynasty under her. She took the rein of Judah as the Queen mother with an iron fist and
the nation Judah suffered a great deal. This was revealed in
two ways: first, the deterioration of the temple of the Lord was so evident to
the extent that at a glance, the restoration was necessary esp. for Joash for
Joash lived in the temple for 7 years. He came to know better than anyone else
how the temple was in disrepair esp. as he came to the palace, to which he
could easily compare. Second, as soon as Queen Athaliah was killed, the people
of the nation rejoiced and enjoyed peace (11:20).
Jehoiada and his wife Jehosheba’s daring
challenge in faith
When pagan Queen mother Athaliah killed all
Davidic children, Joash was a just born baby, less than one year old. Jehosheba, the wife of the high priest, Jehoiada, and daughter of Joram, the
sister of Ahaziah, hid the baby Joash in the temple under the protection of Jehoiada. While Baal temple was so busy and crowded with people, the
Lord’s temple was quiet and few paid any attention. It is possible that this
high priest couple was the only host of the temple, providing the best
environment to keep the baby safe.
Hiding the baby was a great risk for them. This
couple risked their lives for the sake of the kingdom. Though they were not
given any prophetic word from the Lord, they were firm in their choice for they
believed that their choice was in line with God’s word and His promise. It was a long shot for they had not only to wait at least seven years but also
secrecy must be kept such a long period! During these years, they endured all
abuses of Athaliah and persevered for the sake of one goal, to restore the
kingdom back to Davidic dynasty, the dynasty to which God promised to give an
everlasting kingdom with a king who embodies God’s
peace. Nevertheless, we cannot overlook the invisible hands of the
LORD who made this possible for such a long time.
Jehoiada carried out a bold plan to enthrone
Davidic king Joash.
He chose three groups of armies: the commanders
of the units of a hundred, the Carites. The guards (11:4). The Carites (2 Sam
8:18; 20:23;1 Kgs 1:38- Kerethites) had strong ties to King David.
Next, he had these three groups of armies and
its commanders to make a covenant with them under oath at the temple of the
Lord. In this way, they committed themselves to the LORD and His cause;
saving the Davidic king. In other words, the high priest lived with this commitment and now he demanded
these three groups of armies to make the same commitment to the LORD of King
David. This was an expression
of a decisive rejection of Baalism and its queen Athaliah.
The commanders of the units of a hundred had
three subunits, and each of these subunits were to keep a vigil on the palace,
and on the transit from the temple to the palace. Jehoiada equipped
them with the amours of King David (11:10). This injected or reaffirmed to them the hope for the Davidic kingdom
to these soldiers.
The other two groups, the Carites, and the guards
were to protect both sides of the temple as the king comes out.
It was carried out on the Sabbath: what the
significance of it is not clear; however, two things might be considered
together. When 7th year after 6 full years of waiting, embodying the idea of
the sabbath year rest, and 7th day(Sabbath) are combined
together, they spoke of one thing, the hope of rest from the Lord of the
Sabbath. So, by choosing the seventh year and by
selecting the Sabbath day, the high priest Jehoiada was putting God on the spot
who was to provide the rest on the Sabbath and on the Sabbath year for His
chosen. In other words, Jehoiada was firmly set his
heart on God’s help, who is the Lord of the Sabbath, the ultimate source of
rest. This was well revealed when he mandated the three groups
of commanders and soldiers to make a
covenant with the LORD in His temple.
There was also an added benefit; this was the time to change the guards. Even
off-going guard could join with the on-coming guards to enforce the unit.
In these ways, all men were prepared and ready
to call for and to see God’s mighty hand. It began with Jehoiada and Jehosheba’
commitment to God’s will and his promise by their lives.
The last scene, the scene Athaliah saw,
signified all that the Lord had done; Joash was standing by the pillar at the
entrance to the temple (2 Chr. 23:13) where only the king could stand. This
pillar signifies one of Jachin or Boaz (1 Kgs 7:21). It was built by Solomon
and placed at the temple porch, their names mean ‘He (YHWH) establishes’ and ‘In strength’.
The outcome was great; as they believed and
committed their lives to the hope, Athaliah was removed and the kingdom David
was restored.
The nation recommitted themselves to the Lord by
covenant
As the Queen was dead, and Davidic king, Joash,
was enthroned, Jehoiada then made a covenant between the LORD and the king, and
between the LORD and His people that they would be the LORD’s people (v17). The
people were the Lord’s and the kingdom was the Lord’s. For quite a time, the
Lords’ people and His kingdom were robbed by Baal. It began from king
Jehoshaphat, then to Joram/Athaliah, to Ahaziah, and finally to Athaliah. Now
the kingdom was restored back to the Lord. Jehoiada made a covenant between the
king and the people. Though he was just seven years old, it was not the king
but the Lord himself would keep the dynasty as He promised. The people were to
trust the Lord beyond the weakness of the baby king. This also tells us that
one’s commitment to the Lord is to commit to the person whom God chose to use
as His tool for His purpose.
It is important to note that God had helped
Israel turn to the Lord by giving messages through a number of prophets. But on
the other hand, the LORD was somewhat silent while Judah was going through a
tough time, esp. during Athaliah’s tenure as Queen mother of the
nation. God handled differently because Israel did not have ‘Davidic
covenant in their system of faith’ and separated themselves from the Law of
Covenant. On the other hand, Judah upheld the law of Covenant and the promise
given through king David. In this respect, the weaknesses and failures of their
faith were different from each other. For Israel, God gave His words directly
through the prophets along with a demonstration of miraculous
powers. For Judah, she held on the word of Covenant and promises
given through David. This was the source of understanding all affairs of the
nation and strength to manage herself and Jehoiada was the example of faith in
par excellence.
Similar an example is found in Martin Luther,
who stood firm by faith in the word of the Lord against the syncretic paganism
of the day and became the key agent of the reformation, bringing back God’s
people to Him only.
2. What happened to Athaliah (13-16)? Why did all the people of the
land rejoice (17-21)? What role did Jehoiada the priest play in all this? What
can we learn from Jehoiada the priest?
Athaliah’s death marked
the death of the dynasty founded on Baalism. Personally, I note two things
a. The dynasty founded on Baalism died but it left indelible marks on
the nation, Israel as well as Judah. Baal faith did not go away for good.
Instead, it remained in the hearts and lives of His people for a long time.
b. The lure of Baal god comes from its power to bless on all aspects
of human lives, as far as life on earth was concerned. When one’s heart is
left unopened to YHWH, the Creator God, Baalism serves as the best alternative
for the true God, YHWH, to whom one can have access only by faith. In this
aspect, Baalism serves as the best source of syncretic belief along with YHWH.
In this respect, Christ, who suffered and died for our sins, is the most
powerful attest to the faith in God of creation and the most antithetical to
Baal faith.
Significances of
Jehoiada/Jehosheba’s work
a. This couple were priest family, whom the Lord entrusted His word
of Covenant and the central theme in it was God’s promise of everlasting
Davidic kingdom.
b. As the holder of the word of the Lord (priest), they were faithful
to the word/promise of God. This was shown throughout this process;
particularly demanding of the covenant commitment of the commanders and
soldiers of the three groups. They did this without guidance of a prophet or
the Lord’s explicit revelation of His will. In other words, the faith in the
word, the covenant was sufficient since they had faith firmly in the Lord and
in His word.
i. This is a good comparison to those who received the words of the
Lord and yet failed to turn their hearts to the Lord: Jeroboam, Ahab,
ii. A direct and personal encounter with
the Lord for a specific purpose did not yield when one lacks the right view of
the LORD as it was noted in the life of Ahab. The right view of the LORD (YHWH)
comes when one accepts all the works of Him (the five books of Moses) and abide
by the Covenant.
B. Returning to and Rebuilding of the worship of the LORD (YHWH).
3. How long did King Joash do what was right in the eyes of the LORD
(12:1-2)? What did he fail (3; Deut. 12:2-7, 13-14)? How did he work to restore
the temple (12:4-16)?
Joash was practically
born in the temple and reared in the temple under the care of the high priest
couple, Jehoiada and Jehosheba, who was fully committed to the Lord’s Kingdom,
or God’s promise to Davidic dynasty. He grew up as a total novice to Baal
worship or any other pagan beliefs under the protection of the high
priest. He knew how and by whom his life was saved to be the king of
the nation. He could not think of his life apart from God’s amazing protection
and hope conveyed through the high priest Jehoiada.
His first and most
important task was repairing the temple for it was badly in disrepair by a long
neglection over the three kings, Jehoshaphat, Joram and Ahaziah, and then
Athaliah. This temple was the place he grew up to the age of 7.
Also, as the nation recommitted herself to the Lord, the Lord’s temple was the
most important concern.
But for some reason,
King Joash’s order was not followed through by the priests and the temple was
still in disrepair after 23 years. Why did Jehoiada and his fellow priests did
not follow through the command? Bible is silent on this matter. This seems to
speak of two things: first, the people as well as the priests suffered under
poverty and lived a debt-ridden life under Athaliah and it took a long time to
pay off or get off of debts in life. This was more than probable since Joash
waited for a long time (23 years) before bringing up this matter. This simply
reflected the poverty of people in Baalism, and especially it was more severe
for the priests of YHWH. Does this mean that delaying the repair of the Lord’s
temple was well justified? Most likely Joash’s gentle rebuke was aimed at their
lack of the spirit to sacrifice themselves for the sake of the Lord’s temple.
When Joash pointed out
the problem the priests accepted Joash’s plan; the priests would not directly
handle the offerings but let the offerings collected in a chest. Then under the
supervision of the high priest and royal secretary, the collected silvers were
counted and brought to the temple, to disburse directly for the worker who did
the repair of the temple. This was done fairly and properly. But one thing
changed was the control that was under the priests were taken away partially
and was put partially under the king’s authority. The fairness of this was
further emphasized by saying that the offerings belong to the priest was still
under the control of the priests. (v16). Joash was commended for
this work (12:2).
4. What
did he do when the nation was threatened by Hazael of Aram (17-18)? How did
Joash die (19-21)? Why did Joash finish his life in such a miserable way (2Ch
24:15-25)? Think about the importance of having a good spiritual mentor.
Aram’s attack and Joash’s fear: At the inception of the Jehu dynasty, the LORD
began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael overpowered the Israelites
throughout their territory (10:32). In other words, the power of Aram increased
more, and Israel and Judah suffered their attacks and could not overcome
them.
Under the attack of
Hazael, Jehoash bought him off from invading Jerusalem by handing over the
temple and palace treasures. I like to look at carefully what was handed over
to Hazael
18 But Joash king of Judah took all the sacred objects dedicated
by his predecessors—Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah, the kings of
Judah—and the gifts he himself had dedicated and all the gold found in the
treasuries of the temple of the LORD and of the royal palace, and he sent them
to Hazael king of Aram, who then withdrew from Jerusalem.
Previously, King Asa, in
order to defend from the northern Kingdom Israel, forged a treaty with
Ben-hadad, the king of Aram, and in exchange, he gave all treasures of the
temple and palace and gave them to (15:18). Since Asa, there were four kings:
Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah and they replenished the temple and the
palace. But now, again Joash gave up these treasures to buy peace from Hazael,
the king of Aram. This spoke of a very sober fact; Judah, the weaker kingdom,
made various efforts to defend the nation from the neighboring powers. Asa, by
bribing Ban-Hadad, Jehoshaphat by an alliance with Israel by marriage, which
caused the temple neglected and impoverished for the sake of Baal temple, now
again by offering all the treasures of the temple and palace to Hazael made
efforts to protect and preserve the nation but such efforts left them with an
empty temple and an empty palace. This seems to speak of the truth that nothing
but faith in the Lord could sustain the lives and blessing for the nation. Joash
failed to learn this though he had the best chance to learn from Jehoiada.
Actually, after Solomon, none of his predecessors learned this faith.
5. Please share what you learned from today’s passage.
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