Courage Amidst Conspiracy: Jehosheba's Rescue and Joash's Coronation

2 Kings 11 is a testament to divine providence and human courage amidst political conspiracy. It serves as a vivid reminder of how faith and righteousness can overcome corruption and ungodliness. The actions of Jehosheba and Jehoiada remind us that we, too, have a role to play in upholding justice, truth, and the preservation of rightful leadership in our lives and societies.

Athaliah's Usurpation (Verses 1-3)

When Athaliah learns of her son Ahaziah's death, she decides to seize the throne for herself. She commences a brutal purge of the royal family. However, Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister to Ahaziah, manages to rescue Joash, Ahaziah's son, from the massacre. For six years, Joash is hidden in the temple of the LORD under the guardianship of Jehosheba and her husband, Jehoiada the high priest.

Jehoiada's Counter Conspiracy and Joash's Coronation (Verses 4-12)

In the seventh year, Jehoiada musters the support of the commanders of units of a hundred, the Carites, and the guards, revealing to them the hidden prince Joash. They swear their allegiance to the young king and pledge to protect him. Jehoiada instructs them on the necessary actions to secure the temple and palace, and to ensure the king's safety. With their aid, Jehoiada brings forth Joash, gives him the testimony, and crowns him as king. The people rejoice, and the news spreads throughout Jerusalem.

Overthrow and Execution of Athaliah (Verses 13-16)

Upon hearing the noise of the guards and the people rejoicing, Athaliah comes to the temple. Seeing the young king standing by the pillar as per custom and the people celebrating his coronation, she tears her robes and shouts, "Treason! Treason!" Jehoiada, however, commands the captains to seize her and kill her outside the temple grounds, thus putting an end to her reign and restoring the Davidic line.

Covenant and the Destruction of Baal Worship (Verses 17-21)

After the execution of Athaliah, Jehoiada makes a covenant between the LORD, the king, and the people that they would be the LORD's people. He also makes a covenant between the king and the people. This leads to the destruction of Baal worship in Judah, and the restoration of the worship of the LORD. Finally, Joash is presented to the people, and he takes his place on the royal throne, leading to peace in Jerusalem.

2 Kings 11 portrays a time of political upheaval and bloodshed in the Kingdom of Judah. The chapter chronicles the story of the brave Jehosheba, who defies her mother Athaliah's murderous intent and rescues her infant nephew Joash. It further highlights the steps taken by the High Priest Jehoiada to ensure the rightful heir's protection and eventual coronation, leading to the overthrow and execution of Athaliah.

• Divine Protection
• Courage and Faith
• Divine Justice
• Rightful Kingship
• Preservation of the Davidic Line• Conspiracy against Royalty
• Saving of the Heir
• Coronation of Joash
• Overthrow and Execution of Athaliah• Athaliah (Mother of Ahaziah and a Queen turned Usurper)
• Jehosheba (King Jehoram's daughter and sister to Ahaziah)
• Joash (also known as Jehoash, the young heir to the throne)
• Jehoiada (the high priest)
• Azariah
• The Carites
• The Guards• Jerusalem
• Temple of the LORD
• The Royal Palace

1. How does Jehosheba's courage inspire you in the face of your own challenges?

2. Compare Athaliah's and Jehoiada's leadership styles. How can these be related to today's political and social leadership contexts?

3. How does the concept of divine justice manifest in this chapter, particularly in Athaliah's downfall?

4. In what ways does the story of Joash's survival reflect the preservation of the Davidic line and ultimately, the lineage of Jesus Christ?

5. How can we relate the destruction of Baal worship and the restoration of the worship of the LORD to our personal spiritual lives?

6. How does Jehoiada's role in this chapter reflect the importance of religious figures in political matters? How can we see this in today's world?

7. Why was it significant that Joash was hidden in the temple? What symbolism can you draw from this?

8. In your life, how can you emulate Jehoiada's sense of duty and commitment to what is right?

9. What does this chapter teach about the importance of having the right people in power?

10. How does this chapter show that God is ultimately in control, even when it seems that evil is reigning?

11. How can you apply Jehosheba's and Jehoiada's selflessness in your personal life or community?

12. Discuss the importance of making covenants in today's religious and social contexts, drawing from Jehoiada's covenant with the LORD, the king, and the people.

13. How does Joash's crowning ceremony relate to the concept of 'rightful kingship' in a divine sense?

14. In what ways does this chapter teach us to handle power and authority responsibly?

15. How can this chapter be used as a tool to reflect on political corruption and social justice issues in our present day?

16. Discuss the significance of the phrase "Treason! Treason!" from Athaliah in today's context.

17. How can we ensure the preservation of truth and justice in our societies, akin to Jehoiada's preservation of the Davidic line?

18. What lessons can we learn from the public reaction to Joash's coronation?

19. What are some modern-day 'Baals' in our societies, and how can we work towards their elimination?

20. How does the peace in Jerusalem after Joash's coronation inspire hope for resolution in the midst of our own societal or personal conflicts?