What other biblical examples show God's justice against those opposing His will? Athaliah’s Downfall—Justice at the Temple Gate “Then Jehoiada the priest sent out the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, saying, ‘Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.’ … ” (2 Chronicles 23:14) Athaliah had slaughtered the royal line and ruled illegitimately for six years. Her execution outside the temple shows that God protects His covenant purposes and repays rebellion in His perfect timing. Rulers Who Tried to Overrule God • Pharaoh (Exodus 14:26-30). The sea that opened for Israel closed on Egypt: “Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore.” • King Saul (1 Samuel 15:22-23; 31:4). Disobedience cost him the kingdom, then his life on Mount Gilboa. • Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:21-23). “Immediately … an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.” Rebels Inside the Covenant Community • Korah, Dathan, Abiram (Numbers 16:31-33). “The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them.” • Achan (Joshua 7:20-26). Hidden sin halted Israel’s advance; public judgment restored blessing. • Ananias & Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). Hypocrisy met instant death: “Great fear came over the whole church.” Those Who Opposed God’s Prophets • Jezebel (2 Kings 9:30-37). Dogs devoured the queen who persecuted Elijah and murdered Naboth. • Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:35-37). One angel struck 185,000 Assyrian soldiers; the blasphemous king later fell by his own sons’ swords. Key Themes That Surface Again and Again • God’s justice is certain, even when delayed. • Rank, power, or secrecy never shield sin from His sight. • Judgment often matches the offense (Pharaoh drowned, Korah swallowed by the earth he coveted, Jezebel cast from a window where she had looked down on others). • Justice secures God’s larger redemptive plan—preserving the Davidic line from Athaliah, freeing Israel from Egypt, protecting the early church’s purity. Living Lessons Today • Submit rather than scheme; resistance invites discipline. • Guard personal integrity—hidden sin can hinder an entire community. • Take courage: when opposition seems overwhelming, God still defends His purposes and His people. |
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