What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Athaliah's attempt to destroy the royal line? Scripture Snapshot “ When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she rose up and destroyed all the royal offspring of the house of Judah.” (2 Chronicles 22:10) Setting the Scene • Athaliah—daughter of wicked King Ahab and Queen Jezebel—seizes power in Judah. • She slaughters the Davidic princes, aiming to erase the messianic line. • One infant, Joash, is hidden by Jehosheba and Jehoiada the priest (22:11-12). • For six long years the promise appears buried, yet God is quietly at work. God’s Sovereign Preservation of His Promise • 2 Samuel 7:12-16—God vowed an unbroken Davidic dynasty; Athaliah’s plot collides with that unbreakable word. • Psalm 89:34—“I will not violate My covenant.” The massacre tests but cannot overturn that vow. • Isaiah 55:11—His word “will not return to Me empty.” God’s sovereignty guarantees fulfillment, even when only a single baby remains. Human Power versus Divine Purpose • Proverbs 21:30—“No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can prevail against the LORD.” • Psalm 2—Earthly rulers may “plot in vain”; heaven still laughs. • Daniel 4:35—He does “as He pleases… no one can restrain His hand.” Hidden Yet Active Providence • Joash is tucked away in a bedroom, then in the temple for six years. God often works behind curtains—quiet, unseen, unstoppable. • Esther 3–4 shows a similar hidden hand preserving the Jewish people. • Romans 8:28 affirms the same pattern for believers today—working all things for good, even in the shadows. Faithful Remnant as Instruments • Jehosheba and Jehoiada risk everything; God’s sovereignty uses willing servants, not robots. • 2 Chronicles 23 highlights their courageous coup to restore the rightful king. • Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18) and Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 1-6) echo this: small, faithful minorities through whom God steers history. Foreshadowing the Greater King • Isaiah 9:6-7 predicts an endless throne of David—Athaliah’s failure clears the stage for Christ. • Matthew 1:1 opens with “Jesus the Messiah, the son of David,” proving the line survived. • Revelation 5:5—“the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.” Every attack on the line ultimately points to the triumph of Jesus. Encouragement for Today • God’s plans are never in jeopardy, no matter how dark the headlines. • He safeguards His promises right down to individuals—sometimes an overlooked baby. • Expect periods of apparent silence; they are often seasons of strategic positioning. • Stand faithful like Jehosheba and Jehoiada; sovereignty fuels courage because the outcome is secure. |
    |