What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Athaliah's usurpation in 2 Kings 11:1? A Dire Attempt at Extinction “When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs.” (2 Kings 11:1) What We See on the Surface • A ruthless queen‐mother seizes power. • The Davidic dynasty appears moments from destruction. • God’s covenant promises (2 Samuel 7:12-16) seem on the brink of failure. God’s Unshakable Promises • “I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” (2 Samuel 7:13) • “My covenant I will not revoke.” (Psalm 89:34) • The massacre looks final, yet one heir—Joash—is hidden (2 Kings 11:2-3). God’s word stands, no matter how dark the scene. The Invisible Hand Guiding Events • Jehosheba’s courage appears spontaneous, yet God positioned her in the palace for “such a time as this” (cf. Esther 4:14). • Joash is sheltered in the house of the Lord, underscoring that God’s presence is the safest refuge (Psalm 27:5). • After six years, the child‐king is revealed, Athaliah is overthrown, and the covenant line continues (2 Kings 11:12-16). Lessons on Sovereignty • Human evil never outruns divine oversight (Proverbs 19:21). • God’s purposes may be hidden, but they are never idle (Isaiah 14:27). • Even one preserved life is enough for Him to fulfill every promise (Romans 8:28). • What seems like chaos is often God rearranging the stage for His glory and our good. Encouragement for Today • Threats to God’s plans in our lives are real, yet powerless to overturn His decree. • Seasons of concealment—like Joash’s years in the temple—may precede surprising deliverance. • Confidence grows when we anchor hope in the character of the One who “works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11). God’s sovereignty shines brightest when human plots reach their darkest. The line of David survived Athaliah; so will every promise that rests on the same faithful God. |
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