January 5, 2026
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Reading along with us in 2 Kings, Acts, & Hebrews? Here’s today’s reading:
2 Kings 11 (NIV)
Athaliah and Joash
1When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family. 2But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal princes, who were about to be murdered.……Continue Reading
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2 kings 11
For six years Athaliah ruled because she believed there were no legitimate claims to the throne of David and she worked hard to make that so. Unfortunately, for her and her evil plan she sees that one son of Ahaziah, Joash, her own grandson escaped her evil plan to kill off anyone who was a threat to her throne. Sad that someone would be so blinded by pride, greed, and desire for power that they would go to such great lengths as to kill her own family but that is what happens when we let evil in our hearts. But God has a plan and makes a way through this young boy and shows her that her evil schemes are no match for God!
Athaliah murders all the grandsons to secure her position. Aunt hides Joash with her husband the priest.
The law, nor the coming of Christ, seems to curtail the practice of murder to secure power.
2 Kings 11
It was a common practice in that day to eliminate all competitors to gain power, but certainly not fitting for the people of God. It just shows the nature of evil that each one of us needs to guard against. Because but for the grace of God, there go I. And the righteous can turn the course of events as they work against those who are evil and do what is necessary to promote God’s way and will. Yet it is interesting to me that they would trust the kingship to one who is 7, yet better a young boy who is instructed in the ways of God and leadership by a godly priest, then an evil women consumed by power and pride.
Soon after the death of Jezebel, another wicked woman is done away with. And a covenant was made with the Lord, that the people would be God’s people. The temple of Baal was demolished, and the priest of Baal was slain. And because of this, the people rejoiced, and the city was at peace. “When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy” Proverbs 11:10. And we see this happening in the present time when wicked regimes are destroyed. People rejoicing in the streets with shouts of joy!