2 Kings 11:1 When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family.
Commentary says of Athaliah, “No character in history, sacred or secular, stands out blacker or more hideous than this daughter-in-law of godly Jehoshaphat.” And it looks to all that she wipes out the line of David in her destruction of the royal family. But God used Jehosheba to hide Joash, son of Ahaziah until he is a bit older and can take the throne. For six years, Athaliah rules the land.
2 Kings 11:2a But 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.
I am reminded again in this section about the fact that humans often limit God because we can’t fathom how He might answer prayer. I bet there were lots of prayers sent up during this time about ending Athaliah’s reign and restoring David’s line, both of which seemed impossible to those in the situation. But with God all things are possible (Matt 19:26).
2 Kings 11:2b She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah; so he was not killed.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for making a way where there seems to be no way. Help me to always hold on to the hope that can only come from You. Draw me closer. Amen.
2 Kings 11:3 He remained hidden with his nurse at the temple of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled the land.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.