Read 2 Chronicles 22-23 and Revelation 14.
This devotional is about 2 Chronicles 22-23.
These two chapters of scripture tell us about two kings of Judah–Ahaziah in chapter 22 and Joash in chapter 23. They were both kings of Judah and both continued the Davidic line of kings, as God had promised. But, these kings are both minor characters in this chapter. The main characters in this drama were Athaliah, the villain, and the heroes of the story, who were Jehoiada and his wife Jehosheba.
The story begins in chapter 22:1-2 with Ahaziah becoming king at age 22 His mother, Athaliah, “…encouraged him to act wickedly”, according to verse 3 and, because of his wickedness, “God brought about Ahaziah’s downfall” according to verse 7.
Having learned of her son’s death in 22:10, Athaliah, his mother, turned on full villain mode and started killing every other possible heir to the throne of Judah so that she could become Judah’s ruler (22:10, 12). She missed one heir, however–Joash, son of the late king Ahaziah, A woman named Jehosheba, sister of the slain king Ahaziah, saved the life of Joash her nephew1. She not only protected him from being killed, she kept him protected and hidden in the temple for six years (22:11-12).
Jehosheba’s husband was Jehoiada, one of Israel’s priests. He joined her in resisting the unrighteousness usurpation of Judah’s throne. Chapter 23, verse 1a says that Jehoiada “showed his strength.” That phrase, “showed his strength” is a headline that described Jehoiada’s actions in general. The rest of chapter 23 describes in specifics what Jehoiada did that showed his strength.
- Jehoiada prepared Judah’s military to side with young king Joash (23:1-3) .
- Jehoiada prepared the priests and Levites to defend Joash (23:4-10).
- Jehoiada anointed and announced Joash as king (23:11).
- Jehoiada punished Athaliah for killing her grandsons and usurping Judah’s throne (23:12-15).
- Jehoiada led Israel to make a covenant renewing themselves to worship the Lord as his people once again (23:16-21).
Jehoiada and his wife did what was right in these two chapters. But, what they did required courage. Jehoiada’s wife, Jehosheba acted courageously when she saved her nephew Joash’s life. Her husband, Jehoiada, joined her in acting courageously when he organized Joash’s coronation and put Athaliah’ to death. Both Jehoidada and Jehosheba would have certainly been executed if their attempts to dethrone Athaliah had failed. But, they acted with courage because they believed God’s Word. In 23:3b, we read, “Jehoiada said to them, ‘The king’s son shall reign, as the Lord promised concerning the descendants of David.'” Believing God’s promise to David in the Davidic covenant gave Jehoiada and Jehosheba the moral courage they needed to do what was right, even though it was very dangerous. Their actions showed that they believed God would protect them and bless their efforts to act righteously, and God did protect them and make their plans successful.
Do you have the courage to speak up and act righteously when those around you are doing what God’s word says is clearly wrong? This is a faith-issue: Do you believe God’s presence, protection, and blessing will be with you if you oppose what is sinful and attempt to do what is right? If you’re facing a situation that requires moral courage, follow the good example given to us here in these chapters of scripture. Trust the Lord to bless your words and your actions; then act courageously because you love and fear the Lord.
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- According to 2 Chronicles 22:1, “Ahaziah [was] Jehoram’s youngest son.” Chapter 22:11 tells us, “Jehosheba [was] the daughter of King Jehoram….” So Ahaziah and Jehsheba were brother and sister, as the end verse 11 tells us.. 2 Chronicles 22:11 also tells us, “Joash [was the] son of Ahaziah…” so Jehosheba was Joash’s aunt. ↩︎