2 Kings 11
Meaning of 2 Kings 11
2 Kings 11 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible. It tells the story of the revolt against Athaliah, who was the mother of Ahaziah, the King of Judah.
Here’s a summary:
After the death of Ahaziah, Athaliah, his mother, had taken power over the kingdom of Judah and ordered all of Ahaziah’s sons – her grandsons – to be killed, eliminating any chances of them staking a claim to the throne.
However, a woman named Jehosheba, who was Ahaziah’s sister, managed to save one of Ahaziah’s infant sons, Joash. She hid him away in the Lord’s temple for six years along with his nurse, and Athaliah remained an unrighteous and ruthless ruler.
In the seventh year, Jehoiada, the high priest, took a stand against Athaliah’s reign of terror. He gathered some of the army commanders and shared with them his intention to crown the young Joash as king.
They agreed and began strategizing how to protect Joash, creating a guard formation. Following their plan, Jehoiada brought out Joash, gave him the testimonies, anointed him, and officially declared him king. The people rejoiced and crowned him their King.
Upon hearing the noise from the temple Athaliah rushed in and saw what was happening. She tore her clothes and shouted “Treason, Treason”. Jehoiada ordered his commanders to seize her and execute her.
Afterwards, Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people that they would be the Lord’s people. This story marks the end of Athaliah’s reign and the beginning of Joash’s reign, who is only seven years old when he begins his rule. They tore down the temple of Baal, smashed the altars and the images, and killed Mattan, the priest of Baal. This event restored the worship of God in Judah.
2 Kings 11 kjv
“2 Kings 11” in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is a continuation of the history of the Jewish kings. Here’s a summary:
In chapter 11, Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, begins to destroy the royal family of Judah. However, Joash, the son of Ahaziah, is saved by his aunt Jehosheba and hidden for six years in the house of God under the care of Jehoiada the priest.
During this time, Athaliah rules as queen. In the seventh year, Jehoiada decides it is time to restore the rightful king to the throne. He makes a covenant with captains of hundreds and the Levites and the heads of the families, and shows them the king’s son, thus gaining their support.
They plan meticulously and on a Sabbath, when the guards change shifts, they crown Joash in a public ceremony. Athaliah hears the noise and goes to the temple. Seeing Joash on the throne, she cries “Treason! Treason!”.
Jehoiada commands the captains to kill her, but to ensure she is slaughtered outside of the Lord’s house to not desecrate it. After Athaliah’s death, Jehoiada makes a covenant between the Lord, the King, and the people that they should be the Lord’s people and all the people go to the house of Baal and tore it down, ending the chapter with Joash’s reign over Judah at the tender age of seven.
This chapter displays the sovereignty of God, showing how He preserves the line of Judah despite the wickedness and corruption of the time. It shows a shift towards righteous rule and the idolatrous worship in Judah being brought to an end.
2 Kings 11 nkjv
2 Kings 11 in the New King James Version of the Bible follows the narrative mainly involving Athaliah, Joash and Jehoiada in the Kingdom of Judah.
The chapter begins with Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, seizing the throne of Judah and attempting to destroy the royal line after her son’s death. But Jehosheba, King Ahaziah’s sister, manages to save one of Ahaziah’s sons, Joash. She hides him and his nurse in the house of the Lord for six years while Athaliah reigns over the land.
The priest Jehoiada then orchestrates a coup to overthrow Athaliah and place Joash on the throne. He organizes guards and gives them weapons from king David’s arsenal, and they protect Joash, establish him as king, and kill Athaliah.
Jehoiada also makes a covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people; that they would pledge their loyalty to the Lord. He also makes a covenant for the king and the people. After that, they destroy the temple of Baal, kill its priest Mattan in front of the altars, and tear down its idols as well as images.
Finally, Joash, aged seven, is seated on the throne and Jehoiada helps in guiding his reign. The chapter ends with a moment of peace as everyone in Judah and Jerusalem is pleased with this change, and the city remains quiet.
This chapter, like a majority of Kings, illustrates the theological and political struggles in the Kingdom of Judah.
2 Kings 11 niv
2 Kings Chapter 11 in the New International Version (NIV) recounts the time after the death of King Ahaziah of Judah. Upon his death, his mother, Queen Athaliah, committed a treasonous act by killing all her grandsons to seize the throne for herself. This avoided competition and made her the only ruling queen in Judah.
However, Jehosheba, the sister of King Ahaziah, managed to rescue one of her nephews named Joash before Athaliah could kill him. Jehosheba, who was married to a priest named Jehoiada, hid Joash in the Temple of the Lord for six years while Athaliah reigned over the land.
In the seventh year, the priest Jehoiada gathered captains of the Carites and guards, let them into the knowledge of Joash’s existence, and made them swear allegiance to the young king. Jehoiada organized a coup to overthrow Athaliah. While Athaliah was shouting “treason, treason,” she was seized and executed.
After Athaliah’s death, Jehoiada reestablished the covenant between the Lord, the King, and the people that they would be the Lord’s people. The people then destroyed the temple of Baal, along with its altars and images, and killed Mattan, the priest of Baal.
Following these events, Joash was enthroned, bringing the city into joy and peace, and he reigned for forty years starting at the age of seven. Jehoiada’s bravery and wisdom allowed the legitimate Davidic line of kings to be restored, which is of major significance because it kept the promise God made to David about his descendants on the throne.
What is 2 Kings 11 all about?
2 Kings 11 is a chapter from the Old Testament of the Bible. It details two major events: the coup of Athaliah, the mother of King Ahaziah, and the anointing of Jehoash as king.
The chapter begins after the death of Ahaziah, when his mother Athaliah decides to rule the Kingdom of Judah herself. To secure her position, she attempts to assassinate the entire royal family. However, Ahaziah’s sister Jehosheba rescues Jehoash, Ahaziah’s infant son, thus preserving the line of David.
In secrecy, Jehoash is raised in the temple by Jehoiada, the high priest, for six years while Athaliah reigns over the land. When Jehoash is seven years old and the time is ripe, Jehoiada stages a coup. He reveals Jehoash to the captains of the guards and makes a covenant with them. They then move to protect Jehoash, crowning him and proclaiming him king.
Athaliah hears the commotion and comes to see Jehoash sitting on the royal throne. She is seized and executed, and the covenant of the Lord is renewed by Jehoiada and the people, followed by the destruction of the temple of Baal and execution of its priest.
This chapter ultimately tells the story of how the line of David was almost obliterated, but was saved and preserved, setting the stage for the reign of Jehoash.
What does 2 Kings 11 teaches?
2 Kings 11 is a narrative from the Old Testament of the Bible that teaches several lessons about leadership, faith, and divine justice.
The chapter begins with queen Athaliah’s massacre of the royal family upon the death of her son Ahaziah, king of Judah. However, the execution of this plan is not complete because Jehosheba, King Ahaziah’s sister, manages to save Joash, his son, hiding him for six years in a temple, guarded by the priest Jehoiada.
1. The Provenance of God’s Plan: Despite the apparent ruin of the house of David, God’s covenant promise is not thwarted. God’s plan of redemption continues in the most unlikely circumstances, teaching that God is always at work, even in silence or hiddenness.
2. The Role of Faithful Leadership: The high priest Jehoiada is shown as a courageous and faithful leader who orchestrated the plan to protect the rightful heir to the throne and later guided the young king to lead in righteousness. Jehoiada’s leadership underscores the immense impact that godly authority can have.
3. Divine Justice and Retribution: When Joash turns seven, Jehoiada leads a rebellion to oust Athaliah and place Joash on the throne. The people rise against Athaliah, and she is executed. This narrative demonstrates that divine justice will eventually come to pass, despite momentary periods of corruption or unrighteousness.
4. Covenant Renewal: After Athaliah’s removal, there is a renewal of the Covenant between God and the people of Judah, and the worship of Baal is eradicated from the land. This illustrates the importance of true worship and the keeping of a covenant relationship with God.
Overall, 2 Kings 11 teaches about God’s sovereignty, the power of faithful leadership, the certainty of divine justice, and the necessity of covenant fidelity.
A Sermon on 2 Kings 11
2 Kings 11 contains the story of Athaliah and Joash. Athaliah was the mother of the late king Ahaziah and she tried to claim the throne by exterminating all other royal heirs. But Ahaziah’s sister Jehosheba risks her life to save one-year-old prince Joash, the last surviving royal son, from his murderous grandmother.
Jehosheba and her husband, Jehoiada, a high priest, raise Joash in secret within the temple grounds for six years while Athaliah reigns over the land. When Joash is seven years old, Jehoiada gathers guards and reveals Joash to them, inspires their loyalty, leads them in a coup to overthrow Athaliah, and finally places Joash on the throne.
The key messages here might include the faithfulness of Jehosheba and Jehoiada in preserving God’s covenant line against overwhelming odds. Their actions show how God can use faithful people in impossible situations to accomplish His will.
This chapter also speaks of the dangers of ungodly leadership, as illustrated by Athaliah, and the importance of godly leaders, as represented by Jehoiada. The importance of spiritual training is another focus in this chapter, given that Joash was brought up in the temple and later became king.
Several key themes in this chapter can be integrated into a sermon:
1. God’s sovereignty: Even when things seem chaotic, God is in control, preserving His purpose and his people.
2. The role of faithful individuals: Jehosheba and Jehoiada show how commitment and courage can be used by God to accomplish his purposes.
3. The importance of godly leadership: Both ungodly leadership (Athaliah) and godly leadership (Jehoiada) directly impact the direction and spiritual health of a nation (or any other form of community).
A preacher could use this chapter to inspire Christians today to be courageous in their faith, to be loyal to God during difficult times, to champion godly leadership, and to trust in God’s sovereign control.
Please use this interpretation as a guideline and deepen the message with a prayerful study of the text. The wisdom and interpretation of the Bible can vary based on different theological perspectives.
Key people in 2 Kings 11
1. Jehu: He was the king of Israel who killed both Ahab’s son Ahaziah, King of Judah, his mother, and other members of Ahab’s family, to fulfil Elijah’s prophecy that all of Ahab’s descendants would be wiped out.
2. Athaliah: Athaliah was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and the mother of Ahaziah. Upon her son’s death, she seized the throne of Judah and ruled as queen for six years. She also tried to eliminate the entire royal line of Judah, but Joash (her grandson) was rescued and hidden from her.
3. Ahaziah: Ahaziah was the son of Athaliah and the king of Judah. He was a follower of Baal, like his mother. He was killed by Jehu, the king of Israel.
4. Jehosheba: She was the sister of Ahaziah and the daughter of Jehoram, King of Judah. She rescued Joash, the son of Ahaziah, from being killed by Athaliah and hid him in the temple of God.
5. Jehoiada: Jehoiada was the high priest who influenced Joash greatly. He also made a covenant in the house of the Lord with the rulers and the priests and the Levites, against Athaliah. Jehoiada is portrayed in 2 Kings as a righteous figure who helps to bring about Athaliah’s downfall and restore Joash to his rightful place on the throne.
6. Joash (also known as Jehoash): Joash was the only son of Ahaziah who escaped Athaliah’s execution of the royal family. He was hidden in the temple of God for six years. After Athaliah’s death, seven-year-old Joash was declared the king.
Real world examples on 2 Kings 11
2 Kings 11 is an event occurred in the history of ancient Kingdom of Judah, specifically about the reigns of Queen Athaliah and King Joash. In this chapter, Queen Athaliah commits mutiny, starts a reign of terror, and attempts to wipe out the entire royal family. However, Joash, an infant, is hidden from Athaliah and later proclaimed king.
Taking this biblical account, here are two real world examples or parallels:
1. **Intrigues on Power and Leadership:** Even today, we often see power struggles within governments or corporations where individuals vie for positions of authority. These situations can turn ugly, causing harm, similar to Athaliah’s attempts to wipe out all other claimants to the throne.
2. **Directing Power for the Good:** Similarly, we often see examples of individuals who, like the priest Jehoiada in 2 Kings 11, use their influence and positions of power to protect those who are weak or vulnerable. They usually establish systems for the betterment of the masses over personal gain. For example, reputed non-government organizations and some world leaders strive to create a more egalitarian society.
While the specifics of 2 Kings 11 might be ancient, the themes of power, corruption, protection, and reign can be seen in various ways throughout modern events and history. These examples show continuing pattern of human behavior across time.
Brief Explanation of 2 Kings 11
2 Kings Chapter 11 focuses mainly on two significant events; the rebellion of Athaliah and the restoration of Joash.
The chapter begins with Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, seizing the throne in Judah after the death of her son and the extermination of the rest of the royal family. The only survivor of this royal massacre is Joash, Ahaziah’s son, saved by his aunt Jehosheba, and he is hidden for six years in the house of God while Athaliah rules over the land.
Towards the end of this chapter, Jehoiada, the high priest, reveals the young king Joash to the public and stages a successful coup against Athaliah. Jehoiada gathers the commanders, the Carite mercenaries, and the royal guards and gets their commitment to protect Joash, declaring him as king. Now under the protection of loyal guards, Athaliah is executed and a covenant is established between the Lord, the king, and the people that they would be God’s people. This ends Athaliah’s illegitimate reign and marks the beginning of seven-year-old Joash’s rule.
The chapter concludes with the people of the land tearing down Baal’s temple, systematically destroying its altars and images, and killing Mattan, the priest of Baal. This is a significant event marking the people’s return to the worship of their traditional deity, guided by Jehoiada the high priest.
Frequently asked questions for 2 Kings 11
1. Who was Athaliah in 2 Kings 11?
Answer: Athaliah was the daughter of King Ahab and Jezebel of Israel, wife of Jehoram, king of Judah, and mother of Ahaziah, king of Judah. After the death of her son, she assumed the throne of Judah and almost extinguished the royal line, but for her grandson Joash who was hidden.
2. How did Joash become king in 2 Kings 11?
Answer: Joash was hidden for six years in the temple by his aunt Jehosheba, after his grandmother Athaliah killed all other potential heirs to the throne. When Joash was seven years old, the priest Jehoiada led a coup against Athaliah, killed her, and then made Joash king.
3. Why did Athaliah kill her own grandsons?
Answer: After the death of her son Ahaziah, Athaliah wanted to preserve her own power. Eliminating all other royal heirs prevented a challenge to her rule by someone with a direct claim to the throne.
4. What was the role of Jehoiada the priest in 2 Kings 11?
Answer: Jehoiada was the one who hid Joash, the rightful heir to the throne, from Athaliah. He also arranged for Joash to be protected by guards, prepared the coup against Athaliah, and crowned Joash as king.
5. According to 2 Kings 11, how long did Athaliah reign and Joash hid?
Answer: Athaliah reigned for six years. During this time, Joash was hidden in the house of the Lord.
6. What happened at the end of Athaliah’s rule?
Answer: Athaliah was assassinated during a coup led by Jehoiada. After her death, Joash, the rightful heir, was made king, and the worship of Baal in Judah was destroyed. After this incident, the kingdom maintained peace.
7. How did the people of Judah react to Joash’s coronation?
Answer: The people of Judah rejoiced at Joash’s coronation, glad to see the rightful heir on the throne. Moreover, with Joash’s crowning, the covenant between God, the king and the people was renewed, leading to a sort of spiritual renewal in the kingdom.
8. How old was Joash when he became king, according to 2 Kings 11?
He was seven years old when he began his reign, as mentioned in 2 Kings 11:21.
Possible References for 2 Kings 11
2 Kings Chapter 11 refers to a specific section of the Bible in the Old Testament. This chapter mostly focuses on several key events related to the rulership in the kingdom of Judah. Here are the main topics:
1. Athaliah’s Usurpation of the Throne: After Ahaziah’s death, his mother Athaliah steps in, kills all potential royal heirs, and establishes herself as queen of Judah. This action represents a turning point in the narrative, as it was unusual for a woman to take the throne.
2. Joash Hidden in the Temple: One of Ahaziah’s sons, Joash, is saved from Athaliah’s massacre by his aunt Jehosheba, wife of the priest Jehoiada. She hides Joash in the Temple of God for six years while Athaliah rules Judah.
3. Jehoiada’s Revolt Against Athaliah: Jehoiada, the High Priest, organizes a successful coup against Queen Athaliah when Joash is seven years old. He makes a covenant with the military and they proclaim Joash as the rightful king.
4. Death of Athaliah: During the coup, Athaliah is executed at Jehoiada’s command. This marks the end of her reign.
5. Joash Crowned King: Joash is revealed and anointed as king by Jehoiada at seven years old. Jehoiada becomes the regent for the initially young king.
6. Covenant and Baal’s Temple Destruction: Jehoiada makes a covenant between God, the king, and the people to be loyal to the commands of God. Baal’s temple is destroyed as a symbol of renewal of the covenant and to end the Baal worship which was started during Athaliah’s reign.
The references in 2 Kings Chapter 11 illustrate a significant political and religious shift in Judah during that period. It teaches about courage, faithfulness, and the ultimate triumph of God’s plans.
Conclusion on 2 Kings 11
2 Kings 11 is mainly centered around the accounts of Athaliah’s wicked reign and the crowning of Joash as the rightful king of Judah. The chapter ends with the young Joash being crowned king, signifying the end of Athaliah’s reign and the restoration of the Davidic dynasty.
One key conclusion that can be drawn from 2 Kings 11 is that even amidst corruption and evil, God still exercises His authority and maintains the covenant promise He made to David – to establish a kingdom from his lineage, which we see through Joash being placed on the throne of Judah.
So, this chapter serves to continue the narrative of the monarchy in Judah and demonstrates an overarching biblical principle that God’s plan, even amidst human failures and wickedness, will ultimately prevail.