2 Kings 11:2
But Jehosheba daughter of King Joram, the sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being murdered. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah, and he was not killed.
But Jehosheba daughter of King Joram, the sister of Ahaziah
Jehosheba, also known as Jehoshabeath in some texts, was a member of the royal family of Judah. Her father, King Joram (also known as Jehoram), was a king of Judah, and her brother Ahaziah was the king who had just been killed. This familial connection places her in a unique position of influence and risk. Her actions are significant in preserving the Davidic line, which is crucial for the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy that the Messiah would come from the line of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

took Joash son of Ahaziah
Joash, also known as Jehoash, was the rightful heir to the throne of Judah. At this time, he was just an infant, making him vulnerable to the political upheaval and violence that followed his father's death. His survival was essential for the continuation of the Davidic dynasty, which had been promised an eternal throne (Psalm 89:3-4).

and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being murdered
Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah and grandmother of Joash, was executing a violent purge to secure her power by eliminating all potential claimants to the throne. This act of murder was not only a political move but also a spiritual attack against God's covenant with David. Jehosheba's intervention was a courageous act of defiance against Athaliah's tyranny and a preservation of God's promise.

She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah
The act of hiding Joash in a bedroom suggests a secretive and urgent effort to protect him. The presence of a nurse indicates the child's young age and need for care. This hiding place was likely within the temple precincts, as Jehosheba was married to Jehoiada, the high priest, providing a secure and sacred refuge. This setting underscores the theme of divine protection and providence.

and he was not killed
Joash's survival is a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line despite human attempts to thwart His plans. This preservation is a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who would come from this lineage. Joash's eventual rise to the throne symbolizes hope and restoration for Judah, aligning with the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and redemptive plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehosheba
Daughter of King Joram and sister of Ahaziah. She played a crucial role in preserving the Davidic line by saving Joash.

2. Joash
Son of Ahaziah, a young heir to the throne of Judah, hidden to protect him from being killed by Athaliah.

3. Athaliah
The mother of Ahaziah, who sought to destroy the royal family of Judah to secure her power.

4. King Joram
Father of Jehosheba and Ahaziah, former king of Judah.

5. The Bedroom
A place of refuge where Joash was hidden, symbolizing God's protection and provision.
Teaching Points
Courage in Faith
Jehosheba's bravery in the face of danger exemplifies the courage that comes from faith in God's promises. Believers are called to act courageously when standing for righteousness.

Divine Providence
The preservation of Joash underscores God's sovereign plan and His ability to protect His purposes, even when circumstances seem dire. Trust in God's providence is essential for believers.

The Importance of Legacy
Joash's survival ensured the continuation of the Davidic line, which ultimately led to the birth of Jesus Christ. Believers should consider the impact of their actions on future generations.

God's Hidden Work
Just as Joash was hidden for a time, God often works behind the scenes in ways we cannot see. Patience and trust in God's timing are crucial for spiritual growth.

Role of Women in God's Plan
Jehosheba's pivotal role highlights the significant contributions women make in God's redemptive history. Recognizing and valuing these contributions is important for the church today.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jehosheba's act of courage inspire you to stand firm in your faith, even when faced with personal risk?

2. In what ways can you see God's providence at work in your own life, similar to how He preserved Joash?

3. How can you ensure that your actions today positively impact future generations, as Jehosheba's did?

4. Reflect on a time when God was working behind the scenes in your life. How did patience and trust play a role in that situation?

5. How can the church today better recognize and support the contributions of women in fulfilling God's purposes?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Chronicles 22:10-12
This passage parallels the events of 2 Kings 11:2, providing additional details about Jehosheba's courageous act and the preservation of Joash.

Exodus 2:1-10
The account of Moses being hidden by his mother to protect him from Pharaoh's decree mirrors Joash's concealment, highlighting God's providence in preserving His chosen leaders.

Matthew 2:13-15
The flight of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod's massacre of the innocents reflects the theme of divine protection over the messianic line.
Athaliah's UsurpationJ. Orr 2 Kings 11:1-3
The Preservation and Coronation of JoashC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 11:1-16
AthaliahJ. Parker, D. D.2 Kings 11:1-21
Malign SuccessionChristian Commonwealth2 Kings 11:1-21
The History of AthaliahDavid Thomas, D. D.2 Kings 11:1-21
The History of AthaliahD. Thomas 2 Kings 11:1-21
Stolen from DeathT. De Witt Talmage, D. D.2 Kings 11:2-3
The Fallacy of EvilE. H. Chapin.2 Kings 11:2-3
People
Ahaziah, Athaliah, Carians, Carites, David, Jehoash, Jehoiada, Jehoram, Jehosheba, Joash, Joram, Mattan
Places
Samaria, Sur
Topics
Ahaziah, Ahazi'ah, Athaliah, Athali'ah, Bedchamber, Bed-chamber, Bed-chambers, Bedroom, Care, Daughter, Death, Hid, Hide, Inner, Jehoram, Jehosheba, Jehosh'eba, Joash, Jo'ash, Joram, Kept, Killed, King's, Midst, Murdered, Nurse, Placed, Presence, Princes, Royal, Safe, Secretly, Sister, Slain, Sons, Stealeth, Stole, Taketh, Thus
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 11:2

     5229   bed
     5459   prince
     5555   stealing
     5737   sisters

2 Kings 11:1-3

     5276   crime
     5745   women

2 Kings 11:1-16

     7245   Judah, kingdom of

2 Kings 11:1-21

     5487   queen

2 Kings 11:2-3

     5428   nurse

Library
Jehoiada and Joash
'And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. 2. But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. 3. And he was with her hid in the house of the Lord six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land. 4. And the seventh year Jehoiada
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

New Uses for Old Trophies
The matter I shall speak to you about to-night will lie under four heads. We will give them to you as they occur to us. I. And the first is this, IT IS WELL FOR US TO HANG ALL OUR TROPHIES IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD. We, too, are warriors. Every genuine Christian has to fight. Every inch of the way between here and heaven we shall have to fight, for as hitherto every single step of our pilgrimage has been one prolonged conflict. Sometimes we have victories, a presage of that final victory, that perfect
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Of the Weight of Government; and that all Manner of Adversity is to be Despised, and Prosperity Feared.
So much, then, have we briefly said, to shew how great is the weight of government, lest whosoever is unequal to sacred offices of government should dare to profane them, and through lust of pre-eminence undertake a leadership of perdition. For hence it is that James affectionately deters us, saying, Be not made many masters, my brethren (James iii. 1). Hence the Mediator between God and man Himself--He who, transcending the knowledge and understanding even of supernal spirits, reigns in heaven
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
In order accurately to understand the position of woman in Israel, it is only necessary carefully to peruse the New Testament. The picture of social life there presented gives a full view of the place which she held in private and in public life. Here we do not find that separation, so common among Orientals at all times, but a woman mingles freely with others both at home and abroad. So far from suffering under social inferiority, she takes influential and often leading part in all movements, specially
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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