2 Kings 11:1-21
Q.1. What prompted Jehosheba to save the baby prince? What do we learn from the courage of this woman? – (2 Kgs.11:1-3)
Jehosheba was the daughter of Jehoram, (Joram) the son of the godly King Jehoshaphat. She was also the sister of King Ahaziah who was killed in Jehu’s purge (c.f. 2 Kgs.8:16; 9:27). She had married Jehoida, an upright priest (c.f. 2 Chron.22:11). Her family connections explain her motivation for saving the infant Joash when the wicked Athalia decided to destroy the whole royal family (2 Kgs.11:1). It is clear that Jehosheba was moved by both compassion and moral conviction when she risked her life to save the heir to the throne (2 Kgs.11:2-3).
Q.2. What kind of priest was Jehoiada? How determined was he to appoint Jehoash the rightful king? – (2 Kgs.11:4-16)
Jehoiada was one of the great characters of the Bible. He was a prominent priest, who had earned respect from the other temple priests and the guards (2 Kgs.11:4). He was well organized and confident as a leader. However, the most significant thing was his determination to see the allegiance to God and the dependence upon God restored in the land (2 Kgs.11:5-11). He revealed his true motive when – … he brought the king’s son out and put the crown on him and gave him the testimony … (2 Kgs.11:12 namely, the Scriptures c.f. Dt.17:18-20). Jehoiada considered all eventualities, in order to ensure his plan succeeded.
Q.3. What impact did the influence of Jehoiada the priest have on the nation? Why? – (2 Kgs.11:17-21)
The nation had suffered much under the evil reign of Athaliah. Jehoiada set a new direction for God’s people, when – Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and the people, that they would be the Lord’s people, also between the king and the people (2 Kgs.11:17). The impact on the people was obvious – So all the people of the land rejoiced and the city was quiet (2 Kgs.11:20). Jehoash was just seven years old when he ascended to the throne.