The unhappy marriage of Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, to Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel and Ahab, ended with Jehoram's death. Ahaziah, the son of this troubled union, became the new king of Judah and had Athaliah, his mother, as his advisor. Because she was overbearing, she led her son to make decisions contrary to God's will. As soon as Ahaziah died, she had all her son's descendants killed (2 Chronicles 22:10). Everything that starts badly ends badly.

           The order to kill Athaliah's grandchildren came from her, because she wanted to reign in Judah. It is unbelievable that this happened to the Israelites. Now, Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab had so damaged the kingdom of Judah that there would be no more heirs - that's what the wicked queen thought. However, Jehosheba, King Jehoram's daughter and Ahaziah's sister, took Joash and hid him from his murderous grandmother (2 Kings 11:1,2). David's seed could not be extinguished.

         When the saved do wrong, we must pray for them. You see, Jehoshaphat's mistake in uniting his son with Athaliah, a couple who sponsored sin in the northern kingdom, allowed the devil to bring shame on the house of David. God used Jehosheba to hide Joash, and there was a descendant to rule Judah. Anyone who has sinned must urgently plead guilty and ask the Lord for forgiveness.

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           One day, Jehoiada, the priest of Judah in those days, felt he had to take Ahaziah's son, who was left over from the slaughter imposed by Athaliah, to be sworn in as king. It is regrettable to know that such an atrocity took place in the land of God's people. Indeed, a careless act towards the Word of the Most High can drive people to madness. Joash would ascend the throne at the age of seven!

           Jehoiada, as well as officials, authorities, governors and all the people took Joash to the palace, entering through the main gate, and there the king took up residence. So justice was done, and the insane queen no longer lived to do her evil deed. She had been brought up watching her mother act contrary to the Lord. However, the evil kingdom was defeated.

           The result was phenomenal, as all the inhabitants of the land rejoiced. So it will be with the truth prevailing everywhere. There were years of sadness and evil deeds, but darkness would no longer rule over the Lord's people. Here is the precious lesson: we must never give someone the honor of being over us if they have not been legitimately elected under the guidance and support of Heaven. No matter how long it takes, one day the truth will be brought to light!

           Athaliah proved the strength of the sword she used to usurp the command of the nation. The people rejoiced at the triumph of truth. Peace returned to the Israelites, but only for a short time, because there would still be many struggles. Jesus will come for us!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares