Athaliah's Usurpation

Athaliah, the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, became the queen mother of Judah through her marriage to King Jehoram. Her account is a stark reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the influence of ungodly alliances. After the death of her son, King Ahaziah, Athaliah seized the throne of Judah, marking a dark period in the history of the Davidic line. Her usurpation is recorded in 2 Kings 11 and 2 Chronicles 22-23.

Upon Ahaziah's death, Athaliah sought to secure her power by eliminating all potential claimants to the throne, including the royal offspring. "When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs" (2 Kings 11:1). Her actions were driven by a desire to establish her authority and continue the Baal worship introduced by her parents.

However, unbeknownst to Athaliah, Ahaziah's sister Jehosheba, wife of the priest Jehoiada, courageously rescued Joash, Ahaziah's infant son, from the massacre. She hid him in the temple of the LORD for six years, during which Athaliah reigned over the land. This act of bravery preserved the Davidic line, fulfilling God's covenant promise to David.

Joash's Reign

In the seventh year of Athaliah's reign, Jehoiada the priest orchestrated a coup to restore the rightful heir to the throne. Jehoiada gathered the commanders, the Carites, and the guards, revealing Joash to them and securing their allegiance. "Then he brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, 'Long live the king!'" (2 Kings 11:12).

Athaliah, upon hearing the commotion, rushed to the temple, only to find Joash crowned as king. She was seized and executed outside the temple grounds, thus ending her tyrannical rule. This event marked the beginning of Joash's reign, which was characterized by a return to the worship of Yahweh and the restoration of the temple.

Under the guidance of Jehoiada, Joash initiated significant religious reforms. He repaired the temple, which had been neglected and desecrated during Athaliah's reign. "Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest" (2 Chronicles 24:2). The young king's reign was marked by a renewed commitment to the covenant and the reestablishment of proper worship practices.

However, after Jehoiada's death, Joash's faithfulness waned. Influenced by the officials of Judah, he abandoned the house of the LORD and turned to idolatry. This apostasy led to divine judgment, and Joash's reign ended in tragedy. He was assassinated by his own servants, highlighting the consequences of forsaking the LORD.

The narrative of Athaliah's usurpation and Joash's reign serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line, despite human wickedness and rebellion. It underscores the importance of godly leadership and the dangers of turning away from the LORD.