Bible Pathways - May 5, 2009
May 5
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Like her master, Satan, Athaliah orchestrates a takeover of those chosen by God (11:1-3; see John 10:10); but, God has His plan and His seed (II Kin. 11:4-21). The House of God is in disrepair. The people begin supporting the upkeep of the Temple (12:6-16). Don't get mixed up — we have Joash king of Judah, and Jehoahaz and Jehoash kings of Israel (13:10).
When Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel, received word that her son, King Ahaziah, was dead, she seized the throne of Judah and proclaimed herself queen. To eliminate all competition, she thought she had murdered all of the royal family of David's descendants including all of her own grandsons (11:1; II Chr. 22:10).
Jehosheba, the wife of Jehoiada the high priest, was used of God to hide her one-year-old nephew Joash (Jehoash) from Athaliah's assassinations (II Kin. 11:2-21; II Chr. 22:11-12). He was the sole link that preserved the prophesied dynasty of David and the very lineage of Jesus Christ. Joash . . . was with her hid in the House of the Lord six years (II Kin. 11:2-3). Never underestimate the power of God to protect His children, even when they appear to be victims of evil circumstances beyond their control.
Joash was seven years old (11:21) when Jehoiada brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the Testimony (a copy of the Mosaic Law); and they made him king (11:12). Athaliah heard the excited shouts and ran into the Temple court just in time for her execution. Then Jehoiada made a Covenant between the Lord and the king and the people, which resulted in the destruction of the Baal temple and execution of its chief priest Mattan (11:17-18).
Jehoash (Joash) did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him (12:2; II Chr. 24:2). The faithless priests let the Temple fall into disrepair and the people still worshiped at the high places (II Kin. 12:3) which should have been destroyed; then, Joash had Zechariah, Jehoiada's son, murdered for prophesying against him (II Chr. 24:20-21). Soon after this, Hazael king of Syria . . . set his face to go up to Jerusalem (II Kin. 12:17). The Lord delivered a very great host into their (the Syrians') hand, because they (Judah) had forsaken the Lord (II Chr. 24:24).
Joash's servants . . . slew Joash (II Kin. 12:20; II Chr. 24:25). The account of Joash illustrates that to forsake the Word of God results in untold miseries: The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold (hinder) the Truth in (because of their) unrighteousness (Rom. 1:18).
Thought for Today:
The promises of God never diminish, regardless of the amount of time that has passed.
Christ Portrayed:
By Jehoiada, who protected Joash and, in holy judgment, had Athaliah slain (II Kin. 11:4-16). Christ keeps us safe to fulfill His will and will return to judge all who obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (II Thess. 1:8).
Word Studies:
11:7 two parts =b> two companies; 11:8 compass =b> surround; 12:5 breaches =b> damaged places; 12:11 laid it out =b> paid it to them; 13:6 the grove =b> place to worship the goddess Asherah (Ashtoreth).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Alan C. Wallace • Arabic International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Vincent & Rebecca Naughton • English International Shortwave Broadcasts in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East sponsored by Mrs. Sandy Fausnaugh • Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Government Official: Rep. Charles Gonzalez (TX) • Country: Lesotho (2 million) within the east-central part of the Republic of South Africa • Major languages: Sesotho and English • Limited religious freedom • 43% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 6% ancestor worship, divination, and spirit-possession cults • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that Christ will be seen through you (Phil. 1:20-21).
Optional Reading: Romans 8
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:15
