The southern kingdom of Judah was being ruled by the wicked and violent Athaliah. She even slaughtered her own grandchildren to secure her throne. Only by the grace of God was one very young grandson spared. The priest's wife at the Temple hid little Joash and began to raise him.
How this must have grieved the heart of God to see His people subjected to such sinful leadership and encouraged to worship Baal. The priest, Jehoiada, understood clearly the everlasting covenants God made with the people of Israel and David. Joash was now the sole survivor of David's lineage and the hope of the nation's future. But Jehoiada needed to be shrewd in taking steps to overthrow the self-appointed Queen.
It is obvious that God prepared the hearts of the people for this transition. They had had enough. In addition, step by step, this spiritual leader prepared.
1. He chose the place. The Temple was a sacred spot and where he had authority.
2. He organized the protection. From the inside out, he appointed and delegated responsibilities.
3. He distributed the weapons with delegated authority to use them. These resources were essential to get the job done.
4. Only then did he reveal the solution to the nation's crying need. He presented 7 year old Joash, gave him his crown, and more importantly "the testimony." This was a copy of God's word. It was required of all kings to have their own copy to know and to put into practice according to Deuteronomy 17:18-20.
5. He led the people in getting rid of Athaliah and the altars of Baal.
6. He "made a covenant between himself, all the people, and the king that they should be the LORD's people."
May we be the LORD's people today, responding to God's leaders in this generation.
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