Ch.11 As there has been a Revival in the northern kingdom in ch. 9-10 the Lord begins a work in Judah triggered by the shock waves of jehu. Contrast the two revivals: one of a single man doing ostentatious Deeds of violence and conspiracy, the other starts with a Revival in the priesthood, characterized by humility.

 

vv.1-3 while God allow the Royal Line in Israel to be broken by Jehu’s sword he would not allow the Royal Line of Judah to be broken by Athaliah’s sword… True to his promise (II kings 8:14).

1 And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she rose up and destroyed all the royal seed. v.1 “the seed royal” – Her own grandsons… To secure the kingdom for herself. Answers to all those in the assembly you have the potential to lead.

2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, the sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah and stole him from among the king’s sons that were slain, and hid him and his nurse in the bedchamber; and they hid him from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. v.2 Jehoseba – Also Jehoiada’s wife (II Chron. 22:11) a real Overcomer. her name means “Jehovah is her oath”. Joash – A picture of Christ, Drawing out those of Faith. His Name means Jehovah supports. “stole him” – An immediate action. This was “Emergency Care required” (She has done what she could) followed up by long-term commitment. “And his nurse” – Ensured that spiritual growth would be fed. “they” – Husband and wife. He shared her exercise, but they had Different roles. “Bedchambers” – The places in the temple where the priest and wife could stay when on rotation (I Kings 6:8). Sometimes love will call us to sacrifice some of our personal or private space in the work of rescuing the Next Generation.

3 And he was with her hid in the house of Jehovah six years. And Athaliah reigned over the land. v.3 “In the house of the Lord” – Best things to do if we find a young person in danger of being ruined – do what we can to keep them close to the Lord. Also, one place athaliah would never look. For six years athaliah reigns… Apparently All Is Lost. Jehoiada waits till the 7th year – a complete cycle. Human impatience could ruin the whole Mission – one chance only! A picture of Christ taking the throne after 6000 years (6 days) with a faithful Remnant rallied around.

 

5 And he commanded them saying, This is the thing which ye shall do: a third part of you, that come in on the sabbath, shall be keepers of the watch of the king’s house; 6 and a third part shall be at the gate of Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the couriers; and ye shall keep the watch of the house for a defence. vv.5-6 defense of the truth of God in relation to the church. The net result – house (assembly) would not be broken down.

1. “watch of the King’s house” – with regard to prophecy and the King / Kingdom.
2. “Gate of the foundation” – the doctrine of the Gospel, Standing of the believer, nature and hopes of the church.
3. “Front gate behind the guard” – truth of the mystery and Eph. 6 Warfare. The great revealed Secret that is in the front of Satan’s attack.

7 And the two parts of you, all those that go forth on the sabbath, even they shall keep the watch of the house of Jehovah about the king. vv.7-8 defense of the truth of the person of Christ: John’s Ministry – dwells within the house.

 

8 And ye shall encompass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand; and he that comes within the ranks shall be put to death; and ye shall be with the king when he goes out and when he comes in. v.8 we should guard him as a precious Jewel. “weapons” – see II Cor. 10:4, Eph. 6:10-18.

9 And the captains of the hundreds did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded; and they took every man his men, those that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that were to go forth on the sabbath, and they came to Jehoiada the priest. 10 And the priest gave to the captains of the hundreds king David’s spears and shields which were in the house of Jehovah. V.10 they had access to David’s own weapons. In order to defend the institution of God set up by the Lord we need “that which was from the beginning” – hidden in the place of communion.

11 And the couriers stood by the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand, from the right side of the house to the left side of the house, toward the altar and the house. vv.11-12 all the pieces were there: the King’s son, faithful guards, David’s weapons, the crown, the testimony, the anointing oil standing by. But when the oil was poured (Spirit) it was all brought together for blessing.

12 And he brought forth the king’s son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, Long live the king! v.12 “Gave him the testimony” – See Deut. 17:18-20.

vv.12+14 the presentation of Christ always brings joy to his own and hatred from his enemies.

13 And Athaliah heard the noise of the couriers and of the people; and she came to the people into the house of Jehovah. 14 And she looked, and behold, the king stood on the dais, according to the custom, and the princes and the trumpeters were by the king; and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets. And Athaliah rent her garments and cried, Conspiracy! Conspiracy! 15 And Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds that were set over the host, and said to them, Lead her forth without the ranks; and whosoever follows her, slay with the sword; for the priest said, Let her not be put to death in the house of Jehovah. v.15 “without the ranges” – the Lord will not suffer the last moments of his enemies – even their judgment – to spoil the joy of his people.

16 And they made way for her, and she went by the way by which the horses entered the king’s house, and there was she put to death. 17 And Jehoiada made a covenant between Jehovah and the king and the people, that they should be the people of Jehovah; and between the king and the people. 18 Then all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and broke it down: his altars and his images they broke in pieces completely, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of Jehovah. v.18 compare the way the Lord brought about this revival through warming the hearts of his people versus Jehu and his Cowboys. In both cases the house was broken down, but the southern Kingdom finds no need to make it a public restroom. 

19 And he took the captains of the hundreds, and the bodyguard, and the couriers, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the house of Jehovah, and came by the way through the gate of the couriers into the king’s house. And he sat upon the throne of the kings. 20 And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet; and they had slain Athaliah with the sword beside the king’s house. v.20 a beautiful picture of the Millennium.

21 Jehoash was seven years old when he began to reign. v.21 from this time on in Judah the Kings begin to be severely under-aged… A sign of weakness (Ecc. 10:16). In such a Time the priesthood becomes especially influential.