BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
This passage centres on two rulers of Judah: Athaliah and Joash. Athaliah was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel of Israel. She married Jehoram of Judah, and their son Ahaziah became king. Ahaziah was the father of Joash, which made Joash both the great‑grandson of the godly King Jehoshaphat and the great‑grandson of the wicked King Ahab.
When Jehu was anointed king of Israel, he killed Ahaziah during a visit to the northern kingdom. Athaliah responded with violent ambition. In her grief and desire for power, she attempted to wipe out the entire royal family so she could rule Judah herself. However, Jehosheba, sister of Ahaziah and wife of the high priest Jehoiada, rescued the infant Joash and hid him in the Temple for six years. This was the safest place to conceal a child from a queen who had no regard for God.
In the seventh year, Jehoiada organised a careful and well‑protected coronation for Joash. He gathered the leaders and guards at the Temple, arranged strong security, and presented Joash with the testimony of the Law. When Athaliah heard the noise of the coronation, she attempted to intervene, but Jehoiada ordered her execution outside the protected area. He then led the people in
removing Baal worship and restoring true worship in Judah.
Chapter 12 summarises Joash’s forty‑year reign. He became king at seven years old and was guided by Jehoiada’s spiritual leadership. One of the key achievements of his reign was the repair of the Temple, which had fallen into neglect during years of idolatry. When progress stalled, Joash changed the system of offerings so that funds were collected securely and used directly for the work.
Later in his reign, Joash paid tribute to Hazael of Syria to avoid invasion. After Jehoiada’s death, Joash drifted from God, turned to idols, and even ordered the death of the prophet Zechariah. His reign ended in decline, and he was eventually assassinated by his own officials. His son Amaziah succeeded him.
A TESTIMONY FROM OUR DAY
Ray grew up with a strong sense of adventure, and more than once it placed him in real danger. As a boy, he and some friends took a small rented boat out to sea without telling their parents. A sudden wind pushed them far from shore, and their boat began to fi ll with water. Remembering their mothers’ advice to call on God in trouble, the boys knelt and prayed. Moments later, a large boat appeared and rescued them.
Years later, while hauling clay for a brick company, Ray had just moved his horse and cart when the entire bluff collapsed. Had he delayed even a moment, he would have been buried. Again, God spared his life.
After becoming a Christian, Ray continued to experience God’s protection. As a young man fl ying a small plane near Tulsa, the aircraft went into a tailspin and crashed. He was pulled from the wreckage with severe injuries and little hope of survival. He prayed for healing, and God restored him so completely that he left the hospital after only ten days. Later, while captaining a missionary vessel during a storm in the Georgia Straits, he and his crew were preserved once more. Ray Crawford went on to serve for many years as the General Overseer of the Apostolic Faith, fulfi lling the purpose God had for him.
Scripture records a similar story of divine preservation. Young Joash was rescued from Queen Athaliah, who intended to kill all the royal sons. God had promised that the Messiah would come through David’s line, and Joash’s survival ensured that promise continued.
Your own life may not include such dramatic moments, yet God’s protective hand has been over you as well. Some of His interventions you may recognise, and others you may only learn about in eternity. God has a purpose for your life just as He did for Ray Crawford and for Joash. Take time to thank Him for His care, and choose to walk in the purpose He has prepared for you.
A CLOSER LOOK
Question 1
Why might the guards have chosen to follow Jehoiada’s instructions rather than Athaliah’s? II Kings 11:1, 4, 12-13, 17. Athaliah tries to destroy David’s royal line but God preserves Joash through hidden faithfulness. Where do we see God working behind the scenes today? II Kings 11:2–3, Psalm 37:23, Romans 8:28
Question 2
At the age of seven, Joash was brought out of hiding and placed on the throne. Given his young age, to what can we attribute his commitment to God? II Kings 11:4, 17-18. After God rescues us, what does He expect us to rebuild?
Question 3
What qualities or actions in Jehoiada’s life offer lessons for believers today? II Kings 11:2–4. How much influence should godly mentors have in our lives? Proverbs 13:20
Question 4
In what way did Joash gather the funds needed for repairing the Temple and how does this mirror the practice of no collection plate in the Apostolic Faith? II Kings 12:9-11; 2 Corinthians 9:7
Question 5
Why do you think the workmen handled both their responsibilities and the money with such integrity, as noted in II Kings 12:15?
Question 6
What can Joash’s strong beginning and disappointing end teach us about long‑term faithfulness? II Kings 12:2, 3, 5, 11, 18
TAKE HOME
Just as God preserved Joash for a purpose, God has brought you to this point of life for a reason. As you allow God’s plan to be worked out in your life, it will bring glory to Him and fulfilment to you.
When we participate obediently and willingly in God’s plan for financing His work, we will be blessed and the work of God will progress.