Athaliah ruled the land for six years. During this time Joash, one of Ahaziah's sons was taken into hiding, Athaliah having tried to the destroy the whole family. There are a number of things to learn here. One is the evil of Athaliah and its connection with pagan worship. She was willing to kill her whole family. When people abandon God death comes. Abortion is an example of this in our society. Secondly, out of this evil family came Joash, who was to be a good king. Our background has an influence on us, and we have an influence on others, but this influence is not decisive. It is God's will and grace that is decisive. He can bring good things out of the most terrible backgrounds. We should never imagine that our background has an irrevocable effect on our life. Finally, there are a number of key servants of God whose life was threatened from the outset. Moses is one, Joash is another, and , of course, Jesus is yet another.
Jehoiada organised protection for Joash, and in the seventh year his crowning as king. The people were delighted, Athaliah having been a thoroughly destructive influence on the land.
Athaliah was dragged out of the temple and put to death. Evil people often seem powerful for a long time, but when the end finally comes it comes quickly.
So Joash began to reign at the age of seven.
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