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Saturday, 22 March 2014

2 Chronicles 22,23 - Overthrow of bad rulers

Ahaziah, the youngest son of Jehoram, became king, all of his brothers having been killed. He did not have good parentage, his mother being a granddaughter of Omri (and also the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel). Encouraged by his mother, Ahaziah followed in the ways of Ahab. He joined with Joram, king of Israel, in fighting against Hazael king of Aram. The text makes it clear that God brought about Ahaziah's downfall. He was killed by Jehu who was executing judgement on God's behalf.
Athaliah, Ahaziah's mother went on a murderous spree, but  Jehosheba managed to keep Joash safe. Joash was kept in the temple while Athaliah reigned.
Jehoida was a priest and the husband of Jehosheba. He engineered the downfall of Athaliah. He gathered priests and family leaders to come before the Lord. First he organised them to protect Joash, who was to be king. Then they proclaimed Joash as king. There was nothing Athaliah could do about it and she was put to death. 
Next the people went and tore down the temple of Baal. The removal of Athaliah and the introduction of Godly rule brought peace to the city. The writer is making the point that there are times when godless rule needs to be overturned, and that things can change.

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