2 Kings 11

Chapter Summary

2 Kings 11 tells the story of Athaliah, the queen of Judah, who seized power after the death of her son Ahaziah and attempted to destroy all the royal heirs. However, Jehosheba, the sister of Ahaziah, rescued one of the sons, Joash, and hid him away. Six years later, Jehoiada the priest formed a conspiracy to overthrow Athaliah and crown Joash as the new king. The plan was successful, and Athaliah was put to death. Joash was crowned, and Jehoiada instructed him in the ways of the Lord. The chapter concludes with the destruction of the temple of Baal and the execution of its priest, Mattan.

Context for the Chapter

2 Kings 11 is part of the larger narrative of the kings of Judah and Israel in the books of 1 and 2 Kings. This chapter follows the reign of Ahaziah and precedes the reign of Joash, highlighting the tumultuous period in Judah's history. The events of this chapter are also connected to the broader biblical narrative, including God's covenant with David and the ultimate fulfillment of that covenant in Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

This chapter reminds us of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the significance of covenant relationships. As believers, we are called to obey God's Word and to trust in His faithfulness, just as Jehoiada and Joash did. We are also reminded of the impact that faithful leadership can have in guiding others in their walk with God.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of how God saved the royal line of Judah through a young king named Joash. After the death of King Ahaziah, his mother Athaliah tried to kill all the royal heirs, but one son, Joash, was rescued by his aunt Jehosheba. Six years later, the priest Jehoiada helped Joash become king, and Athaliah was punished for her evil deeds. The chapter reminds us of God's faithfulness to His people and the importance of obeying His commands, as seen in 2 Kings 11:17.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord's mercy is not exhausted, and His power is not diminished. He can still work wonders, even in the darkest of times, as seen in the restoration of the Davidic line in 2 Kings 11.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The preservation of the royal line in Judah is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that He is a God who keeps His word and fulfills His plans.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Reign of Athaliah (2 Kings 11:1-3) — Athaliah seizes power and attempts to destroy the royal heirs, but Jehosheba rescues one son, Joash.
2. The Conspiracy of Jehoiada (2 Kings 11:4-8) — Jehoiada forms a plan to overthrow Athaliah and crown Joash as the new king, involving the captains of the army and the Levites.
3. The Coronation of Joash (2 Kings 11:9-12) — Jehoiada's plan is successful, and Joash is crowned king in the presence of the people and the army.
4. The Death of Athaliah (2 Kings 11:13-16) — Athaliah is put to death for her treason, and the people rejoice at the coronation of their new king.
5. The Reforms of Joash (2 Kings 11:17-21) — Jehoiada instructs Joash in the ways of the Lord, and the king leads the people in destroying the temple of Baal and executing its priest, Mattan.

Core Doctrines

Covenant Theology

This chapter teaches us about the significance of covenant relationships between God, the king, and the people, highlighting God's faithfulness and the people's obedience.

The Importance of Faithful Leadership

The example of Jehoiada demonstrates the impact that faithful leaders can have in guiding God's people and promoting obedience to His commands.

The Role of Women in the Bible

The actions of Athaliah and Jehosheba show the significant roles that women can play in shaping the course of history, either for good or for evil.

The Providence of God

The events of this chapter remind us of God's sovereignty over history, guiding events to fulfill His purposes and preserve His people.

Lessons from 2 Kings 11

1. The Importance of Faithfulness — This chapter teaches us about the significance of faithfulness to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience.
2. The Power of Faithful Leadership — The example of Jehoiada demonstrates the impact that faithful leaders can have in guiding God's people and promoting obedience to His commands.
3. The Role of Covenant — The covenant between God, the king, and the people reminds us of the significance of covenant relationships in our walk with God.
4. The Providence of God — The events of this chapter remind us of God's sovereignty over history, guiding events to fulfill His purposes and preserve His people.
5. The Danger of Idolatry — The destruction of the temple of Baal serves as a warning against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of worshiping the one true God.

Themes from 2 Kings 11

1. Restoration — The restoration of the Davidic line and the purification of worship are key themes in this chapter, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.
2. Obedience — The importance of obedience to God's commands is emphasized through the example of Jehoiada and Joash, reminding us of the significance of faithfulness in our own walk with God.
3. Faithfulness — The faithfulness of God to His covenant promises is a dominant theme in this chapter, as seen in the preservation of the royal line and the punishment of Athaliah.
4. Covenant — The covenant between God, the king, and the people reminds us of the significance of covenant relationships in our walk with God and the importance of faithfulness to His commands.
5. Leadership — The example of Jehoiada demonstrates the impact that faithful leaders can have in guiding God's people and promoting obedience to His commands, highlighting the importance of leadership in the church today.

Questions for Meditation

1. What can we learn from the example of Jehosheba, who rescued Joash from Athaliah's wrath?
2. How does the covenant between God, the king, and the people (2 Kings 11:17) relate to our own covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ?
3. What role do you think faithful leadership plays in guiding God's people, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives?
4. In what ways does this chapter demonstrate the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, and how can we trust in His faithfulness in our own lives?
5. What lessons can we learn from the consequences of Athaliah's actions, and how can we avoid similar mistakes in our own lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

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Top Cross References

Sermons on 2 Kings 11

	Sermon	Description
	(2 Kings) the Queen of Judah and the Boy King by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of pressing forward and finishing well in the Christian faith. He uses the analogy of a race where runners carried torches, an
	They Made Him King, and Anointed Him. by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the need for Jesus to be fully enthroned in our lives, drawing parallels from the story of Joash, who was hidden away while a usurper ruled. He highlights tha
	Joash the Boy King by C.I. Scofield	C.I. Scofield delves into the story of Athaliah's wicked reign, highlighting the evil deed of destroying her own grandchildren and the wise measures taken by Jehoiada to protect Jo

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Kings 11

In 2 Kings 11, we see the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, as He preserves the royal line of Judah and punishes the wicked Athaliah. The chapter reminds us of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the significance of covenant relationships in our walk with God. Through the example of Jehoiada, we are taught the value of faithful leadership and the impact it can have in guiding God's people. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of God's sovereignty over history and His guidance of events to fulfill His purposes, ultimately pointing us to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who will reign forever. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?