King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Friday, July 04, 2025
Chapters: II Kings 10-12
Message: II Kings: Athaliah Becomes Queen in Judah
Hello My Friend,
There has been a lot of talk about socialism and dictatorship recently, and I will tell you this, they are not much different. While socialism taunts of this utopia of everyone being equal and getting the same as everyone else, it is the biggest form of dictatorship there is because they are the ones who decide what we get. I bring this up because we can learn and lesson or two from Israel’s history and how they fell into that trap until God could not stand to look at them anymore. As we continue in the reading of II Kings we learn that the wicked will always reap what they sew, [Galatians 6:6-9 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.]
Yesterday we learned that God had Jehu anointed as king of Israel, but before it was even official, he wasted no time in executing both king Joram of Israel and king Ahaziah of Judah, both descends of Ahab. Today, we learn that after the deaths of the two kings the rest of the Northern Kingdom feared for their lives and was in hiding. So, Jehu, sent letters to them to encourage them to come out and choose their king.
[2 Kings 10:1-4 And Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, unto the rulers of Jezreel, to the elders, and to them that brought up Ahab’s children, saying, 2 Now as soon as this letter cometh to you, seeing your master’s sons are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fenced city also, and armour; 3 Look even out the best and meetest of your master’s sons, and set him on his father’s throne, and fight for your master’s house. 4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, two kings stood not before him: how then shall we stand?]
The seventy sons of Ahab are the posterity of Ahab, meaning one of his sons as well as grandsons. They feared that since both kings were killed that they had no chance of surviving. Little did they realize that Jehu was responsible so when he sent the letter they eagerly accepted his help.
[2 Kings 10:5-7 And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes. 6 Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If ye be mine, and if ye will hearken unto my voice, take ye the heads of the men your master’s sons, and come to me to Jezreel by to morrow this time. Now the king’s sons, being seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, which brought them up. 7 And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king’s sons, and slew seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent him them to Jezreel.]
While this was clearly from God, how often do you find the wicked conspiring against one another, especially out of fear? Still today it is not uncommon to find people selling out family and friends for the sake of their own lives, but what they often end up doing is falling right into a trap. Which is what happened here, the next morning Jehu discovered that they really were fulfilling the prophecy that Elijah warned them about.
[2 Kings 10:9-11 And it came to pass in the morning, that he went out, and stood, and said to all the people, Ye be righteous: behold, I conspired against my master, and slew him: but who slew all these? 10 Know now that there shall fall unto the earth nothing of the word of the LORD, which the LORD spake concerning the house of Ahab: for the LORD hath done that which he spake by his servant Elijah. 11 So Jehu slew all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men, and his kinsfolks, and his priests, until he left him none remaining,]
How would you like to find out that you played a part in fulfilling a prophecy from God? I do not know about you, but if I am going to be used by God I much rather it be for restoration rather than judgment. God, will use the wicked to bring repentance to His people and also vengeance on the wicked, [Romans 9:21-23 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,]
It is not uncommon for God to use the wicked to not only bring judgment on the wicked, but repentance to His people whom have fallen into sin. While Jehu was far from being faithful to God, he still followed through with what Elisha had told him and Elijah prophesied. Jehu, did not stop in Samaria, he also went into Judah and had all who were related to Ahab in any way executed as well.
[2 Kings 10:13-17 Jehu met with the brethren of Ahaziah king of Judah, and said, Who are ye? And they answered, We are the brethren of Ahaziah; and we go down to salute the children of the king and the children of the queen. 14 And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing house, even two and forty men; neither left he any of them. 15 And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me thine hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot. 16 And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot. 17 And when he came to Samaria, he slew all that remained unto Ahab in Samaria, till he had destroyed him, according to the saying of the LORD, which he spake to Elijah.]
In other words, before he killed him, Jehu asks him, “Is your heart as just as right with me as mine is with you?” That is a very good question to ask ourselves with God. We know that God loves us with all His heart, but do we love Him as He loves us? Jesus, said it this way, [Matthew 15:7-9 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.]
One can deny the fact that God’s Word is true all they want, but sooner or later all will discover that it is true, most will learn that the hard way though when they see Jesus face to face, [Luke 13:25-27 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: 26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. 27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.]
Do you see now why God has not destroyed the earth yet? We may not see it, but there are still many, many souls that need to be saved and we who are faithful to Christ are the only ones that have the truth to set them free. Keep in mind that there will come a time when God will gather up all His people and there will be none left to tell them. And Jehu, was still not done, he was about to bring judgment on the worshipers of Baal.
[2 Kings 10:18-21 And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much. 19 Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal. 20 And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it. 21 And Jehu sent through all Israel: and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left that came not. And they came into the house of Baal; and the house of Baal was full from one end to another.]
Do you see how easy it was for Jehu to get them all together? In an odd illustration, this is exactly how socialism works, he enticed them with what they wanted to hear and fell right into their trap. They were like frogs sitting comfortably in a pot of water on the stove, oblivious to the fact that there was fire underneath them cooking them. Well, all of these fools gathered together to worship their false god only for it to be their last.
[2 Kings 10:23-25 And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only. 24 And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore men without, and said, If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escape, he that letteth him go, his life shall be for the life of him. 25 And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and slay them; let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal.]
Interestingly enough while God’s people go through all sorts of things that seem like they are caught up in the fire of God’s judgments He really is looking out for them. I can give you countless examples of how God protected me in the line of fire. However, if there was ever a time to remember that we whom have received Christ as our Saviour are with Him in life or death it is now, [Romans 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.]
“One thing at a time, Sweet Jesus.” That is what I like to say whenever I find myself trying to do too many things at one time. Even though Jehu successfully rid Samaria of Baal worship, they still worshiped the gods that Jeroboam created. And even though Jehu did not remove that religion God was still pleased with what he had done and goes on to tell him that.
[2 Kings 10:30-32 And the LORD said unto Jehu, Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that was in mine heart, thy children of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel. 31 But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin. 32 In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel;]
This is where many saved, born again Christians falter, they get saved and are content to live with the religion they grew up in even if it is a false religion. I have even seen them joining or starting churches after they are saved that promote their lifestyles. Nevertheless, while they do not escape the earthly judgments that come from not giving their heart completely over to God, the one thing they do have going for them is their continued faith in Christ saving their soul, [1 John 2:1-3 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our’s only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.]
Remember Athaliah? The mother of Ahaziah, daughter of Omri and Ahab’s sister? When Jehu had all the house of Ahab executed in Samaria and Judah he missed her. When she discovered that her son was dead she ruthlessly killed all of her grandchildren and everyone else of the royal seed of Judah who could have been anointed as king executed and made herself the queen. However, her plan was not completely foolproof as one brave person hid the kings infant boy.
[2 Kings 11:1-4 And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. 2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king’s sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. 3 And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land. 4 And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king’s son.]
Think about it, while many countries are no longer ruled under a king or queen, they are one vote away from losing their freedom. There are people protesting all over the United States today about having no kings or dictators, but they really have no clue just how much their ideology is promoting that very thing. The idea that the government controls everything from the food we eat to the care we get is just like those frogs in the pot. And by the way, do you see the ones wanting to lead these frogs into the pot joining them? It is just like Jesus said, [Matthew 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.]
For seven years Judah lived in misery under the reign of Athaliah, who managed to turn Judah completely over to Baal worship. Nevertheless, there were still a faithful few would not bow to Baal, including the kings sister who saved her little nephew and at the age of seven Joash (Jehoash) became the youngest king of Judah. The priest got an army together to present him to the people to anoint him as king without Athaliah knowing.
[2 Kings 11:5-8 And he commanded them, saying, This is the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you that enter in on the sabbath shall even 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 guard: so shall ye keep the watch of the house, that it be not broken down. 7 And two parts of all you that go forth on the sabbath, even they shall keep the watch of the house of the LORD about the king. 8 And ye shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand: and he that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain: and be ye with the king as he goeth out and as he cometh in.]
We must always be prepared for anything that might happen and be ready to fight for our freedoms at a moments notice. Jesus, said it this way, [Matthew 10:32-34 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. 34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.]
Since God said that He would always leave a light or lamp on the house of Judah, in particular David for His own Son to descend in was imperative that one son of David be alive, [1 Kings 11:11,13 Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. 13 Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake which I have chosen.]. In all reality, the was an act of Satan to overthrow the prophecy, the wicked world may think that they can overthrow God, but it will never happen. At the age of seven, Joash was anointed as king of Judah.
[2 Kings 11:12-15 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, God save the king. 13 And when Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she came to the people into the temple of the LORD. 14 And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the manner was, and the princes and the trumpeters by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets: and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried, Treason, Treason. 15 But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her forth without the ranges: and him that followeth her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the LORD.]
“Treason!” cries the one who truly committed treason herself. Nevertheless, united they stood as one nation. Liberty is not black or white, it is not the freedom to choose whether or not we worship God, and it is not the fulfilling every lust known to man. Liberty, is the freedom of a nation or state from all unjust restraint of its rights and independence by another, including those whom have created their own corrupt nation, [1 Peter 2:15-16 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.]
After Jehoiada had Athaliah executed, he personally and spiritually guided Joash until he was of age to run the kingdom on his own. In fact, the entire community assisted in making sure that he not only knew the Law of God, but the law of the land as well.
[2 Kings 11:17-20 And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD’S people; between the king also and the people. 18 And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD. 19 And he took the rulers over hundreds, and the captains, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the house of the LORD, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king’s house. And he sat on the throne of the kings. 20 And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king’s house.]
United they stood as one nation, ready to worship God and stand behind their king. Independence, is not black or white, male, female, or whatever they make themselves up to be, it is not the freedom to choose whether or not we worship God, and it is not fulfilling every lust known to man. Independence, is the freedom of a nation or state from all unjust restraint of its rights and independence by another, including those whom have created their own corrupt nation, [1 Corinthians 10:21-24 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? 23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.]
Then when Joash began to run the kingdom, it was under his Godly influence, and the result was a prosperous and protected nation. One of the first things that Joash wanted to do as king is have the temple repaired, he instructed the priests to take all the money that was in the temple and use it.
[2 Kings 12:1-5 In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Zibiah of Beer-sheba. 2 And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him. 3 But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places. 4 And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man’s heart to bring into the house of the LORD, 5 Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.]
While the Holy Spirit lives in each saved, born again Christian, and He is very capable of teaching us the ways of God, it is still very important that we have faithful, saved, born again spiritual leaders to guide us as well. They not only confirm to us that what we are learning is in fact the ways of God, they help keep us faithful and accountable to God when they are no longer around, [Colossians 3:12-14 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.]
Today’s Prayer: Jesus, Thank You for sacrificing Your life so that we can be freed from the yoke of bondage that so easily beset us. All we need to do is believe in You, and receive You as the payment for our sin debt, and we will be forever Yours, and one of God’s for eternity. Lord, You gave us liberty when You set us free through our faith in You, lead us and guide us, give us Your power, protection, and mercies and grace to live in this world by Your example. Let us not use our liberty as an occasion to fulfill every lust of the flesh, rather use it for preaching Your Gospel so that others can know how to be free as well. And should You bless us with the means to be compensated for our talents, let us always give thanks and glory to You by returning the favor in the giving of tithes and offerings. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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