2 Chronicles 22:11

“But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king’s sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest, (for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not.”

Historical Background: This verse is part of the account of the reign of Ahaziah, who became the king of Judah after the death of his father, Jehoram. Ahaziah followed the evil ways of his mother, Athaliah, and his grandfather, Ahab, leading to his downfall. After Ahaziah’s death, his mother, Athaliah, took control and killed all the royal heirs, but one was rescued and hidden.

Jehoshabeath’s Courage: Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, is mentioned in this verse as the one who took Joash, the infant son of Ahaziah, and hid him from Athaliah’s massacre. Jehoshabeath’s act of bravery and loyalty to her family demonstrates her deep faith and commitment to preserving the line of David, as Joash would later become a righteous king.

God’s Providence: Although the verse does not explicitly mention God, it is evident that His providence is at work in preserving the future king. God’s sovereignty and faithfulness are demonstrated through the actions of Jehoshabeath, who was used as an instrument in protecting the promised royal lineage.

Jehoiada’s Role: The verse also mentions Jehoiada, who was Jehoshabeath’s husband and a priest. Jehoiada played a crucial role in hiding and raising Joash in the temple for six years until he was old enough to be revealed as the rightful king. Jehoiada’s influence and guidance shaped Joash’s reign and led to important reforms in Judah.

Lessons to Learn:

• Courageous Faith: Jehoshabeath’s actions teach us about the importance of having faith in difficult and dangerous situations. Despite the risk involved, she stepped out in faith to protect Joash, trusting in God’s plan and providence.
• God’s Sovereign Plan: Even in times of turmoil and when evil seems to prevail, God remains in control. He uses faithful individuals to fulfill His purposes and preserve His chosen people. We can find comfort and hope knowing that God is always at work, even behind the scenes.
• Faithful Influence: Jehoiada’s role as a spiritual leader in Joash’s life highlights the significance of godly mentors and influencers. Having someone who guides us in the ways of God and encourages us to live righteously can make a profound impact on our lives and shape our character.

In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 22:11 showcases the bravery of Jehoshabeath in hiding Joash from the evil Athaliah, and it also emphasizes God’s providence in preserving the royal lineage. This verse reminds us of the importance of courageous faith, God’s sovereign plan, and the influence of godly mentors in our lives.