A Heroic Aunt

Nevertheless, because of the covenant the LORD had made with David, the LORD was not willing to destroy the house of David. He had promised to maintain a lamp for him and his descendants forever. 2 Chronicles 21:7

Our Just God is also faithful. He caused the evil king of Judah to pay for his rebellious actions but still was faithful to preserve the line of David.
The LORD aroused against Jehoram the hostility of the Philistines and of the Arabs who lived near the Cushites. They attacked Judah, invaded it and carried off all the goods found in the king’s palace, together with his sons and wives. Not a son was left to him except Ahaziah, the youngest. 2 Chronicles 21:16-17

Ahaziah was also an evil king of Judah. His own mother encouraged him to do wickedly. His mother Athaliah, was the daughter of Jezebel. We might think, no wonder. But in the midst of all the wicked influences was a hero that maybe is often overlooked.

Jehosheba was the daughter of Judah’s King Jehoram and half-sister to the evil King Ahaziah. Jehosheba was married to the high priest Jehoiada. Jehosheba is one who played an important part in preserving the line of David hence the line of our Savior, Jesus Christ. When Athaliah saw that her son had been killed she set out to destroy the whole royal family. She wanted the kingdom all to herself. She no longer had her son to rule the kingdom through. Jehosheba was presented with an opportunity to save a life. Joash was an infant son of Ahaziah. Jehosheba knew that hiding Joash was the only way to save the kingdom. For six years, Joash was hidden in the temple of God with his aunt Jehosheba and uncle Jehoiada, the high priest. It is exciting to read how the story unfolds. When Joash was seven years old, Jehoiada set up a shield of men around the soon to be king. He made all the preparations for the wrath of this evil woman Athaliah. When Joash was presented as king, Athaliah came running shouting “Treason! Treason!” Jehoiada had her put to death and then he made a covenant that the people would (once again) be the Lord’s people.

In this story there is a contrast in ways a woman can impact society. A woman can be like Athaliah, seeking the ways of the wicked for selfish gain. She brought destruction and death taking after her mother. On the opposite side is Jehosheba, who did not take after her father. She honored the Lord God and rescued the infant Joash from death. She is a reminder for Christian women to be a protector of children and supportive wife. Jehosheba and her husband Jehoiada were in ministry together even if she didn’t have a special title like “High Priest.” God used her to preserve the seed of David that would eventually lead to the coming of our Savior. She is a hero!

Jehosheba’s actions may seem in vain as we read the outcome of Joash’s life but that is not the end of the story. It is disheartening to learn about Joash’s wicked behavior after his uncle’s death. He even had Jehoiada’s son, Zechariah, stoned for speaking out against his evil ways. Joash paid for his rebellion against the Lord. Because we have read through the book of Kings we know there will be more good and bad kings to come but the fact remains that our God is in control and is faithful. His sovereignty can be trusted.