The Royal Family Killed

The Royal Family Killed

Q: What member of the royal family survived Athaliah’s murder spree?

• a. Jehoiada
• b. Josiah
• c. Joash

Athaliah was the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of the northern kingdom, and she was just as wicked as her parents. She worshiped Baal, the god her mother served. A marriage was arranged between Athaliah and God-worshiping King Jehoram of the southern kingdom (Judah). Athaliah took her Baal worship with her to Judah.

Because of Athaliah’s influence, Jehoram built pagan shrines and tried to lead the people away from God. Following Athaliah’s wicked ways, Jehoram killed his six younger brothers and some of the leaders who still worshiped God (see 2 Chronicles 21). The Lord got fed up with Jehoram’s ways and struck him with a disease. He died two years later, and his son Ahaziah took the throne.

When Ahaziah became king, Athaliah influenced him to do evil also. Her wickedness spread to all who were near her. Ahaziah hadn’t been king long when Jehu, who was trying to wipe out Ahab’s family line completely, killed him. Athaliah wanted to be in charge, but Ahaziah had sons who were next in line for the throne. That was no problem for Athaliah; she simply killed them all—or so she thought.

Athaliah didn’t realize that Ahaziah’s one-year-old son, Joash, was rescued and taken to the Temple. He lived there under the influence of godly people who taught him to honor and worship God. When he was seven, he was crowned king, and Athaliah was killed. There was a godly king once again in Judah.

For You

Sometimes it seems evil people get away with wickedness, but it’s only for a time. God always wins in the end. So don’t be discouraged if it seems the mean kids get away with more or have more fun. Those who follow God will win in the end.

Answer: c

Ahaziah’s sister Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram, took Ahaziah’s infant son, Joash, and stole him away from among the rest of the king’s children, who were about to be killed. She put Joash and his nurse in a bedroom, and they hid him from Athaliah, so the child was not murdered.   2 Kings 11:2

(The Whole Story: 2 Kings 11)