ROOTED - Monday, March 30, 2026

2 Chronicles 23: 14-15

14  Then Jehoiada
the priest brought out the captains who were set over the army, saying to them,
“Bring her out between the ranks, and anyone who follows her is to be put to
death with the sword.” For the priest said, “Do not put her to death in the
house of the Lord.” 15 So they laid hands on
her, and she went into the entrance of the horse gate of the king's
house, and they put her to death there.

Reflection: Athaliah, the Only Female Monarch

Written By: Pastor Jesse
Caro

“Ahaziah
is dead.” This was the newspaper headline in Judah as an heir to the throne was
sought. Athaliah (Ahaziah’s mother) then kills all the royal family in Judah,
in a plot to seize the throne. She succeeds, but unbeknownst to her Jehoshabeath
(Ahaziah’s daughter) hides Joash (Athaliah’s grandson) from her. She hides him
in the Temple in Jerusalem for six years, for fear Athaliah would kill him
during her reign (841-835 BC). Joash would be in the secret care of the priests
and their families, being taught the Law of God.

The
Bible would later call Athaliah, “that wicked woman” (2 Chronicles 24:7), in a
short and clear description of her wicked character. She was a bad actor in
this play, but I do love the ending of this story. The Priest, Jehoida, “took
courage” and made a covenant with several commanders of the army, calling on
all the priests around all of Israel to gather. They all planned to, on a
particular day, arm the priests with spears and shields (which King David had stored
in God’s House). They would then protect the King, bringing Joash out of hiding,
after 6 years, into the presence of the people of Jerusalem. They did so… and as
they announced, “long live the king,” they anointed him king of Israel. The
people rejoiced so loudly at the announcement of the new king that Athalia heard
it, “tore her clothes,” and shouted “treason!” But she could not change the
inevitable: her rule was at an end. The priest ordered that she be put to death
along with any of her followers. However, the Bible records that she alone was
put to death, in a clear indication that Athalia had no real followers and was
not beloved by the people. The chapter concludes this way:   So,
all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet after Athaliah had
been put to death with the sword.

It
is truly amazing what the bravery of a few godly people can do in rectifying
injustice, and honoring God, in a nation!

Prayer

Lord, may we be brave as Jehoida was brave in standing for
righteous justice, leading people to godly change.