A Child King

 

    When I think about a child being the leader of a nation, I shudder.  A child has no idea what they are doing.  They are too easily influenced.  If they do not have good strong people protecting them from people that want to use them and sometimes themselves, then it will be a disaster.  They would destroy the people's lives and their own.  It is cruel to the child to put such responsibility on their shoulders before they had a chance to live and discover who they are.

    The Queen Mother Athaliah was one woman you would never want to be in charge.  Ever!  She was a cruel and vindictive woman.  Joash was hidden from her as long as he could be.  He was never going to have a normal childhood, but the people that loved him and protected him did all they could to protect him from her and let him be a child.

    Jehioada was the head priest at the time and the one in charge of protecting the young prince.  He was basically put in charge behind Athaliah's back until Joash officially became the king.  He used his influence to connect the commanders of the army with the Levites of the temple.  He rallied everyone to protect Joash as they anointed him in secret.  No one was allowed to enter the temple until it was over.  

    It was a risky task because the queen thought the prince was dead.  As soon as she realized he was not, she would come after the child and anyone in her way.  He was only seven and only knew a life in hiding.  His anointing went smoothly until it was over and people began to celebrate.  They yelled long live the king.

    Athaliah heard the commotion and investigated.  She was outraged when she learn what had happened.  When she went to confront the Levites and the guards yelling treason.  She was executed, but not in God's temple.  Holy places should never be tainted by blood being spilt, even when justified.  The people rejoiced because their living terror was over.

    That day all the Baal temples were destroyed and the pagan priest were killed.  All the strain and hiding was over.  The persecution of the faithful Jews was over and they could all breath. 

    King Joash was king, but he still relied on Jehioada for counsel, support, and as a father figure.  I don't think the priest took advantage.  I think he was very conscience of the importance of his role and he followed it according to how it would please God.

2 Chronicles 23