“When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and eliminated all the royal children.” 2 Kings 11:1
Yesterday, we read of the beginning of Jehu’s reign and Elijah’s Prophesy regarding the elimination of Ahab’s entire Family. Newly anointed King Jehu took his task with extreme seriousness, seen as he brags to his friend Jehonadab, “Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord”! This included the killing of Judah’s King Ahaziah, the Grandson of King Ahab, as he fled from the assassination of King Joram. If you remember in earlier readings, his mother was Athalia, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Today’s Verse describes what took place shortly thereafter.
There’s so much wrong with this story it’s hard to know where to start. Wicked Opportunism at its worst! Historically, when a King would die, the next in line would take his place. This was usually the oldest son, or in some cases, would be the next younger brother. But these were not “Normal Times” and Athalia was no “Normal” Queen Mother. And now, rather than have the oldest son appointed King, she has him, and all his brothers, murdered!!! At least she thought she had. She then assumed rule as Queen, but in a few short years find out “she missed one”, who would in turn have her put to death.
The great lesson Today is, though things can look “pretty dark” at times, nevertheless, Our God Still Reigns!!! There is not a micro-second in History where God is not in Complete Control. And, He has Complete Power in order to Accomplish it! I realize that the Dark is still “the Dark”, and that we will still struggle during our sojourn here on earth, but stories like these are meant to encourage us and build us up in our Faith. May God Help you as you go through yours!