Lesson 296: JOASH, THE BOY KING

II Kings 11; 12:1-16

Full Lesson HERE

INTRODUCTION. During the time Elijah and Elisha were doing their work, there was

turmoil in the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. In the northern kingdom of Israel, the

wicked Ahab was succeeded on the throne first by one son, and following his death, by

a second son. Both of these kings were wicked as their father.

A descendant of David ascended the throne in Judah about the same time as Ahab's

first son began reigning in Israel. This king of Judah was married to Athaliah who was

the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. The king was wicked, as was his wife, and his son

who succeeded him on the throne was also wicked.

Meanwhile God instructed Elisha to anoint Jehu as king of Israel. God chose Jehu as

his instrument to destroy the house (descendants) of Ahab, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Elijah (I Kings 21:21-22; II Kings 9:1-13).

Jehu immediately commenced the task of conspiring against the descendants of Ahab

and eliminating them. First, Jehu rode in his chariot to the city of Jezreel. As he approached the city, the king of Israel and the king of Judah who were visiting one another rode in their chariots to meet Jehu. Jehu slew both kings then continued on to the city (II Kings 9:14-29).

Next, as Jehu entered the city, Jezebel greeted him from an upper window. He commanded some servants in the house to throw Jezebel down. They threw her down, and Jehu trampled her underfoot with his horses and chariot. He went inside, ate and

drank, then commanded the servants to bury Jezebel, for she was a king's daughter.

When the servants went outside only the skull, feet, and palms of her hands remained,

for the dogs had eaten her as prophesied by Elijah (I Kings 21:23; II Kings 9:30-37).

Jehu proceeded to slay all that remained of the house of Ahab, both in Israel and

Judah. Then he destroyed the house of Baal and killed the worshippers of Baal. He did not remove Jeroboam's two golden calves, however, nor did he walk in the law of the

Lord with all his heart (II Kings 10).