The wicked queen Athaliah is killed. But with the new king while he started well he did not finish the race well.
2 Chronicles 23: Joash Made King
1 But in the seventh year Jehoiada took courage and entered into a covenant with the commanders of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, Azariah the son of Obed, Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri.
2 And they went about through Judah and gathered the Levites from all the cities of Judah, and the heads of fathers' houses of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.
3 And all the assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. And Jehoiada said to them, "Behold, the king's son! Let him reign, as the LORD spoke concerning the sons of David.
4 This is the thing that you shall do: of you priests and Levites who come off duty on the Sabbath, one third shall be gatekeepers,
5 and one third shall be at the king's house and one third at the Gate of the Foundation. And all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the LORD.
6 Let no one enter the house of the LORD except the priests and ministering Levites. They may enter, for they are holy, but all the people shall keep the charge of the LORD.
7 The Levites shall surround the king, each with his weapons in his hand. And whoever enters the house shall be put to death. Be with the king when he comes in and when he goes out."
8 The Levites and all Judah did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded, and they each brought his men, who were to go off duty on the Sabbath, with those who were to come on duty on the Sabbath, for Jehoiada the priest did not dismiss the divisions.
9 And Jehoiada the priest gave to the captains the spears and the large and small shields that had been King David's, which were in the house of God.
10 And he set all the people as a guard for the king, every man with his weapon in his hand, from the south side of the house to the north side of the house, around the altar and the house.
11 Then they brought out the king's son and put the crown on him and gave him the testimony. And they proclaimed him king, and Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and they said, "Long live the king."
Athaliah Executed
12 When Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she went into the house of the LORD to the people.
13 And when she looked, there was the king standing by his pillar at the entrance, and the captains and the trumpeters beside the king, and all the people of the land rejoicing and blowing trumpets, and the singers with their musical instruments leading in the celebration. And Athaliah tore her clothes and cried, "Treason! Treason!"
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.
Jehoiada's Reforms
16 And Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and all the people and the king that they should be the LORD's people.
17 Then all the people went to the house of Baal and tore it down; his altars and his images they broke in pieces, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.
18 And Jehoiada posted watchmen for the house of the LORD under the direction of the Levitical priests and the Levites whom David had organized to be in charge of the house of the LORD, to offer burnt offerings to the LORD, as it is written in the Law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, according to the order of David.
19 He stationed the gatekeepers at the gates of the house of the LORD so that no one should enter who was in any way unclean.
20 And he took the captains, the nobles, the governors of the people, and all the people of the land, and they brought the king down from the house of the LORD, marching through the upper gate to the king's house. And they set the king on the royal throne.
21 So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet after Athaliah had been put to death with the sword.
2 Chronicles 24: Joash Repairs the Temple
1 Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba.
2 And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.
3 Jehoiada got for him two wives, and he had sons and daughters.
4 After this Joash decided to restore the house of the LORD.
5 And he gathered the priests and the Levites and said to them, "Go out to the cities of Judah and gather from all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that you act quickly." But the Levites did not act quickly.
6 So the king summoned Jehoiada the chief and said to him, "Why have you not required the Levites to bring in from Judah and Jerusalem the tax levied by Moses, the servant of the LORD, and the congregation of Israel for the tent of testimony?"
7 For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken into the house of God, and had also used all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD for the Baals.
8 So the king commanded, and they made a chest and set it outside the gate of the house of the LORD.
9 And proclamation was made throughout Judah and Jerusalem to bring in for the LORD the tax that Moses the servant of God laid on Israel in the wilderness.
10 And all the princes and all the people rejoiced and brought their tax and dropped it into the chest until they had finished.
11 And whenever the chest was brought to the king's officers by the Levites, when they saw that there was much money in it, the king's secretary and the officer of the chief priest would come and empty the chest and take it and return it to its place. Thus they did day after day, and collected money in abundance.
12 And the king and Jehoiada gave it to those who had charge of the work of the house of the LORD, and they hired masons and carpenters to restore the house of the LORD, and also workers in iron and bronze to repair the house of the LORD.
13 So those who were engaged in the work laboured, and the repairing went forward in their hands, and they restored the house of God to its proper condition and strengthened it.
14 And when they had finished, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, and with it were made utensils for the house of the LORD, both for the service and for the burnt offerings, and dishes for incense and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the LORD regularly all the days of Jehoiada.
15 But Jehoiada grew old and full of days, and died. He was 130 years old at his death.
16 And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, and toward God and his house.
17 Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them.
18 And they abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols. And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs.
19 Yet he sent prophets among them to bring them back to the LORD. These testified against them, but they would not pay attention.
Joash's Treachery
20 Then the Spirit of God clothed Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, and he stood above the people, and said to them, "Thus says God, 'Why do you break the commandments of the LORD, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.'"
21 But they conspired against him, and by command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the LORD.
22 Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, had shown him, but killed his son. And when he was dying, he said, "May the LORD see and avenge!"
Joash Assassinated
23 At the end of the year the army of the Syrians came up against Joash. They came to Judah and Jerusalem and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people and sent all their spoil to the king of Damascus.
24 Though the army of the Syrians had come with few men, the LORD delivered into their hand a very great army, because Judah had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers. Thus they executed judgment on Joash.
25 When they had departed from him, leaving him severely wounded, his servants conspired against him because of the blood of the son of Jehoiada the priest, and killed him on his bed. So he died, and they buried him in the city of David, but they did not bury him in the tombs of the kings.
26 Those who conspired against him were Zabad the son of Shimeath the Ammonite, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith the Moabite.
27 Accounts of his sons and of the many oracles against him and of the rebuilding of the house of God are written in the Story of the Book of the Kings. And Amaziah his son reigned in his place.
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Things to think about…
1. In 2Chr 23:1-11 we see the incredible administrative gift of Jehoiada the Priest in returning the kingdom back to the line of David. God’s Spirit uses the gifts of those He has called to administer within the church. What do you think are the marks of someone who has the gift of administration?
2. The Levites were carrying swords in the temple because there was the potential for violence, 2Chr 23:7. The Lord’s people of course have the sword of the Lord which is far more potent, but it must be used. Sadly, we live in a day when the reading and faithful expounding of scripture blunts the edge off much preaching in the west. Paul says we are in a spiritual battle in Ephesians 6. The sword of truth is only effective when its truth is faithfully proclaimed.
3. Athaliah the wicked queen is killed, 2Chr 23:12-15. As she realises what is going on she yells ‘treason, treason’. Surely this was hypocrisy, as she committed the ultimate act of treason by killing her nephews – the heirs to the throne. It is important that we have the humility and grace to maintain the ability within the church to see our own sin first. Athaliah is killed and Joash the new king is instructed by the godly priest Jehoiada.
4. Jehoiada the Priest is now able to continue his administration and reforms, 2Chr 23:16-21. The people rejoiced because there was justice in the land, vs 21. As Christians we are salt and light in our day to see to justice, peace and grace rule in the church and in the community. Appointing King Jesus in our lives brings peace and rest, Matt 11:28-30.
5. Joash starts out well by wanting to restore the temple. Tragically the Levites drag their feet, 2Chr 24:5. The men who were quick to pick up swords were not quick to administer finances on the temple repair. When leaders in the church lack zeal and faithfulness the churches become lethargic and apathetic. The king proclaims tax be brough in as appointed by Moses, vs 9 and the money comes in and restoration begins and is completed, vs 14. Tithes and offerings are essential for any church to function and reach out into the community. I thank God for the faithful givers at Chuwar. What a blessing the are to cause of Christ.
6. After Jehoiada dies after a long and faithful life of service, 2Chr 24:15, Joash listens to the princes rather than the priests, vs 17. Here is where his apostasy begins. He sins in the same way that his distant relative Rehoboam did by taking the counsel of younger foolish advisors.
7. In 2Chr 24:18 we see Joash’s reforms were only outward and the Lord sends prophets to try correct the situation, vs 19. But Judah and Jerusalem turned from the Lord, vs 18. This is what happens when people get used to the Lord’s blessing and harden theirs hearts to correction. Hence it is important to maintain a heart that is tender towards His Spirit. We often see this in Christian homes. Children are submissive to Christ and their parents outwardly when they are living at home, only to find when they leave home they live lives of rebellion and folly. Pray for the prodigals out there that they return to Christ.
8. Joash goes from bad to worse and murders Jehoiada’s son Zechariah by having him stoned to death 2Chr 24: 20-22. This man (Jehoiada the priest) who loved Joash and raised him in faith and truth is dishonoured by Joash by murdering his son, a man who was as faithful as his dad. Joash is ultimately assassinated after he is wounded by the Syrians, vss 23-27. It is interesting that he was assassinated by a Moabite and an Ammonite, vs 26, the ancient enemies of Israel. He is not honoured by being buried with the kings in Jerusalem. What honour would you think is appropriate for a leader who has sinned against so much light? What a tragic thing it has been to see church leaders over the last 2 years deny the faith by living lives of adultery and fornication. It is not how you start, but how you finish. We are called to run the race of faith faithfully until the end, Heb 12:1,2.
Vision Point for cell groups – Cell groups on break over the school holidays
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “You win, but don’t deserve it” from 2 Chronicles 13
1. Abijah only reigned in Judah for 3 years. The description of this man in 1 Kings 15:1-3 is not very flattering, yet in 2 Chronicles 13 we see the Lord bless his faith and obedience. When you read the passage in 2Chr 13 what does the Lord use to bring about such a great victory for Abijah? What does Abijah say and do that honours the Lord?
2. Jeroboam lost 500, 000 men. What do you remember about the character of Jeroboam, what was he known for? What was Jeroboam’s legacy?
3. Israel never recovered after losing 500, 000 men. Judah would attract people from Israel back to worship the one true God. This is still the case today. Even though Abijah was not wholly true to the Lord, he was still blessed. Do you see some similarities of Abijah in your own life? In what way?
4. Pray for prayer points and for each other.
Prayer Points
1. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
2. Pray for new people as they settle into life at CBC.
3. Upcoming Australian elections – pray for the Lord’s choice of MP’s.
4. Continue to pray for the flood clean-up as well as the money donated to help.
5. Folk sick with Covid – relief and healing.
6. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
7. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Worship on Sunday – thankyou team.
2. More visitors to CBC over the weekend.
3. God’s word affecting people for Christ
4. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Members meeting 22nd May after the service.
2. Remember to check your duty rosters.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for May...
Q. 3. Will Christ come again? A. Yes; at the last day Christ will come to judge the world.
