2 Kings 11 · Grade 4

The Lamp Nearly Goes Out

Name Date

Read and Think

When Athaliah, Ahaziah's mother, saw that her son was dead, she rose and destroyed all the royal offspring. But Jehosheba, King Joram's daughter and Ahaziah's sister, stole away baby Joash and hid him with his nurse in a bedroom. He was hidden with her in the Lord's house six years while Athaliah reigned.

In the seventh year Jehoiada the priest brought the captains into the Lord's house, made a covenant with them, and showed them the king's son. He arranged guards on the Sabbath, each man with weapons in hand, surrounding the king. Then he brought out the king's son, put the crown on him, and gave him the testimony. They anointed him, clapped their hands, and said, Long live the king!

Athaliah came to the temple and saw the king standing by the pillar, with trumpets and rejoicing. She tore her clothes and cried, Treason! Jehoiada ordered her taken out, and she was put to death at the horses' entrance to the palace. Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people, that they should be the Lord's people. They broke down Baal's house, smashed its altars and images, and killed Mattan the priest of Baal. The city was quiet.

Show What You Know

Who was Jehosheba?
When did Jehoiada act?
Where was the king standing when Athaliah saw him?
Who was the priest of Baal?

Think About It

Jehosheba risked her life to save one baby. How can you be brave to protect others?
God's promise to David seemed nearly lost but was kept. How does this help you trust God when things look hopeless?

Memory Verse

“Jehoiada made a covenant between Yahweh and the king and the people, that they should be Yahweh’s people; also between the king and the people.”

2 Kings 11:17 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for keeping me safe. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

What did Jehoiada give Joash with the crown?
What did Athaliah cry?