Daily Devotional for Wednesday, May 14

Athaliah, the Executed Queen

“And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the Lord , and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the Lord, and shewed them the king’s son,” 2 Kings 11:4.

Athaliah, the executed queen, stands as a haunting figure in biblical history, her reign marked by ambition, betrayal and ultimately divine justice. We witness the dramatic downfall of this ruthless queen and the restoration of God’s righteous order through the courage and faithfulness of a few faithful individuals.

Athaliah’s story serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of pride and the consequences of forsaking God’s ways. Consumed by a lust for power and driven by her desire to maintain control, Athaliah committed unspeakable atrocities, including the murder of her own grandchildren, in her ruthless quest to secure her reign.

Yet, even in the darkest moments of human history, God’s providence shines brightly. Through the faithful actions of Jehoiada the priest and other loyal servants of the Lord, Athaliah’s reign of terror was brought to an end. In a stunning display of divine justice, Athaliah was executed, and God’s rightful king, Joash, was restored to the throne.

Athaliah’s demise highlights the redemptive power of God to overthrow the forces of evil and establish His righteous rule. Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, God remains faithful to His promises and works through the obedience and courage of His people to bring about His purposes.

SOBERING THOUGHT

As we reflect on Athaliah’s life, let us heed the warning it offers and strive to live lives of humility, obedience and faithfulness before the Lord. May we never forget that God’s justice will ultimately prevail, and may we find hope and comfort in His promise to establish His kingdom of righteousness and peace.

Steven Ridings