When Jehoram was in firm control of the kingdom, he had all his brothers killed, and also some Israelite officials. …He followed the wicked example of King Ahab and the other kings of Israel, because he had married one of Ahab’s daughters.
No surprise. Bad blood. Evil influence. Thank you, Father, that I have remained single all these years.
The prophet Elijah sent Jehoram a letter…
That would get your attention! It must have been Elisha that sent the letter (2 Kings 8:14-16).
Jehoram… ruled in Jerusalem for eight years. Nobody was sorry when he died.
Will anyone be sorry when I die? Will anyone even notice?
Ahaziah became king at the age of twenty-two, and he ruled in Jerusalem for one year. Ahaziah also followed the example of King Ahab’s family, since his mother Athaliah—the daughter of King Ahab and granddaughter of King Omri of Israel—gave him advice that led him into evil.
She has almost as bad a reputation as Jezebel (1 Kings 21:25).
As soon as King Ahaziah’s mother Athaliah learned of her son’s murder, she gave orders for all the members of the royal family of Judah to be killed. …Jehosheba… secretly rescued one of Ahaziah’s sons, Joash… By keeping him hidden, she saved him from death at the hands of Athaliah. For six years he remained there in hiding, while Athaliah ruled as queen.
SELF. At the time, this must have appeared as the end of the line (David’s lineage), which would have put hope to death (Genesis 37:31-35).
Jehoiada led Joash out, placed the crown on his head, and gave him a copy of the laws governing kingship. And so he was made king. Jehoiada the priest and his sons anointed Joash, and everyone shouted, “Long live the king!”
There is always hope with you, Lord. Hope comes back to life (Genesis 45:26-28).
All the people were shouting joyfully and blowing trumpets, and the Temple musicians with their instruments were leading the celebration. She tore her clothes in distress and shouted, “Treason! Treason!”
Good news for some means bad news for others…