Chapter Summary

Royal seed of Judah destroyed. Joash becomes king. Execution of Athaliah. Revival through Jehoida.

Discussion Questions for 2 Kings, Chapter 11

1. What motivated Athaliah to kill her own family? How was her motivation similar to a common motivator that drives a lot of human interaction?
2. What was the relationship between Athaliah and Jehosheba? What similar character traits do you see between the treacherous Athaliah and the loyal Jehosheba? What differences? What can we learn from these observations?
3. How do you see the providence of God in fulfilling His promises working through Jehosheba’s actions?
4. What is the significance of this covenant Jehoiada made between Joash and the military leaders? What is the difference between a covenant and a contract?
5. In a world where militaries are led by kings, why would the military leaders obey the priest and act against the ruler? How did Jehonadab gain such power as to command the military to strike the queen mother? How does this instance influence your persoective on church and state?
6. What’s ironic about Athaliah’s cry of Treason? How can you guard against similarly ironic feelings?
7. Why did Jehoiada want Athaliah put to death, but not inside the house of the Lord? Should we consider church buildings today holy, as they viewed the temple? What are the similarities and differences between the temple and a church building?
8. What is significant about this covenant? How does it differ from the one in V. 4? What role should covenants play among God’s people today?
9. Why did the people go and destroy the temple of Baal at this time? Why hadn’t they already done that, if they wanted it gone? How was the eradication of Baal worship in Judah (here) different from the eradication of Baal worship in Israel (chapter 10)? Who led the charge in each nation?
10. What does the population’s response to Athaliah’s demise say about her popularity? Why was she so unpopular?

Key Words/Phrase

Preserved, v. 3.

Characters

God, Joash, Jehoida, Athaliah, Jehoshaba.

Strong Verse(s)

17