Cornerstone Chapel Midweek Bible Study

Date: July 2, 2025
Episode Theme:
A verse-by-verse exploration of 2 Kings chapters 11 and 12, unpacking the dramatic transitions in Judah’s monarchy—Athaliah’s usurpation, Joash’s rescue and rule, the restoration of temple worship, and lessons on faithfulness and finishing well.

Episode Overview

The study focuses on the narratives of 2 Kings 11 and 12, examining the sovereignty of God in preserving the Davidic line through little-known but pivotal figures, the value and challenges of reform, and the personal responsibility of remaining faithful to God throughout one’s life. Listeners are encouraged to see their own roles in God’s ongoing story and warned that a good start does not ensure a good finish.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Background and Context of 2 Kings (00:00–05:00)

• The host recaps Israel’s timeline: from creation, Abraham’s covenant, Egypt, judges, united kingdom, division of Israel (north) and Judah (south).
• Recent studies have detailed Jehu’s purge of Ahab and Jezebel’s house in the north; this week returns to Judah in the south.

2 Kings Chapter 11: Athaliah and the Rescue of Joash (05:00–20:00)

Summary of Events

• Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, becomes queen after her son Ahaziah’s death, killing all royal heirs to secure the throne (05:30).
• Jehosheba, Ahaziah’s sister, secretly saves her nephew Joash, hiding him in the temple for six years (06:15).
• Jehoiada the priest carefully orchestrates Joash’s coronation at age seven, resulting in Athaliah's execution and the purging of Baal worship (08:00–12:00).
• Key figures:
  • Athaliah: Ruthless queen of Judah.
  • Jehoiada: Courageous priest who preserves the Davidic line.
  • Jehosheba: Heroic aunt who saves Joash.
  • Joash: Hidden heir, crowned at seven.

Reflections and Principles

• The “happily ever after” feel reflects good triumphing over evil. (13:00)
• Key Insight: “We all have a role in God’s plan, even if we don’t fully see the impact in our own time.” (15:10)
• Notable Quote:

  “She saw that the queen was trying to kill all the grandsons. She saved one. And in doing so she impacted the next 40 years.” (16:45)

• God uses seemingly minor individuals—Jehosheba and Jehoiada—to preserve His promises.

2 Kings Chapter 12: Joash's Reign and Temple Restoration (20:00–40:00)

Summary of Events

• Joash reigns for 40 years and, “did what was right in the sight of the Lord, all the days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him.” (21:30)
• Repairs to the Temple are delayed for 23 years due to unclear priorities; eventually, a system ensures offerings go directly to repairs.
• The priests “dealt faithfully,” and the temple is restored, but not every high place of idolatry is removed. (23:00–27:00)
• When Syria threatens Jerusalem, Joash bribes Hazael with temple treasures—a costly decision reflecting misplaced trust. (28:00)
• Ultimately, Joash is wounded and killed in a conspiracy, foreshadowed by his spiritual decline after Jehoiada’s death (30:00–32:00).

Supplemental: Insights from 2 Chronicles 24 (32:00–35:00)

• As long as Jehoiada lived, Joash was faithful.
• After Jehoiada’s death, Joash yields to the political pressure of Judah’s officials, abandons the Lord, and participates in idol worship.
• Zechariah, Jehoiada’s son, rebukes Joash and is executed by his order—illustrating Joash’s tragic turn (35:30).

Notable Quote:

“The Spirit of the Lord came upon Zechariah... He basically says, ‘Why do you disobey God’s commands? You’re not going to prosper because you’ve forsaken God.’” (36:00)

Lessons and Applications

1. God Works Through Unsung Heroes (15:00–18:00)

• Jehosheba and Jehoiada, scarcely known, were crucial to God’s faithfulness.
• Key Insight:

  “They simply did what was right in the moment… and it impacted the next 40 years of history.” (17:00)

2. A Good Start Doesn’t Guarantee a Good Finish (38:00–44:00)

• Joash’s faithfulness depended on his mentor; after Jehoiada’s death, he fell.
• Key Insight: “The writer of Hebrews is encouraging us to finish well.” (42:15)

3. God’s Instructions for Leaders: Don’t Rely on Power, Pleasure, or Wealth (44:00–48:00)

• Referencing Deuteronomy 17:14–20: God’s timeless principles for kings (and all leaders).
  • Don’t trust in military might, sensuality, or riches.
  • Instead, “write, read, observe God’s Word” (47:00).
• Notable Quote:

  “I don’t want power. I don’t want sex. I don’t want money to get in the way of you becoming the king that I want you to be.” (47:30)

4. Trust in God, Not in Man (48:00–51:00)

• Jeremiah 17:5–8—Cursed is the person who trusts in man; blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.
• Quote:

  “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He’ll be like a tree planted by the water… never fails to bear fruit.” (50:00)

5. Personal Application: Finishing Strong (51:00–54:00)

• Encouragement to follow the “write, read, observe” rhythm.
• Emphasis that age or circumstance doesn’t disqualify anyone from a significant role in God’s plan (52:00).

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Unsung Characters:

  “Two no-namers in scripture come up and we’re reading about it and the huge impact they have in God’s plan.” (17:15)

• On Mentorship:

  “Sadly, after the death of his mentor, Joash was influenced by the officials. They abandoned the Lord in the temple that took so long to restore.” (42:00)

• On God’s Requirements:

  “I want you to write the scripture, then I want you to read the scripture, and then I simply want you to observe it. Again, so simple.” (47:15)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:00 — Introduction & Recap of Kings of Israel and Judah
• 05:00 — Athaliah’s Reign: Background, Characters, and Rescue of Joash
• 12:00 — Joash Becomes King at Age Seven; Covenant and Idolatry Purge
• 15:00 — The Role of Jehosheba and Jehoiada: Applying to Our Lives
• 20:00 — Chapter 12: Joash’s Reign Details and Temple Repairs
• 28:00 — Hazael’s Threat and Joash’s Costly Bribe
• 32:00 — Chronicles Parallel: Joash’s Spiritual Decline
• 38:00 — Lessons from Joash’s Life: Finishing Well
• 44:00 — Deuteronomy 17: Principles for Leaders
• 48:00 — Jeremiah 17: Trusting God vs. Trusting Man
• 51:00 — Final Encouragement and Prayer

Tone and Language

• Conversational, encouraging, rooted in scriptural narrative.
• Periodically reflective—connecting ancient events to modern personal faith.
• Clear focus on practical application: “What about me? What about today?”

Summary in Brief

This Bible study walks listeners through the intrigue and perseverance of 2 Kings 11–12, emphasizing God’s faithfulness to His promises through the courageous obedience of little-known people. It warns against complacency and misplaced trust, urging everyone—no matter their role—to finish strong by constant engagement with God’s Word and unwavering trust in Him. The life of Joash, marked by both reform and tragic decline, serves as a cautionary tale: “A good start doesn’t guarantee a good finish.” The final encouragement is both simple and profound: trust in the Lord, daily immerse yourself in His Word, and know that your faithful moments—no matter how hidden—matter deeply in God’s story.