The Faithfulness of Jehosheba - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal heirs. But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king's sons who were being murdered.
2 Kings 11:1-2

The Faithfulness of Jehosheba
This episode in Judah's history has all the drama of a Shakespearean play, yet it is no fiction. Two women figure prominently. One was Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, the most evil rulers of the northern kingdom of Israel. As the wife of Joram (or Jehoram), king of Judah, she imported all the wickedness of her parents. Her son Ahaziah was no better. Then, at his death, Athaliah murdered all her royal grandsons and claimed the throne.

However, one heir to the throne was rescued! Jehosheba, a woman noted as much for courage and virtue as Athaliah was for evil, hid the infant Joash from the murderous queen. Her character is well worth considering.

First, Jehosheba and Ahaziah were both children of King Joram and probably somewhat close in age. Yet Jehosheba clearly refused the evil paths of her father and brother. Further, her husband was Jehoiada, a godly and responsible priest, which shows where her priorities rested. In fact, Jehosheba was probably in her 20s while Jehoiada (see 2 Chr. 24:1, 15) was likely in his 90s. Her marriage was not some youthful indulgence but was, no doubt, a union of two people who shared a deep concern for the testimony of the Lord, despite their age difference.

We are not sure whether Jehosheba had children of her own, but her home was a place of refuge for Joash. By her initiative God preserved David's royal line, and the baby she saved was the link by which God's promises of the Messiah survived. When godly believers today imitate Jehosheba's courage, virtue, and initiative, God will do great things for His people.

Stephen Campbell