This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in 2 Kings 11, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, there was a queen named Athaliah. She was very angry when her son, who was the king, died. So, she decided to get rid of all the other people in the royal family, including the little boy named Joash, who was the king’s son.
But, Joash’s aunt, Jehosheba, loved him very much, so she took him and his nurse and hid them in a secret room inside the house of the Lord. Joash lived there for six years, while Athaliah ruled the country.
After six years, Jehoiada the priest made a plan to help Joash become king. He made an agreement with the leaders of the guards and showed them Joash. Then, Jehoiada commanded the guards to protect Joash with their lives and surround him with their weapons.
The guards did everything Jehoiada told them to do, and they even used King David’s old spears and shields to protect Joash. Jehoiada then put the crown on Joash’s head and anointed him as the new king. Everyone cheered and clapped, shouting, “Long live the king!”
When Athaliah heard all the noise, she went to see what was happening. She saw Joash and realized what had happened. She screamed and tried to start a fight, but the guards caught her and put her to death.
Afterwards, Jehoiada made a promise between the Lord, the new king, and the people that they would all be faithful to God. They destroyed the false god Baal’s temple and killed Baal’s priest. Then, they put guards at the house of the Lord and brought Joash to the king’s house. He was only seven years old when he became king.
Biblical Lessons
- God is in control of all things, even when it seems like evil is winning.
- God can use anyone, even a little child, to accomplish great things.
- Those who try to harm God’s people will not succeed in the end.
- Faithfulness to God brings blessings and peace.