The throne is not empty – Preaching
Preaching Outline on – II Kings 11:1 – “And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal seed.”
Development
Atalia – The Enemy of Promise
Athaliah was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, two biblical characters known for their fierce opposition to the work of God. She inherited the same spirit of rebellion and hatred for the things of the Lord. When she saw that her son, King Ahaziah, had died, she didn’t hesitate to act cruelly: she had all the royal heirs killed, usurping the throne of Judah. Her aim was clear: to interrupt the royal lineage and establish a new dynasty, alien to God’s promises.
Athaliah represents the enemy of the Lord’s work, who tries in every way to invalidate God’s promises in the lives of his people. She is a type of the adversary who seeks to destroy what is prophetic, as we see in Acts 13:10, where Paul confronts Elymas, who was trying to turn the proconsul away from the faith. God’s promise was clear: there would never be a descendant of David to occupy the throne (II Kings 8:19). The Father’s plan was to bring Jesus, the Messiah, through this royal lineage. Athaliah, however, wanted to interrupt this genealogy, but God would never allow anyone to break His promise.
The throne is not empty!
Jehosheba – The faithful church
In the midst of the chaos, Jehosheba, Ahaziah’s sister and the aunt of little Joash, appears. She represents the faithful Church, which walks according to the Lord’s will and is led by the Holy Spirit. Jehosheba was not satisfied with Athaliah’s rule (Romans 12:2). She knew that David’s throne was not empty; it was just waiting for God’s appointed time to manifest itself.
Jehosheba risked her life to save Joash, the last living heir to the royal line. She hid him in the temple of the Lord for six years, protecting him from Athaliah’s fury. This act of courage and faith reminds us that, even in times of apostasy and darkness, God always preserves a faithful remnant. The Church, like Jehosheba, must guard and protect the truth, knowing that Jesus, the descendant of David, has already come and will reign forever.
There is a promise
Priest Jehoiada – The Holy Spirit at work
Jehoiada, the priest, is a type of the Holy Spirit at work in the life of the Church. He was the instrument used by God to reveal the plan to restore the throne. In verses 4 to 12, we see Jehoiada organizing the soldiers, arming them and preparing them for battle. He represents the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who empowers God’s servants with the spiritual weapons they need to face the enemy.
Just as Jehoiada led the soldiers, the Holy Spirit guides us in our spiritual struggle. He gives us discernment, courage and strategy to resist the adversary and ensure that we do God’s work. In this battle, we are not alone; the Spirit equips and directs us as soldiers.
A construction project is underway
Joash – The type of the Lord Jesus
Joash, the child king, is a type of Jesus, the King’s Son and legitimate heir to the throne. He was hidden for six years in the house of the Lord, while Athaliah reigned over the land. These six years symbolize the time when the adversary seems to be in control, deceiving many through apostasy and sin.
However, just as Joash revealed himself in the seventh year, Jesus will also reveal himself in his glory. While we wait, He calls us to treasure His revelation in our hearts, prepared to fight, overcome and reign with Him (Psalm 25:14). The adversary’s time is limited; his end is approaching. But Christ’s reign will be eternal, a kingdom of justice and peace that will never end.
The restoration of the throne
In the seventh year, they crowned Joash as king, marking the end of Athaliah’s reign and the restoration of David’s line. This shows us that the Lord’s work is perfect and will be completed at the appointed time. Just as Joash was revealed, Jesus, the true King, will sit on the throne, and every knee will bow before him (Philippians 2:10).
Verse 20 – “All the people of the land rejoiced and the city was quiet after they had killed Athaliah with the sword in the king’s house.”
With Athaliah’s death, the people experienced joy and peace. In the same way, when Christ finally defeats the adversary, the Church will rest secure and peaceful, under His perfect rule.The Lord Jesus, who conquered death and sin, will reign forever, and we, His Church, will reign with Him.
Conclusion of II Kings 11:1
The story of Athaliah, Jehosheba, Jehoiada and Joash teaches us that, even in the midst of darkness, God is in control. His promises remain unchanged, and nothing can thwart His plan. The enemy may seem strong, but his time is limited. The Church, like Jehosheba, must keep the faith and protect the truth, knowing that David’s throne is not empty. Jesus, the King of kings, has already won and will soon reign forever. May we, as faithful servants, be prepared for that glorious day!
Preaching Outline on – II Kings 11:1 – “And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal seed.”
More Preaching Outlines
