The Tale of Two Women

Which One Will You Be?

2 Kings 11:1 And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal.

Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah and a daughter of Ahab, killed all the males of the royal family, and planted herself on the throne. She had Jezebel’s force of character, unscrupulousness, and disregard of human life. She was a tigress of a woman, and, no doubt, her six year takeover was stained with blood and with the terrible abominations of Baal worship.

Never had the kingdom of Judah been at a lower ebb. One infant was all that was left of David’s descendants.

The whole of the promises of God seemed to depend for fulfilment on one feeble life and on one woman with enough commitment to take a chance and save his life.

A few years later, when Joash the child and future king is still only seven years old, Jehoiada the priest arranges to bring him out and have him declared the rightful king. Jehoiada was determined to preserve the Davidic line, and provided his loyal military units for protection.

When Athaliah discovers his plan, her cries of “Treason!” (11:14) ring a little hollow. For the sake of
power, this evil woman had been willing not only to commit murder (not a rare thing), but also to murder her own children and grandchildren—a much rarer thing, and immeasurably more callous. Now she charges with treason those who call her to account.

The Traits of a Controlling Woman

The controlling woman must control. She must get her way, and will do it by whatever means necessary.

The controlling woman often has no sense of right and wrong from God’s perspective. This woman served Baal, a pagan god.

The controlling woman will use manipulation, deceit, or harshness and evil to attain control.

The controlling woman seeks revenge at any price.

These controlling features, if present, can often be seen early in life, especially in the teen years.
Personality, coupled with the fall— will disclose it.

It can be seen if someone cares enough to watch for it. Children through young adults can be helped to develop the often present leadership skills in a God honoring way.

The Traits of a Caring Woman

2 Kings 11:2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king’s sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.

The Traits of a Caring Woman

The caring woman is brave and is willing to stand against those in control to do the right thing.

The caring woman has common sense about life from God’s perspective; she lives right from wrong.

The caring woman takes action to insure the right thing is done.

The caring woman pays the price to insure the right thing is done.

Two Faithful Women: Lois & Eunice

2 Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in you, which dwelled first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in you also.

Contrast the mother and grandmother briefly mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:5. with the grandmother in 2 Kings 11.

Not all women are as evil as Athaliah. Not all are as faithful as Jehosheba, Lois and Eunice.

Among both men and women however, there are too many at home, at work, even in church, who are much more interested in power, prestige, and their own enjoyment than in anything else. They may not stoop to murder, but they will lie, cheat, and slander to gain more authority, control, and perceived success. They will neglect important moments teaching their children about life in Christ. They will face God’s judgment.

But blessed are those women whose sincere faith saves and stamps the next generation.