Sermon Notes + 2.8.2026
SERMON NOTES
Hidden in the House of the Lord
2 Kings 11
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: The death of Ahaziah leads Athaliah to seize control of the throne by destroying the remaining members of the royal family, an act that is unprecedented in Israel’s history. Her actions are but outwardly and temporarily successful as Jehosheba carefully hides Joash, the son of Ahaziah, in the house of the Lord. In the seventh year following, Jehoida, the chief priest, leads a restoration movement to establish Joash as the rightful king of Judah, thus continuing the fulfillment of God’s promise to preserve a descendant of David on the throne. The successful plan—from the preservation of Joash to his crowning and anointing as king; to the death of Athaliah and the destruction of the house of Baal; to the covenant renewal and celebration at the enthronement of the king—is indicative of the ultimate promise of God to vanquish all evil and establish the throne of His Son forever.
01. God’s promises are often hidden, but those with the eyes of faith will continue to be faithful and believe.
02. God’s plans are often hidden, but those who lack the eyes of faith are invited to repent and to believe.
03. God’s promises and God’s plan center on the person of Jesus Christ, who reigns even now and will reign forevermore.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. Read this chapter carefully and note the family connections. Who is Athaliah? Who is Jehosheba? Who is Joash? Who is Jehoida? How do these family connections explain the actions of each individual?
2. What can we conclude about people like Jehosheba and Jehoida who risk their lives for such a young king? How do their actions serve as a significant installment of the fulfillment of God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-16?
3. Consider the fact that Joash, the rightful king, was hidden in the house of the Lord for six years while Athaliah ruled with impunity. How does this situation speak to our world today when evil seems to run rampant? Do you have confidence that even in such a topsy-turvy world, the Lord still reigns? Do you have confidence in the many promises of God, even when they are not yet manifest?
4. How does the life of Joash in this chapter depict the life of Christ? In what ways was Jesus’ life in danger as an infant? At what point did His ministry become public? At what point in His life did others proclaim Him as king? What assurance does the Bible give us about His return and reign over all?
5. Notice how the reforms brought about by Jehoida had a twofold effect – recognition of the king and removal of evil. What areas of your life need to be reformed also? How can you live a life that points people to the true King?
For Further Reading: John Piper, Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Second Coming of Christ (Crossway, 2023)