22:1 Jehoram's youngest son became king of Judah for a short period of time. His older brothers had been killed by raiders. The house of Judah was ripped to shreds by enemy and corruption as faith was abandoned.
22:2-6 Ahaziah was another evil man. He followed the advice of his evil mother and his father's evil counselors. These rulers had selfish agenda's that served their lust for power, celebrity and wealth. They did not serve God; therefore they neglected the well-being of the people they were supposed to lead into righteousness.
22:7-10 During a trip, Ahaziah unknowingly walked into a place where God's judgement was being executed by Jehu (who was removing evil men of authority from the kingdom of Israel). Had he been a righteous man, Ahaziah would not have inadvertently met his end. Ahaziah was buried for Jehoshaphat's sake.
22:10 In an attempt to establish herself as queen, Ahaziah's mother seized her opportunity to order the deaths of all of the eligible heirs of Judah. She craved power for herself at any cost; the cost was her soul.
Mark 8:36-37 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Souls faithful to God understand that the death of innocents and degradation of character is not worthwhile for any pursuit. Often the Bible presents us with extremes: most of us would not kill to get what we want. But we can still learn that selfish choices severely harm others and ultimately are no benefit to us.
22:11 Though all of his sons were dead, Jehoram's daughter took Ahaziah's son (who was still a baby), Joash, and hid him in a bedroom with his nurse. Jehoshabeath saved his life and simultaneously ensured a rightful king of Judah to replace the evil reign of Athaliah. Jehoshabeath, outwardly an ordinary women, was utilized by God to protect the life of a righteous soul. She had the faith and thus courage to preserve life and philosophy of God in the midst of darkness.
22:12 For six years, Jehoshabeath hid Joash while Athaliah reigned. During that time, Joash became an obedient and righteous child of God. He was seven years old when he became king. It is so extraordinary how God, through His fellow-workers, restores peace.
