A seven year old king story – एक सात वर्षीय राजा की कहानी

The story of a seven-year-old king is often associated with Joash (also spelled Jehoash) in the Bible. Joash became king of Judah at a very young age due to the tragic circumstances surrounding his predecessor’s death. His story is primarily found in the Second Book of Kings and the Second Book of Chronicles in the Old Testament.

Before Joash’s ascent to the throne, his grandmother Athaliah had usurped the throne of Judah. Athaliah was a wicked queen who sought to eliminate the royal descendants of the Davidic dynasty. She had all the potential heirs to the throne killed, except for one. Joash was the only surviving royal heir, as he was hidden away by his aunt and uncle when he was an infant.

Joash spent the first six years of his life in hiding in the temple of the Lord, under the care and protection of the high priest Jehoiada and his wife Jehosheba. This secrecy was necessary to protect him from Athaliah’s murderous intentions.

In the seventh year of his life, Joash was revealed to the people of Judah during a carefully orchestrated coup. Jehoiada the priest led a group of loyal officials and soldiers who anointed and crowned Joash as king in a dramatic ceremony held in the temple. Athaliah was killed in the process.

As king, Joash embarked on a mission to restore the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. The temple had fallen into disrepair during Athaliah’s rule, and Joash collected funds and resources to oversee its renovation.

Under the guidance of Jehoiada, Joash implemented religious reforms, restoring the proper worship of God in Judah. He repaired the temple, reinstated priests and Levites, and renewed the covenant with the Lord.

Joash’s early reign was marked by a period of stability and religious revival in Judah. However, after Jehoiada’s death, Joash was influenced by corrupt officials, and he turned away from the worship of the Lord. He even had Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, put to death for prophesying against him. Joash’s reign took a downturn, and he was eventually assassinated.

The story of Joash’s ascent to the throne as a seven-year-old king is a remarkable account of political intrigue, the protection of a rightful heir, and the early influence of a faithful priest. Joash’s reign illustrates the impact of godly leadership in guiding a nation back to its religious heritage. However, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning away from the Lord and the consequences of unfaithfulness.