18. And all the people of the land went into the temple of Baal, and broke down his altars, and his images they broke in pieces thoroughly: they slew also Mathan the priest of Baal before the altar. And the priest set guards in the house of the Lord.
Chapter 11 of the book of 2 kings reports the rise of Joas to the throne of Judah after the death of Atalia, who had usurped the throne and tried to destroy David's offspring. The chapter highlights the importance of David's real lineage and the fidelity of the temple priests and guards to protect the inheritance of Judah. Here are five verses related to the topics addressed in 2 Kings 11:
2 Samuel 7:16: "Your dynasty and your kingdom will be firm forever before me; your throne will be established forever." This verse is a promise from God to David that his offspring would have a lasting kingdom. This promise is important in the context of the story of Joás, which was descended from David and whose lineage is protected by the temple priests and guards.
Psalm 132:11-12: "The Lord has an oath to David, a firm oath that he will not revoke: 'I will put one of his descendants on his throne. If his children are faithful to my covenant and the testimonies I teach them , their children will be kings forever on their throne. '"This psalm talks about God's promise to David that his offspring would have a lasting kingdom. This promise is important in the context of the story of Joás, which was descended from David and whose lineage is protected by the temple priests and guards.
Psalm 146:3-4: "Do not trust princes, mere mortals, unable to save. When their spirit goes, they return to dust; that same day their plans are over." This psalm talks about the importance of trusting God rather than human rulers. The story of Joás highlights the importance of David's real lineage, but also highlights the fidelity of the temple priests and guards to protect the inheritance of Judah.
1 Kings 1:50-51: "Adonias was afraid of Solomon and, getting up, went and clung to the altar ends. So Solomon knew that Adonijah was afraid of him, and had him sought. Adonias was and He was proudeded before Solomon, and Solomon said to him, 'Go home.' "This verse describes a situation in which a man seeks refuge on the altar of the temple. This is relevant in the context of the story of Joás, in which he is crowned in the temple and the real lineage is protected by temple priests and guards.
1 Chronicles 9:27: "They spent the night around the house of God, because they had an obligation to keep it and open their doors every morning." This verse describes the duties of the temple porters. The story of 1 Chronicles 9 talks about the people of Israel who returns from Babylonian exile and their reorganization as a nation. The verse in question highlights the importance of temple porters to maintain the safety and integrity of the sacred place. Porters were responsible for watching the doors, allowing only those who were authorized and ensuring that everything inside the temple was in order. This verse shows how organization and discipline were important in worshiping God.
“Esforce-se, mesmo se for um pouco, mas sempre…” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
