CHARACTER STUDY ~ JEHOSHEBA

The name, Jehosheba means "Fullness or Oath of the Lord". It can also be said to mean God is my (her) oath. She was the daughter of King Jehoram of Judah and a sister to King Ahaziah of Judah. She was the wife of Jehoiada the priest. Although a daughter of Jehoram, but not necessarily of Athaliah. After the death of Ahaziah, his mother, Athaliah, made herself Queen of Judah and ordered the execution of all members of the royal family that could claim the throne. However, saved her infant nephew Jehoash, Ahaziah's son and Athaliah's grandson by hiding him in the temple for six years. 

Some Characteristics of Jehosheba:

✔ She acted courageously when she took Jehoash away from being executed. It was written of her to have stolen him away from among the king’s sons who were being murdered. We need to be courageous and wise in standing up for justice. She did not use swords and guns but bravery coupled with wisdom.  

✔ She honored the Lord by saving Jehoash. The Lord promised the descendants of David would always sit on the throne, if Athaliah had succeeded in the execution of all the royal sons, there would have been no heir of David. Likewise, the birth of the Messiah would have been difficult as David's descendants would have been wiped off by Athaliah.  

✔ Never be limited by gender. She was a princess yet took a risk that had daring consequences. She kept her nephew with her for six years secretly just to ensure a good person ascended the throne.   

✔ She made a good choice not to follow the dictates of Queen Athaliah. Our choices matter in life. The choices we make could either bring good news or otherwise in the future. As children of God, our choices in life should be to be a light in this dark world. Jehosheba did this by holding true to God’s laws when much of Judah at the time had gone contrary to God's command. It is not surprising to see Jehoash beginning his reign on a good note. 

Supporting Scripture: 2 Kings 11