NOTES for 4 Цар 11:1-21
This story resembles a frightening fairy tale with a happy ending. But what seems like a fairy tale very often proves to be the plain truth.
As happens very often, evil has won yet another victory. Triumphant power is on its side, and there seems to be no hope at all of eradicating evil. Amid the bloodshed that claimed the royal children, only one small, inconspicuous creature miraculously survived: Prince Joash. Yet all those who had not bowed before lawlessness were able to rally around him. And so, like crystals forming around a tiny piece of twig in a salt solution, the faithful began to crystallize around the prince through the efforts of Jehoiada, the priest faithful to the Lord. The hour came when the faithful prevailed by their very existence, by their steadfast fidelity. What had seemed weakness proved to be strength, while visible strength proved to be weakness.
Many Old Testament episodes, as we know, prefigure events of New Testament times. Does Herod not become like Athaliah when he slaughters the infants of Bethlehem? But, like her, he will fail to reach that Child who will become the one King uniting all who place their hope in Him. And the chief weapon of those gathered around Him will be steadfast and faithful faith.