Many passages of the Scriptures comment on the seeming triumph of the wicked. In each case, God’s word affirms that a sad end is their lot.
One eloquent illustration of this truth is the case of Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, married to Jehoram, one time king of Judah. Jehoram was succeeded by his son Ahaziah who was eventually slain by Jehu. A rather strange twist was introduced when Athaliah became aware that her son had been killed. In her lust for power, she usurped the kingship and, for fear of any possible rivalry, killed all the king’s sons. By divine providence, one year old Joash escaped her sword. He was hidden six years in the house of God by his aunt, Jehosheba, the wife of Jehoiada the priest.
Athaliah was as wicked as her parents and as vicious as her husband who maliciously slew all his brothers when he ascended the throne. Her action was aimed at ending the reign of the house of David and thereby hindering the fulfilment of God’s covenant with David. But how futile it is to fight against God’s plan! Just when Athaliah thought her government was established, God by the agency of Jehoiada the priest, plotted her overthrow and she was killed after six years of reign of terror and tyranny.
The death of Athaliah marked the beginning of Joash’s reign. Good will ultimately overcome evil. Those who by violence and fraud seek to deprive others of their rightful position will certainly receive their just recompense because God hates injustice and wickedness.
Are you overwhelmed by the seeming success of wicked people in your neighbourhood or workplace? or are you oppressed by powerful, proud and evil ones? Keep on the path of righteousness with the Lord. It will not be too long; you will see the defeat and downfall of the wicked and oppressor.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Elevation through wickedness ends in humiliation.
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