GOD PRESERVES HIS PROMISE EVEN IN DARK TIMES

GOD PRESERVES HIS PROMISE EVEN IN DARK TIMES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Kings 11:1-21

Supporting Texts: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 54:17; Psalm 33:11; Revelation 12:4-6

INTRODUCTION:
The eleventh chapter of 2 Kings opens in a grim atmosphere. The wicked queen Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel and widow of King Jehoram, sees an opportunity to seize power after the death of her son, King Ahaziah. In her lust for dominion, she carries out a mass killing of all the royal seed—the very line through which the Messiah was to come. It seemed like the covenant of David was at risk of being extinguished. Yet, in the midst of the chaos, God was quietly working behind the scenes.

Unknown to Athaliah, one of Ahaziah’s sons, Joash, was rescued by his aunt Jehosheba and hidden in the Temple of the Lord for six years under the protection of the priest Jehoiada. During this time of national darkness, while evil ruled on the throne, God preserved His promise in secret. The boy king was not just preserved for the sake of the nation—he was preserved for the sake of prophecy and destiny.

This chapter is a profound reminder that God is never out of options. When wickedness seems to triumph, God already has a plan in motion. When the enemy seeks to destroy the future, God hides it under His wings. It teaches us that God’s covenant cannot be broken by human rebellion, nor can His promise be aborted by satanic schemes. He is faithful to watch over His word and fulfil it in due time.

1. SATAN OFTEN ATTACKS DESTINY AT INFANCY
The enemy's first move is always to destroy what carries promise.

a) Athaliah sought to destroy the royal seed to secure power
She arose and destroyed all the royal heirs (2 Kings 11:1).

b) The enemy targets the future before it can mature
Joash was only a child, but his life represented the future of God's covenant.

c) Great threats often accompany great destinies
Joash was under death threat from birth because of what he represented.

d) Whenever God is about to do something great, Satan attempts to abort it early
But God's plans are shielded by divine providence.

Biblical Example: Pharaoh ordered the death of male babies, but Moses was hidden and preserved (Exodus 1:15-22; 2:1-10).

2. GOD ALWAYS HAS A HIDDEN REMNANT TO PRESERVE HIS PLAN
Jehosheba and Jehoiada became instruments in God’s preservation strategy.

a) God raises unlikely heroes to protect His agenda
Jehosheba, a woman, took the bold step to hide Joash (v.2–3).

b) Divine plans are often sustained in secret before being revealed
Joash was hidden in the temple for six years—safe but unseen.

c) The house of God remains a place of refuge for divine destinies
Joash was hidden in the temple, not in the palace.

d) God places covenant keepers in strategic positions for such times
Jehoiada, the high priest, understood the timing of God.

Biblical Example: Elijah thought he was alone, but God had reserved 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:18).

3. WICKEDNESS MAY SIT ON THE THRONE, BUT NEVER FOREVER
Athaliah reigned temporarily, but her rule had an expiry date.

a) The rule of evil may be long, but it is never permanent
Athaliah reigned for six years, but she never had the legitimacy of God’s approval.

b) God allows the enemy to sit in power only for a season
There is always an appointed time for divine reversal.

c) Evil thrones are always threatened by divine truth
When Joash was revealed, Athaliah cried “Treason!”—yet she was the true usurper (v.13–14).

d) The end of ungodly rule always begins with bold confrontation
Jehoiada led a strategic rebellion to dethrone evil and restore God’s plan.

Biblical Example: Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews was reversed when Esther rose to confront the evil (Esther 7:1-10).

4. GOD'S COVENANT WILL ALWAYS BE FULFILLED
Joash was preserved not just for survival but for divine continuity.

a) The covenant with David could not be broken by Athaliah’s rebellion
Joash’s survival ensured the messianic line remained intact (2 Samuel 7:12-13).

b) God watches over His word more than we understand
What seemed like a national tragedy was a divine setup.

c) Even when man forgets the promise, God remembers it
The crown was placed upon Joash and the people rejoiced (v.12).

d) God always has a time of public manifestation after private preservation
Joash came out of hiding at the right time to fulfil his role.

Biblical Example: Jesus was hidden in Egypt to escape Herod, but later manifested to begin His ministry (Matthew 2:13-15).

5. TRUE SPIRITUAL LEADERS MUST STAND FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS
Jehoiada was the catalyst for national restoration.

a) Righteous leadership is essential for divine restoration
Jehoiada led the charge to anoint Joash and remove Athaliah (v.4–12).

b) Priests must not remain silent when evil reigns
Jehoiada used his influence to rally the people and confront wickedness.

c) God honours spiritual leaders who preserve His purposes
His actions brought back the nation to the worship of the true God.

d) A faithful priesthood can break the reign of demonic strongholds
After Athaliah’s death, the people destroyed the temple of Baal and killed its priest (v.18).

Biblical Example: Samuel was both a prophet and priest who guided Israel in righteousness (1 Samuel 7:3-17).

CONCLUSION:
2 Kings 11 teaches us that even in the darkest seasons, God’s covenant is not at risk. When the enemy tries to destroy divine purpose, God hides what is precious and preserves it for the appointed time. Joash was hidden for a season, but revealed for a reason. The throne of Israel was never truly Athaliah’s—it belonged to God’s chosen lineage.

Let us be encouraged that no satanic plot can overthrow the counsel of the Lord. Though evil may rise and look dominant, God is quietly arranging victory. He is always steps ahead of every plan of hell, and His word will surely stand.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, I thank You for hiding and preserving every divine plan concerning my life.
2. Lord, raise covenant keepers like Jehosheba and Jehoiada in my family and nation.
3. Let every Athaliah sitting on what You have ordained for me be overthrown.
4. I declare that evil will not reign over my destiny, in Jesus’ name.
5. Preserve my life and purpose until the day of divine manifestation and fulfilment.