God Preserves His Promise Even In Dark Times Series

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).