II Chronicles 21-23  At this point in Israel's and Judah's history things become even more complicated :

When Jehoshaphat died, his son Jehoram became king.  Jehoram's wife was Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Unfortunately he followed his wife's ways and not his father's, " and he did evil in the sight of the Lord."  He killed his own brothers. He failed as a ruler. Some of his wives and children were carried away by the Philistines and Arabs. And, he died of a terrible disease.. " and he departed with no one's regret.. " 

Jehoram had one son who remained, Ahaziah, also called Jehoahaz.  He became the next king of Judah.  His mother what Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab.  "He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor to do wickedly. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord... to his destruction." 

Athaliah's brother Ahaziah was king of Israel. Their brother, Joram, became king next.  Three siblings, all as evil as their father Ahab and their mother, Jezebel.

Note.. there are two Ahaziahs and two Jehorams to keep track of here. Ahaziah - king of Judah, the son of Jehoram and Athaliah.  And Ahaziah - the king of Israel, the brother of Athaliah and Jehoram, aka Joram. 

Ahaziah of Judah allied himself with Jehoram/Joram of Israel, his uncle.  They went to war against Aram, and Joram was wounded.  Ahaziah went to visit his wounded uncle.. leading to his own death.  All of Ahab's relatives, including Ahaziah are put to death by Jehu. 

Meanwhile, back in Jerusalem, Athaliah, Ahaziah's mother, finds out her son is dead.. so what does she do?  She kills all of his children and makes herself queen of Judah.  

But, one child.. ,Joash, still a baby,  is stolen away by his aunt, Jehoshabeath.  She and her husband, Jehoiada, a priest, hid Joash for 6 years.  When he is 7 years old, Jehoiada set up a plan to trap Athaliah, who was put to death, and Joash was crowned king. 

 "And all the people of the land rejoice and the city was quiet. for they had put Athaliah to death with the sword." 

Not only are these kinds of passages complicated, but they are tragic.  Evil seems to be winning and righteousness seems to be lost. Family relationships mean everything.. and then nothing at all.  The people are ruled by ruthless rulers.. BUT.... God is still in control.  He saw the evil being done. He sent His prophets to warn those who had forsaken Him. And, He justly punished those who refused to repent. 

What does the Lord want to say to us.. to me through these words?  Once again the Truth resounds... whoever chooses to do evil will find destruction. The "wages of sin is death".  God has not changed His standards and He will not change the consequences.

However.. we are not without hope for.. "... the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." ( Romans 6:23)

Our world is being deceived, just like those in the past.. thinking that God doesn't see or doesn't care about the sins that they are doing and promoting.. but, He does see and He does care.  Destruction is absolutely certain for those who have forsaken Him.  Only in Jesus Christ can we find salvation! We must pray for our leaders and our world to turn from sin and find Life in Jesus!

Father in heaven, thank You for the free gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ.  Help us, Father, to stay.. to abide in Him.. constantly.  May our hearts be fully devoted. May our spirits be one with Your Holy Spirit. Keep us from evil. Lead us in paths of righteousness for Your Name's glory and honor.  Bring revival  to our nation and to are world.. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.