The Seven-Year-Old King

Are you seven years old, or do you know somebody who is? Can you imagine being a king at that age? The Bible tells us an exciting story about a boy named Joash who was only seven years old when he became king.

The story begins when Joash was a baby. His father ruled the kingdom but one day he died in a war. Joash's grandmother was very wicked, and after her son died, she made herself queen. If she had known where Joash was, she would have had him killed too, but God was protecting Joash. His aunt and uncle took baby Joash and hid him where he would be safe for six years.

The people in the kingdom did not like the wicked queen. She did not love the Lord. Instead, she worshipped idols. So Joash's uncle, Jehoiada, made plans to crown Joash king. When Joash was seven, Jehoiada told the people that Joash was the king's son: “He should be our king now.” The people agreed, but they knew that it was not that easy, so they made a plan. The men divided into three groups. While Joash was being crowned in the house of God, one group guarded the temple doors. Another group guarded the king's house. The last group guarded the gate. They had swords and spears so the queen and her soldiers could not enter.

The people were so happy to have a new king. Joash was brought out so all the people could see him. The people shouted, “Long live the king!” When the queen saw the crowds of people, she ran to the house of God, but the guards took her away. Then the people tore down the place where the wicked queen had worshipped idols. Their plan had worked! Jehoiada then promised that the people of this kingdom would serve the Lord. Jehoiada taught Joash how to love and serve God so that one day, when he grew up, he could be a good ruler to the people.

We don't have a king anymore. In America , a president is our leader. We need to pray that our leaders, like Joash, will love God.

For more stories, click here.