today's other readings are Psalm 132 and Matt. 6: 19-32
It is sad to see how a lust for power, and keeping it, will put aside all normal human needs, even the need to grieve a loved one.
The Queen Mother, Athaliah, has lost her only son, Ahaziah. Her position of great power is now in peril. Rather than simply focusing on grieving the death of her son, she does her best to consolidate her power - by killing her grandchildren. But one is saved - Joash - who is hidden.
When Joash, the rightful heir to the throne is revealed the military leaders and the priests of the Temple, their is only one choice. Joash must be put on the throne.
We later hear of the execution of Athaliah. While an understandable response is that this is another story of violence in the Old Testament, that would be wrong. This is a story of a lust for power gone astray.
A lust for power has plagued humanity for a long time. And in many cases, such desire has no limits on what will be done. Today's story is a classic case of this.
Lord, protect us from such a misguided desire.