BIBLE STUDY -- COVENANT RENEWED

THE REIGN OF KING JOASH

From 2 Kings 11:17-21, 12:1-21, 2 Chronicles 23:16-21; 24:1-27

As soon as the wicked Queen Athaliah was executed, the priest Jehoiada made a covenant with the king and the people that they would serve Adonai. After that, the people went to Baal’s temple and broke down the building, the altars and the idols and executed Mattan, the priest of Baal, before the altars. Jehoiada appointed guards at the temple under the direction of the Levites and Levite priests, whom David had put in charge of the temple. Part of their work was to offer burnt offerings to Adonai, as directed in the Law of Moses, singing joyfully as they worked. The guards or door-keepers were stationed at the temple gates so that nothing would enter unless it was consecrated. Then the army officers, nobles, governors and all the people brought King Joash from the temple, going through the Upper Gate to the palace and there they placed the new king upon his throne. The people of the land rejoiced, for the city was peaceful at last because the wicked Queen Athaliah had been executed with the sword. Joash, whose mother was Zibiah of Beersheba, was only seven years old when he began to reign and he ruled over Judah in Jerusalem for forty years. As long as the priest Jehoiada was alive, Joash tried to please Adonai in all that he did. When Joash was grown up, Jehoiada arranged for his marriage to two wives and in time he had sons and daughters. As time passed, Joash made plans to restore the temple. He called for an assembly of the priests and Levites and gave them the following orders: “Go into the cities of Judah and gather offerings from the people so that we may restore the temple of Adonai and keep it in good condition year after year. Go now and do not linger!” The Levites however were slow in obeying the king’s command. So, Joash called Jehoiada the high priest and asked him, “Why haven’t you required the Levites to gather the temple taxes from Jerusalem and the cities of Judah? We must enforce the law which Moses gave concerning the temple tax so that the temple can be kept in good condition.” The temple was in bad condition because the followers of the evil Queen Athaliah had broken into it and had taken everything of value to the temple of the Baals, even those articles which had been dedicated to Adonai’s service. Next, King Joash commanded that a chest be made and placed at the gate of the temple. He sent a proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem that the people bring the required temple taxes that Moses had assessed on the people of Israel while they were still in the wilderness. The people responded gladly and brought the money to help take care of the temple. They put it into the chest until they had paid all that was due at that time. The Levites often brought the chest to the king’s officers so that the king’s secretary and the high priest’s assistant could count the money. Then they took the chest back to its place so it could be filled again. This happened each day until they had quite a large amount of money. With the money from the chest the men in charge of temple repairs hired masons and carpenters, iron workers and coppersmiths to restore the temple. These men worked hard and the project moved forward well until the temple was in good condition again. When the work was finished, they brought the remaining money to King Joash and Jehoiada, the high priest. They had it melted down and made the gold and silver into spoons and bowls for incense and other items to be used in the sacrifices and offerings. As long as Jehoiada was alive, burnt offerings were sacrificed regularly. Jehoiada lived to be one hundred and thirty years old. When he died, he was buried in the royal tombs in the City of David, for he had done so many wonderful things for YHVH and the temple. After Jehoiada died, the leaders of Judah began to give bad advice to King Joash and he listened to them. They turned away from the worship of the temple and served the Asherim and the idols. YHVH was angry and showed His wrath through the messages of prophets whom He sent to turn the people of Judah and Jerusalem back to Adonai. But the people would not listen to the prophets. At one time the Spirit of Adonai came upon Jehoiada’s son Zechariah. He gathered the people and stood on a high place among them. “Adonai wants to know why you are breaking His commandments and bringing disaster upon yourselves!” he said. “Since you have turned away from Adonai, He has turned away from you.” The leaders of Judah were angry when they heard Zechariah say these things and they made plans to kill him. At last, they persuaded King Bash to have Zechariah stoned in the courtyard of the temple, the very place where Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had risked his life to make Joash king. That was how Joash showed his gratitude for what Jehoiada had done for him; by killing his son! As Zechariah lay dying, he cried out, “Adonai, look at what these people are doing and send Your judgment!” By the end of that year the Syrian army marched against Jerusalem and Judah. They destroyed the leaders of Judah and sent the plunder to their king at Damascus. The Syrian army was much smaller than the army of Judah, but because the people of Judah had left Adonai, He let them be defeated by the Syrians. Thus, the Syrians brought YHVH’s judgment upon Joash. When the Syrians finally left, Joash was badly wounded. Then his own officers began to plot his death because he had murdered the son of Jehoiada the priest. As he lay on his bed, they killed him. He was buried in the City of David, but not in the royal tombs, as Jehoiada had been. The men who plotted Joash’s death were Zabad the son of Shimeath, an Ammonite and Jehoazbad the son of Shimrith, a Moabite. There are further accounts of the works of Joash and his sons, the curses against him and the work of the temple restoration in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah. After Joash died, his son Amaziah became king in his place.

COMMENTARY --- TREASURIES

Palaces and temples of the ancient Middle East were built with large treasuries. In the royal treasury, kings placed official documents, works of ivory, gold and other valuable items. Much of the wealth was war booty or tribute. This included not only precious metals and jewels, but valuable goods such as spices, ointment and richly ornamented garments. Taxes provided a regular flow of goods into the treasury. Some were transit taxes, charged to the caravans using the trade routes through the land. Others came from the people; jugs of oil, wine, grain, ointment and produce. Special storehouses had stalls to house cattle and sheep paid in kind. Many of the same goods filled temple treasuries. In Israel, kings commonly deposited war booty in the temple and drew on the temple treasury for public expenses.

BIBLE STUDY -- QUEEN ATHALIAH

JOASH BECOMES KING

From 2 Kings 11:1-16, 20; 2 Chronicles 22:9-12; 23:1-15, 21

Meanwhile, back in the southern kingdom of Judah, things were also in a state of change. King Ahaziah of Judah died in Jehu’s purge of the northern kingdom of Israel, for he was visiting King Jehoram when Jehu killed Jehoram and all his friends. When Ahaziah’s body was brought back to Jerusalem for burial, it was laid in one of the royal tombs in Jerusalem, for he was the grandson of King Jehoshaphat, who had served Adonai well. When Ahaziah’s mother Athaliah, saw that her son was dead, she murdered all her grandsons and seized the throne for herself. However, Ahaziah’s sister Jehoshabeath, managed to hide one of the king’s sons Joash, who was still a baby, in the temple bedchamber, along with his nurse. Jehoshabeath was also a daughter of King Jehoram of Judah and the wife of Jehoiada the priest. Little Joash lived in the temple for six years while Athaliah ruled as queen. His aunt, Princess Jehoshabeath, his uncle, the priest Jehoiada and his nurse took care of him. Finally, in the seventh year of Athaliah’s reign, Jehoiada got up enough courage to proclaim Joash king. He summoned the officers of the army to the temple and made a covenant with them, pledging them to loyalty and then showed them Joash, the child king. Among those present that day were Azariah the son of Jeroham, Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, Azariah the son of Obed, Maaseiah the son of Adaiah and Elishaphat the son of Zichri. These officers went on a secret mission across the land, telling the Levites and Israel’s clan leaders about their plan and calling them to an assembly at Jerusalem. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they all made a covenant with the young king in the temple. “Adonai promised that a son of David would rule on the throne and the time has come for that to happen,” Jehoiada said. “Now this is what we must do. A number of you priests and Levites will come off duty on the Shabbat. A third of you will go to the entrance as guards. Another third will go to the palace to take control there. The last third will go to the Gate of the Foundation. All other people who are not priests and Levites must stay in the outer courts of the temple, as YHVH’s Law commands. No one except the priests and Levites on duty may enter the temple, for they alone are sanctified for this service. “You Levites will form a circle around the king to protect him with your weapons. Kill anyone who tries to come near him. Stay with the king at all times.” Everything went as planned. Each leader was in charge of a third of those arriving for Shabbat duty and a third of those who would normally be going off Shabbat duty, except that Jehoiada did not dismiss them. Jehoiada gave the officers of the army the spears and shields which had once belonged to King David and had since been kept there in the temple. These officers then formed a line from the south side of the temple to the north side, all along the front, as well as around the altar and the sanctuary itself. Then little Joash was brought out. They placed the crown upon his head, presented him with a copy of the Law of YHVH and proclaimed him king. “Long live the king!” the people shouted as Jehoiada and his sons anointed Joash. The shout was so loud that Queen Athaliah heard it. She also heard the noise of people running and shouts and cheers from these people. She ran to the temple to see what was happening. There she saw the young king standing by a pillar at the entrance, with the officers and trumpeters standing beside him. The people surrounding the king were shouting for joy and blowing trumpets and the musicians were joining with them in singing and playing musical instruments. Athaliah tore her clothing and shouted, “Treason! Treason!” Jehoiada however, sent the army officers after her. “Take her out of the temple and kill her,” he commanded. “See to it that she is not killed in Adonai’s house. And kill anyone who tries to help her.” So, the army officers grabbed Athaliah and took her to the horse gate of the palace and there they executed her.

COMMENTARY --- TEMPLE GATES AND WALLS

In many centres of the ancient Middle East, the royal palace and the temple of worship were built directly next to each other, Other important buildings, such as storehouses, treasuries, living quarters for temple attendants and palace servants, stood nearby. The entire collection of different buildings was called the citadel, a word that in the modern world has come to mean “fortress” or “stronghold.” Such a group of buildings, fundamental to the life of the city, was often enclosed by a protective wall much like the main city wall. In hilly regions such as Jerusalem, it stood apart from the major city activity. Putting the temple and the palace together accomplished several purposes. In Jerusalem, it placed all major authority in one central place. Both religious and political power functioned from one defined area. The structure of Solomon’s temple reflected this idea of centralization. A small court enclosed the temple and a similar inner court enclosed the palace. Both of the buildings were joined by one gate. A larger outer court surrounded the two. This total area was the one Jehoiada’s guards controlled, for within it lay the basic power of the entire kingdom. One indication of how important such an arrangement was is found in Ezekiel’s vision of a new temple. YHVH instructs Ezekiel in great detail how the courts and gates will be arranged. The purpose, He declares, is that never again will the holy house of YHVH be defiled by sharing a common wall with the palace of corrupt and evil kings.

Yom HaKippurym is coming up!

If you need an order of service for the Yom HaKippurym prayers, download or view this free booklet by Sabbath Keepers Fellowship from the link provided below:

https://sabbathkeepersfellowsh....ip.org/documents/boo

Most prayer books require continual page-flipping and some experience with a traditional siddur, causing unnecessary distractions and loss of focus during prayer. This simple booklet has a continuous flow of both the traditional Yom Kippur prayers and additions for believers in Yeshua which allows you to easily complete the service from beginning to end without such distractions. Originally designed for our brothers and sisters in prison, it is now available to you, our members and friends, at no cost in our SKF online library.

May you all be blessed in your observance of this most holy day, and Gamar Chatima Tovah – may you all be sealed for excellence in His Book of Life!

Sabbath Keepers Fellowship & Prison Ministry

Don’t let church tradition fool you. You are not fated to behavior patterns. You are not subject to sorcery or hexed by the devil. There is no curse on your family, your genetics, or your bloodline.

One generation sees the deeds of the previous and practices likewise.

We live what we learn.

You eat what your family eats; you dress how they dress; you pray how they pray; you believe like them, think like them and act like them… because that is your experience.

You will make all that family tradion your own in your own way in yourur own time but it will be why.

You were not cursed. You were trained.

And you can choose to change.

It will not be easy. But nothing worth while ever is.

If you want to be happy, healthy, and holy, then you need to put in the hard work to have the strong results you hope for.

You will be predisposed to struggle with things others never will and they things you never will but no one is cursed.

No one is bound. No one is trapped. No is stuck on a track they can’t get off of if they choose to:

No matter what bad habit it happens to be, you can overcome it if you are willing to combat it.

Second Guess First Assumptions

Question Everything

Get Biblical

templecrier.com

"They speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of Yahweh. They say still unto them that despise me, Yahweh hath said, Ye shall have peace"

Je 23

Sabbath-Keeping Christian Denominations Compared - A little over 27 minutes.

Thought for Today: Monday September 29

It is natural for us to shrink back from any kind of trial; we all wish we could be free of problems and instead live a life of serenity and peace all of our days. But life is not like this, and we all know that it can radically change even in a matter of seconds. The real question is how we will react. Will we react in anger or despair? Will we lash out in hatred or revenge? Or will we turn to YHVH in faith and seek His help?

9/28/2025

THE SELICHOTH PRAYERS – YAMYM NORAYM

The Selichoth Prayers – Standard Edition, can be found at:

https://sabbathkeepersfellowsh....ip.org/articles-book

YOM RISHON – FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK

“Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Blessed be He who spoke and the world was; Blessed be He – and blessed be His Name.

TEHILLAH 17

Hear a just cause, YHWH, give heed to my cry; give ear to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips. Let my judgment come forth from Your presence; let Your eyes look with equity. You have tried my heart; You have visited me by night; You have tested me and You find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress. As for the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips I have kept from the paths of the violent. My steps have held fast to Your paths. My feet have not slipped. I have called upon You, for You will answer me, Elohym; Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech. Wondrously show Your mercy, Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand from those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings from the wicked who despoil me, my deadly enemies who surround me. They have closed their unfeeling heart, with their mouth they speak proudly. They have now surrounded us in our steps; they set their eyes to cast us down to the ground. He is like a lion that is eager to tear, and as a young lion lurking in hiding places. Arise, YHWH, confront him, bring him low; deliver my soul from the wicked with Your sword, from men with Your hand, YHWH, from men of the world, whose portion is in this life, and whose belly You fill with Your treasure; they are satisfied with children, and leave their abundance to their babes. As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.

TEHILLAH 27

YHWH is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? YHWH is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident. One thing I have asked from YHWH, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of YHWH all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of YHWH, and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to YHWH. Hear, YHWH, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me. When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, YHWH, I shall seek.” Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; do not abandon me nor forsake me, O Elohym of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but YHWH will take me up. Teach me Your way, YHWH, and lead me in a level path because of my foes. Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence. I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the excellence of YHWH in the land of the living. Wait for YHWH; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for YHWH.

AL TEIRADAM

Slumberer! Do not soundly sleep now; abandon your tiredness. Distance yourself from the sinful ways of people and behold the ways of your lofty One. Hasten to worship the Rock who preceded all, as the illuminating stars hasten. It is enough for you; why do you soundly sleep? Arise and call to your Elohym!

Awaken to see His heavens and the handiwork of His fingers. And gaze upon the tents of His heights – suspended upon His arms, and upon the stars, His seals, the engravings of His signets. Fear His awesomeness and anticipate His salvations lest excellent times elevate you and your heart be lifted in haughtiness. Why do you soundly sleep? Arise and call to your Elohym!

Go out at midnight in the footsteps of men of note, upon whose tongues are praises and whose insides are not full of duplicity and deceit; their nights are spent in prayers and fasting. In their heart they seek paths to Elohym and they have places in His throne – their way of life is a ladder to ascend unto YHWH, your Elohym. Why do you soundly sleep? Arise and call to your Elohym!

Let your eyes stream with tears and be regretful for transgressions; plead before your Maker and do not be involved with evil doers. Lower greatly your pride and seize excellence for it is pleasant. Honor Elohym with your wealth, the time that saviors shall ascend and your throngs will lift their voices, prepare to encounter your Elohym! Why do you soundly sleep? Arise and call to your Elohym!

The destitute, whose origin is dust, whence his wisdom? And the superiority of man over beast is naught except for those who see the Rock of their esteem – sight of the heart, not of the eye; and see the sources of their origin, which are better than wine, for only through such, O you of flesh and blood, shall you find your Elohym. Why do you soundly sleep? Arise and call to your Elohym!

Before Elohym, “I will be who I will be,” who does all that He desires, who brings death and gives life, who lowers to the grave and resurrects – stand for judgment and live, and abandon rebellion and treachery, saying: When? And where? What is below the earth? What is above the angels? Rather, perfect shall you be with YHWH, your Elohym. Why do you soundly sleep? Arise and call to your Elohym!

Y’IRUNIY RA’IYONAY

My thoughts have awakened me, the counsel of my heart and its desire is to utter the words of my supplication with songs of Elohym and His praises. I will not grant sleep to my eyes, at midnight because of Him, so as to behold the pleasantness of YHWH, and to delve within His sanctuary.

I awoke and immediately contemplated: “Who is it that woke me?” and behold! the set-apart One who sits and awaits praises, it is He who encouraged me and gave to my ears the sense of hearing, and strengthened and fortified me. And so long as He restores my spirit I shall bless He who has advised me to accept Him, the Rock to whom the soul belongs and whose handiwork is the body, so as to behold the pleasantness of YHWH, and to delve within His sanctuary.

And I shall pray before Him and take pleasure in prayer, and my tears shall break through His clouds and be sweeter than honey and sweets. My heart will be uplifted in His eyes when it melts as if it were wax, as a slave before his master who withers from fear of him, but when he recalls his praises, he will forget all his suffering, so as to behold the pleasantness of YHWH, and to delve within His sanctuary.

Night, be still and pass very slowly and delay the arrival of the morning, until the servant shall find grace – through his entreaties – with his master. He will pour out the blood of his heart and liver and relate the plagues of his heart. And the worshipper will be unified with the King at His festival, and he will sing and declaim his parable for the sake of his Banner and his object of praise, so as to behold the pleasantness of YHWH, and to delve within His sanctuary.

Behold, he is a servant of servants before the King of kings, standing with hands heavy and tears flowing, with his limbs subservient to You for as long as he continues to live, and all his limbs offer thanks to You. Forgive his evil deeds whose weight is as the sand, so as to behold the pleasantness of YHWH, and to delve within His sanctuary.

VIDDUY

I make my sin known to You and do not conceal my iniquity; for I said that it is proper that I confess my transgressions to YHWH, and as a result, You have forgiven the iniquity of my sins. And it is stated: He who conceals his transgressions will not succeed, but he, who admits and forsakes them, shall be dealt with mercifully.

Please, YHWH, our Elohym, Elohym of our forefathers, let our prayer come before You, and do not hide Yourself from our supplication – for we are not so insolent nor so obstinate to say before You, YHWH, our Elohym, Elohym of our forefathers, “we are righteous and have not sinned,” rather, truly we have sinned – we as well as our forefathers and our household members:

(With each of the following statements, bring your right fist to your chest, over your heart.)

We have been guilty. We have betrayed. We have robbed. We have spoken gossip and slander. We have caused iniquity. We have caused wickedness. We have acted wantonly. We have extorted. We have accused falsely. We have given bad advice. We have lied. We have acted frivolously. We have rebelled. We have infuriated. We have committed adultery. We have been deviant. We have committed iniquity. We have transgressed willfully. We have oppressed. We have been obstinate. We have been wicked. We have corrupted ourselves and others. We have committed abominations. We have strayed and caused others to stray, and we have veered from Your excellent commandments and laws, but it has not benefited us. But You are righteous regarding all that has befallen us, for You have acted with truth, and it is we who have caused wickedness.

ADON HASELICHOTH

Master of pardons, Who examines thoughts, Who reveals deep secrets, Who speaks righteousness – we have sinned before You; have mercy on us!

He Who is magnificent in wonders, Who is expert in comforting, Who recalls the covenant with the Patriarchs, Who investigates the emotions – we have sinned before You; have mercy on us!

He Who is excellent and does excellence for His creations, Who knows all things, Who overlooks iniquities, Who is clothed in righteousness – we have sinned before You; have mercy on us!

He Who is full of merits, Who is awesome in praises, Who pardons iniquities, Who answers in times of distress – we have sinned before You; have mercy on us!

He Who performs salvations, Who sees future events, Who calls the future generations, Who rides in the highest heavens, Who hears prayers, Who is perfect in knowledge – we have sinned before You; have mercy on us!

Compassionate El is Your Name; Elohym Who is gracious is Your Name; Elohym Who is slow to anger is Your Name; full of compassion is Your Name; Your Name is called upon us; YHWH our Elohym, act for the sake of Your Name.

EILEYKA YHWH

Toward You, YHWH, I have raised up my eyes; hear the sound of my pleas as befits Your great kindness. I have trusted in Your Name and have spread out my palms; I have taken words and have come unto You. My sorrows have been overpowering and my groans have increased, for all of my sins have You set before You. My delicate soul dissipates from grief; release from anxiety the soul of Your servant. Remove my sin, O Elohym of my salvation; also my tears may You place in Your flask. In times of anger, Your mercy may You recall and reconsider, and gladden and console the soul of Your servant.

Our Father, our King, You are our Father! Our Father, our King, we have no King but You! Our Father, our King, have mercy on us! Our Father, our King, be gracious to us and answer us, although we do not possess excellent deeds.

Deal with us with righteousness and kindness for the sake of Your great Name, and save us. And we know not what more to do, but our eyes look to You. Recall Your mercies and kindnesses, YHWH, for they have existed from ever. May Your kindness be upon us, YHWH, as we have hoped in You.

QADDISH

Exalted and sanctified be His great Name in the world that He created according to His will. May His kingdom reign, and may He cause His redemption to sprout, and may He hasten the coming of His Mashiach in your lifetime and in your days and in the lifetime of the entire house of Yisrael, speedily and very soon; and let us say: Amein!

May His great Name be blessed forever and to all eternity.

Blessed, lauded, esteemed, exalted, extolled, honored, upraised, and praised be the Name of the set-apart One; Blessed be He; above all the blessings, songs, praises and words of consolation that may be uttered in the world; and let us say: Amein!

May your prayers and pleas be accepted together with the prayers and pleas of the entire house of Yisrael before our Father in heaven and earth, in the name of Yehoshua HaMashiach; and let us say: Amein!

May there be abundant shalom from heaven, life, contentment, salvation, consolation, deliverance, healing, redemption, pardon, atonement, comfort and relief for us and for His entire nation Yisrael; and let us say: Amein!

HON TAHON

Be merciful to Your children who are returning to You, and who stand before You with trepidation, fearful of the time they will be called to judgment; it is for that reason that they come in distress. Recall compassion on the Day of Judgment; do away with anger and wrath at the time You will judge those who fear You and those who dwell on Your Name – they who are sitting in judgment. Bring near to me the year of the Redeemer, and redeem me; upon restful waters, O Elohym, lead me, and recall for me the merit of the perfect man, Yehoshua HaMashiach, and place me like a seal upon Your heart. Amein!