Topical Bible: Homicide: Felonious: Athaliah

◄ Homicide: Felonious: Athaliah ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Athaliah, a significant yet notorious figure in the biblical narrative, is primarily known for her role in the violent and felonious act of homicide within the royal family of Judah. Her account is recounted in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where she emerges as a queen who seized power through bloodshed.

Background and Rise to Power

Athaliah was the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, a lineage marked by idolatry and opposition to the worship of Yahweh. She married Jehoram, the king of Judah, thereby uniting the royal families of Israel and Judah. After the death of her husband and the subsequent death of her son, King Ahaziah, Athaliah took drastic measures to secure her position as the ruler of Judah.

The Act of Homicide

Upon the death of Ahaziah, Athaliah committed a heinous act of mass murder to eliminate any potential threats to her rule. The Bible records her actions in 2 Kings 11:1 : "When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs." This act of felonious homicide was aimed at exterminating the Davidic line, which was seen as a direct challenge to God's covenant with David.

Reign and Religious Influence

Athaliah's reign was marked by the continuation of Baal worship, a practice she inherited from her parents. Her influence led to the further erosion of the worship of Yahweh in Judah, as she promoted idolatry and pagan practices. Her rule is often viewed as a dark period in Judah's history, characterized by spiritual and moral decline.

Downfall and Retribution

Despite her efforts to secure her throne through violence, Athaliah's reign was ultimately short-lived. Her downfall came through a divinely orchestrated plan involving Jehoiada, the high priest, who secretly preserved Joash, the rightful heir to the throne. In 2 Kings 11:13-16 , the narrative describes Athaliah's demise: "When Athaliah heard the noise from the guards and the people, she went out to the people in the house of the LORD. There she saw the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom, with the officers and trumpeters beside the king, and all the people of the land rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, 'Treason! Treason!' And Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, 'Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.' For the priest had said, 'She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.' So they seized Athaliah as she reached the horses’ entrance to the palace grounds, and there she was put to death."

Legacy

Athaliah's legacy is one of infamy, as her actions are remembered as a direct assault on the divinely ordained line of David. Her account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of idolatry, ambition, and the rejection of God's covenant. Her felonious act of homicide underscores the destructive nature of sin and the ultimate triumph of God's justice and sovereignty.