Background and Context

Athaliah, a significant yet notorious figure in the history of Judah, was the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel. Her marriage to Jehoram, the king of Judah, was likely a political alliance aimed at strengthening ties between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This union, however, brought with it the idolatrous influences of her parents, which would later manifest in her reign.

Ascension to Power

The narrative of Athaliah's usurpation is primarily found in 2 Kings 11 and 2 Chronicles 22-23. Following the death of her son, King Ahaziah of Judah, Athaliah seized the throne. Ahaziah's death occurred during a tumultuous period marked by the violent purges initiated by Jehu in Israel, which also claimed the lives of many of Ahaziah's relatives. In the power vacuum that ensued, Athaliah took drastic measures to secure her position.

2 Kings 11:1 states, "When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs." This act of regicide was unprecedented in Judah's history, as Athaliah sought to eliminate any potential claimants to the throne, thereby consolidating her power.

Reign and Religious Influence

Athaliah's reign, lasting approximately six years, was marked by the continuation and intensification of Baal worship in Judah. Her influence, rooted in her upbringing in the house of Ahab and Jezebel, led to the further erosion of the worship of Yahweh. The temple of Baal in Jerusalem, likely established during her reign, became a focal point of idolatrous practices.

2 Chronicles 24:7 provides insight into the religious climate under Athaliah: "For the sons of that wicked woman Athaliah had broken into the house of God and had even used the sacred objects of the house of the LORD for the Baals." This verse underscores the extent of her apostasy and the desecration of the temple.

Overthrow and Death

Athaliah's rule came to an abrupt end through a carefully orchestrated coup led by Jehoiada, the high priest. Jehoiada, a staunch supporter of the Davidic line, had secretly preserved Joash, the rightful heir to the throne, by hiding him in the temple for six years. When the time was ripe, Jehoiada revealed Joash to the people and anointed him king.

2 Kings 11:12-14 describes the pivotal moment: "Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, 'Long live the king!' When Athaliah heard the noise from the guards and the people, she went out to the people at 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."

Athaliah's reaction was one of shock and outrage, as she cried out, "Treason! Treason!" However, her cries were in vain. Jehoiada commanded that she be captured and executed outside the temple grounds, thus ending her tyrannical rule.

Legacy

Athaliah's usurpation and subsequent downfall serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of deviating from the covenantal path established by God for His people. Her reign is often viewed as a dark chapter in Judah's history, characterized by the subversion of legitimate authority and the promotion of pagan practices. The restoration of the Davidic line through Joash, under the guidance of Jehoiada, marked a return to covenant faithfulness and the reestablishment of proper worship in Judah.2 Kings 11:1-16
And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal.
Nave's Topical Index

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... and the close of the Babylonian dynasty; usurpation of Ukinzir ... entirely given up
their claims to political independence. ... to in the history of Athaliah (2 Kings ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The Philistines, their political organisation, their army and fleet"Judah, Dan,
and the ... elect a "nasi," or ruler, the duration of whose functions ceased with ...
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