The Sons of Athaliah are a group mentioned in the context of the tumultuous period of the monarchy in Judah, specifically during the reign of Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Athaliah was the wife of King Jehoram of Judah and the mother of King Ahaziah. Her influence and actions are recorded in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where her reign is marked by idolatry and violence.

Historical Context

Athaliah's rise to power came after the death of her son, King Ahaziah, who was killed by Jehu as part of his divinely sanctioned purge against the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9:27-28). Following Ahaziah's death, Athaliah seized the throne of Judah, making her the only queen to rule the kingdom. Her reign lasted for six years, during which she sought to establish Baal worship in Judah, continuing the legacy of her parents, Ahab and Jezebel.

Destruction of the Royal Family

In her quest for power, Athaliah attempted to eliminate the Davidic line by ordering the massacre of all potential heirs to the throne. This act of violence is recorded 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." Her intention was to secure her position and eradicate any threat to her rule, which was deeply rooted in the idolatrous practices of her family.

Survival of Joash

Despite Athaliah's efforts, one heir survived—Joash (also spelled Jehoash). He was rescued by Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, who was married to Jehoiada the priest. Jehosheba hid Joash in the temple of the LORD for six years while Athaliah reigned over the land (2 Kings 11:2-3). This act of bravery preserved the Davidic line, fulfilling God's covenant promise to David that his descendants would continue to rule.

The Role of Jehoiada

Jehoiada the priest played a crucial role in the overthrow of Athaliah. In the seventh year of Athaliah's reign, Jehoiada orchestrated a coup to restore the rightful heir to the throne. He gathered the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards, and revealed Joash to them, securing their allegiance (2 Kings 11:4-12). The coronation of Joash was marked by the anointing of the young king and the acclamation of the people, "Long live the king!" (2 Kings 11:12).

Athaliah's Downfall

The coup culminated in the execution of Athaliah. Upon hearing the noise of the people and the guards, she entered the temple of the LORD and saw Joash standing by the pillar, as was the custom for kings. Realizing her end was near, she cried out, "Treason! Treason!" (2 Kings 11:14). Jehoiada commanded that she be taken outside the temple grounds and put to death, thus ending her tyrannical rule (2 Kings 11:15-16).

Theological Significance

The account of Athaliah and her sons underscores the ongoing spiritual battle between the worship of Yahweh and the idolatrous practices introduced by Ahab and Jezebel. Athaliah's attempt to destroy the Davidic line was ultimately thwarted by divine providence, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The preservation of Joash and the subsequent reforms under Jehoiada's guidance marked a return to the worship of the LORD and the restoration of the Davidic monarchy.

The account of Athaliah and her sons serves as a reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the sovereignty of God in preserving His chosen lineage, through whom the ultimate Redeemer, Jesus Christ, would come.