Athaliah
“Yahweh is exalted”
Summary
The wicked queen who usurped Judah's throne by murdering the royal family, ruling for six years until overthrown and executed.
☩Background and Marriage
Athaliah was the daughter of Ahab king of Israel and Jezebel. Through political alliance, she married Jehoram king of Judah, bringing the worship of Baal into the southern kingdom. She promoted idolatry as her mother had done in Israel, and her influence led Judah into spiritual decline during her husband's and son's reigns.
☩Usurpation and Reign
When her son Ahaziah was killed by Jehu, Athaliah seized power by murdering all the royal heirs—her own grandchildren. Only the infant Joash was saved, hidden in the temple by Jehosheba, Ahaziah's sister, and her husband Jehoiada the priest. Athaliah ruled Judah for six years, promoting Baal worship and allowing the temple of God to fall into disrepair.
☩Overthrow and Death
In the seventh year, Jehoiada the priest organized a coup. He revealed the surviving prince Joash, crowned him king with the protection of the royal guard, and proclaimed him publicly. When Athaliah heard the commotion and saw the young king, she cried 'Treason!' Jehoiada ordered her seized and executed outside the temple grounds.
Related Verses18 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Athaliah," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Athaliah," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).