Topical Encyclopedia Athaliah, a significant yet infamous figure in the biblical narrative, is often remembered for her tumultuous reign and the impact she had on the Kingdom of Judah. She was the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, and she married Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. This union was part of a political alliance between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.Background and Family Lineage Athaliah's lineage is notable for its association with the house of Omri, a dynasty known for its idolatrous practices and opposition to the worship of Yahweh. Her mother, Jezebel, was particularly infamous for promoting the worship of Baal in Israel, and this influence extended into Athaliah's life and reign. Reign and Usurpation After the death of her husband Jehoram and the subsequent death of her son Ahaziah, Athaliah seized the throne of Judah. Her rise to power was marked by a violent coup, as she sought to eliminate the Davidic line by ordering the massacre of all potential heirs to the throne. This act of usurpation 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." However, unbeknownst to Athaliah, Joash, the infant son of Ahaziah, was hidden by his aunt Jehosheba and her husband Jehoiada, the high priest, in the temple of the LORD. This preservation of the Davidic line was crucial for the fulfillment of God's covenant with David, ensuring that his lineage would continue. Religious Influence and Idolatry Athaliah's reign is characterized by her promotion of Baal worship in Judah, following in the footsteps of her mother Jezebel. Her influence led to the construction of altars and the establishment of Baal worship within the kingdom, which was a direct affront to the worship of Yahweh. This period of idolatry and apostasy was a dark chapter in Judah's history, as it led the people away from their covenantal relationship with God. Downfall and Death Athaliah's six-year reign came to an abrupt end through the courageous actions of Jehoiada the priest. In a carefully orchestrated coup, Jehoiada revealed the existence of Joash, the rightful heir to the throne, and led a revolt against Athaliah. The account of her downfall is vividly described in 2 Kings 11:13-16, where Athaliah, upon realizing the uprising, cried out, "Treason! Treason!" She was subsequently captured and executed at the Horse Gate of the king's palace. Legacy Athaliah's legacy is one of tyranny and idolatry, serving as a cautionary tale of the dangers of abandoning the worship of the true God for the allure of foreign deities. Her attempt to eradicate the Davidic line was ultimately thwarted by divine providence, ensuring the continuation of God's promises to David. Her account is a testament to the resilience of God's covenant and the faithfulness of those who, like Jehoiada, stood firm in their commitment to the LORD amidst adversity. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 8:26And Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and Athaliah, Nave's Topical Index Library The Boy Joash on the Throne of Judah How Athaliah Reigned Over Jerusalem for Five [Six] Years when ... The Kingdom Op Judah. The Fall of the House of Ahab Concerning the Wickedness of Jehoram King O Jerusalem; his Defeat ... Ahaziah Jehoshaphat Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ... The Fourth vision "In Heaven" Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ... Resources What does the Bible say about family conflict? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about People in the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.org What was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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