Topical Encyclopedia Athaliah, a significant yet notorious figure in the history of Judah, was the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, and she became the wife of Jehoram, King of Judah. Her account is primarily chronicled in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where her influence and actions are depicted as both politically and religiously impactful.Family and Marriage: Athaliah was born into the royal family of Israel, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, who were known for their promotion of Baal worship and opposition to the prophets of Yahweh. Her marriage to Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, was likely a political alliance intended to strengthen 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' household. Reign and Influence: Upon the death of Jehoshaphat, Jehoram ascended to the throne of Judah, and Athaliah became queen consort. Jehoram's reign was marked by a departure from the ways of his father, as he "walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for he married a daughter of Ahab" (2 Kings 8:18). Under Athaliah's influence, Jehoram introduced the worship of Baal into Judah, leading the nation into idolatry and away from the worship of Yahweh. After Jehoram's death, their son Ahaziah became king, but his reign was short-lived. Ahaziah was killed during a visit to Israel, where he was caught up in the purge executed by Jehu against the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9:27-28). Usurpation and Rule: Following the death of Ahaziah, Athaliah seized the throne of Judah, making her the only woman to rule the kingdom. Her rise to power was marked by a brutal act of political violence, as she sought to secure her position by ordering the massacre of the royal family. "When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs" (2 Kings 11:1). However, unbeknownst to her, Ahaziah's sister Jehosheba hid Joash, Ahaziah's young son, in the temple, saving him from the slaughter. Athaliah's reign lasted for six years, during which she continued to promote Baal worship in Judah. Her rule is characterized by the continuation of the idolatrous practices introduced during her husband's reign, further entrenching the nation in apostasy. Downfall: The end of Athaliah's reign came through a carefully orchestrated coup led by Jehoiada, the high priest. In the seventh year of her rule, Jehoiada revealed Joash, the rightful heir to the throne, and anointed him king in a dramatic ceremony at the temple. "Then they brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, gave him the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him and clapped their hands and declared, 'Long live the king!'" (2 Kings 11:12). Upon hearing the commotion, Athaliah rushed to the temple, where she was captured and executed. "So they seized her as she reached the horses’ entrance to the palace grounds, and there she was put to death" (2 Kings 11:16). Legacy: Athaliah's legacy is one of infamy, as her reign is remembered for its idolatry and bloodshed. Her account serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of apostasy and the consequences of turning away from the covenantal faithfulness to Yahweh. Her influence on Judah was profound, yet ultimately, her attempt to eradicate the Davidic line was thwarted, preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would come. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 8:18,26And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife: and he did evil in the sight of the LORD. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 11:1-3,12-16,20 2 Chronicles 22:10-12 2 Chronicles 23:12-15,21 Library The Kingdom Op Judah. Ahaziah The Fall of the House of Ahab New Uses for Old Trophies Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ... The Antiquities of the Jews Questions. Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Fourth vision "In Heaven" Resources Who was Athaliah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Jehoiada in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Joash in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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