Topical Bible: Women: Athaliah, in Destroying the Royal Household and Usurping the Throne

◄ Women: Athaliah, in Destroying the Royal Household and Usurping the Throne ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Athaliah, a significant yet notorious figure in the history of Judah, is remembered for her ruthless ambition and the usurpation of the throne. She was the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, and her marriage to Jehoram, king of Judah, was likely a political alliance aimed at strengthening ties between the two kingdoms. Her account is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 11 and 2 Chronicles 22-23.

Background and Rise to Power

Athaliah's influence in Judah began during the reign of her husband, Jehoram, and continued through the reign of her son, Ahaziah. After the death of Ahaziah, who was killed by Jehu as part of his divinely ordained purge against the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9:27-28), Athaliah seized the opportunity to assert her power. In a bid to secure her position, she embarked on a brutal campaign to eliminate the royal family of Judah, thereby removing any legitimate claimants to the throne.

The Massacre of the Royal Family

Athaliah's actions are described 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." This massacre was unprecedented in the history of Judah, as Athaliah sought to destroy the Davidic line, which was central to God's covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Her actions were not only politically motivated but also reflected the idolatrous influence of her parents, Ahab and Jezebel, who had promoted Baal worship in Israel.

Usurpation of the Throne

Having eliminated the royal heirs, Athaliah declared herself queen, becoming the only woman to rule over Judah. Her reign, which lasted for six years, was marked by the continuation of Baal worship and the suppression of the worship of Yahweh. Athaliah's rule is seen as a dark period in Judah's history, characterized by apostasy and the abandonment of the covenantal promises made to David.

The Preservation of the Davidic Line

Despite Athaliah's efforts to destroy the royal line, God's providence ensured the survival of the Davidic dynasty. Jehosheba, the sister of Ahaziah and wife of the high priest Jehoiada, secretly rescued Joash, the infant son of Ahaziah, from the massacre. Joash was hidden in the temple of the LORD for six years, under the protection of Jehoiada and Jehosheba (2 Kings 11:2-3).

The Overthrow of Athaliah

In the seventh year of Athaliah's reign, Jehoiada orchestrated a coup to overthrow her and restore the Davidic line to the throne. The high priest gathered the commanders, the Carites, and the guards, and revealed Joash to them, proclaiming him the rightful king. The coup is detailed in 2 Kings 11:12 : "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!'"

Athaliah, upon hearing the commotion, rushed to the temple and saw Joash being crowned. She cried out, "Treason! Treason!" but was captured and executed outside the temple grounds (2 Kings 11:14-16). Her death marked the end of her tyrannical rule and the restoration of the Davidic line through Joash.

Legacy

Athaliah's legacy is one of infamy, as her actions nearly obliterated the line through which the Messiah would eventually come. Her account serves as a reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God's covenant. Despite her attempts to thwart God's promises, the preservation of Joash underscores the faithfulness of God in maintaining His covenant with David, ensuring the continuation of the line that would ultimately lead to Jesus Christ.

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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.
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2 Chronicles 22:10,12
But when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal of the house of Judah.
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2 Chronicles 23:12-15
Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of the LORD:
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