Athaliah, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, serves as a stark example of a parent whose actions were detrimental to her family and the nation of Judah. As the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, Athaliah's lineage was already marked by idolatry and rebellion against God. Her marriage to Jehoram, king of Judah, further entrenched the influence of Baal worship in the southern kingdom, leading to spiritual and moral decay.

Athaliah's most notorious act was her ruthless seizure of power following the death of her son, King Ahaziah. In a bid to secure her position as queen, she ordered the massacre of the entire royal family, her own grandchildren included, to eliminate any threats to her rule. This act of infanticide 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 reign, lasting six years, was characterized by the promotion of Baal worship and the suppression of the worship of Yahweh. Athaliah's influence as a parent and leader was profoundly negative, as she led Judah further away from the covenantal relationship with God. Her actions not only endangered the Davidic line but also brought about a period of spiritual darkness in Judah.

The narrative of Athaliah's downfall is a testament to divine justice and the preservation of God's promises. Her reign ended when Jehoiada the priest orchestrated a coup, revealing Joash, the hidden heir to the throne, and restoring the Davidic line. 2 Kings 11:20 recounts the people's reaction: "So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet, because Athaliah had been put to the sword at the palace."

Athaliah's legacy as a bad parent is underscored by her willingness to sacrifice her own descendants for power, her promotion of idolatry, and her opposition to God's ordained order. Her life serves as a cautionary tale of the destructive potential of ungodly influence within a family and a nation.2 Chronicles 22:3
He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counselor to do wickedly.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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How should Christian parents handle the death of a child? | GotQuestions.org

What should Christian parents do if they have a prodigal son (or daughter)? | GotQuestions.org

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