The Death of Queen Athaliah

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Chapter 23 records the eventual downfall of Queen Athaliah. She reigned for 6 years (840-835) before Jehoiada, the Chief Priest, had her killed. Then he produced Joash, the last living son of Ahaziah whom he has saved from Athaliah when she was trying to kill all who might continue the linage of David.

The story is a gruesome one. Jehoiada, the Chief Priest, sent five army officers across the Nation of Judah to secretly tell the Levites and clan leaders to come to Jerusalem. On arrival they were told of Jehoiada's plan to take the young Joash, who had been hidden in the Temple for 6 years, and make him King of Judah. They agreed with Jehoiada's plan and pledged allegiance to the new king. At last, the Lord's promise that a descendant of David would be the King of Judah.

This is how the plan was brought about. A third of the Priests and Levites that came off duty on the Sabbath stayed at the entrance of the Temple as guards. Another third went over to the Palace where Queen Athaliah resided. The last third was sent to the Lower Gate. They were ordered to kill anyone who attempted to enter the Temple. Then the brought the little Prince out of hiding and placed the crown upon his head, and a great shout went up.

When Queen Athaliah heard all the shouts of phrase, she rushed over to the Temple to see what was going on. When she saw the young king standing by the pillars at the entrance of the Temple and all the Temple Guards beside him, she ripped her cloths and screamed treason. Jehoiada commanded the army officers to take her and kill her outside the Temple.

Them Jehoiada made a solemn covenant that he, the King and the people would obey and serve God, and all the people rushed over to the temple of Baal and destroyed it. Then the army officers took the new king from the Temple, through the Upper Gate to the Palace and seated him upon the throne, and all the people rejoiced.

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