Bible Figure

Athaliah

Female • Old Testament
Queen of Judah
A Visit With Jesus
  Back to Dictionary Article
Athaliah was the daughter of the house of Ahab who seized the throne of Judah and attempted to destroy the Davidic royal family.
Athaliah

Biography

After her son Ahaziah died, Athaliah killed the royal heirs and ruled Judah for six years. One infant prince, Joash, was secretly rescued by Jehosheba and hidden with the priest Jehoiada in the Temple. In the seventh year Jehoiada organized a carefully guarded coronation of Joash. Athaliah entered the Temple court, saw the young king, and cried 'Treason!' She was removed from the sacred precinct and executed. The people then destroyed the temple of Baal, killed its priest Mattan, and restored the Davidic monarchy.

Biblical Significance

Athaliah's attempt to eliminate David's line threatened the dynasty associated with God's covenant promise. The preservation of Joash demonstrates providential protection of that line despite a near-total political catastrophe.