2 Kings 11:13

The Death of Athaliah

13 When Athaliah heard the noise from the guards and the people, she went out to the people in the house of the LORD. ¹

2 Kings 11:13 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 11:13

And when Athaliah heard the noise of the guard, and of the
people
Their acclamations and shouts at the coronation of the king; for by this time the people had some knowledge of the affair, and ran, and came flocking to see the new king, and express their joy on this occasion, and whom they greatly praised, ( 2 Chronicles 23:12 )

she came to the people into the temple of the Lord;
the outward court, where the people were assembled; and she seems to come alone, unattended, in great surprise and consternation, and was admitted to pass the guards, being the queen, and alone, and perhaps by the particular order of Jehoiada, though contrary to the general orders he gave, ( 2 Kings 11:8 ) .

2 Kings 11:13 In-Context

11 And the guards stood with weapons in hand surrounding the king by the altar and the temple, from the south side to the north side of the temple.

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 declared, “Long live the king!”

13 When Athaliah heard the noise from the guards and the people, she went out to the people in the house of the LORD.

14 And she looked out and saw the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason! Treason!”

15 And Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.”

Cross References

• 1. (2 Chronicles 23:12–15)