Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 11
Jehoiada had placed men to guard each of the gates into the court (yard) of the temple (God’s house in Jerusalem). So, it is not clear to us how Athaliah was able to enter the temple court on this occasion. There may have been a private entrance for the ruler, which she used. However, perhaps she came with her own guards and so she forced her way into the temple court.
There, she saw that the boy Joash was standing in the place for the king. She was not pleased that her grandson had become king. Rather, she was angry to see that he was still alive. She had murdered all his brothers, together with the other members of his family.
Athaliah also saw, and heard, the great joy of the people. Many people were sounding trumpets, their loudest musical instruments. Other people were clapping and shouting. They were glad that the cruelty of Athaliah’s rule over them had ended. They had great hopes for what Joash would achieve as king.
Then suddenly, and for the last time, Athaliah forced them to give attention to her. It seems that she took a position at the front of the crowd: she was near the men who were guarding the new king. Then, she tore her clothes, as if to express shock at a terrible incident. She shouted out, as if an awful crime had happened. She claimed that Joash had no right to be king. She demanded that the people must remain loyal to her as their ruler.
Next part: The death of Athaliah (2 Kings 11:15-16)
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