Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 11
When Jehu destroyed Ahab’s family in northern and central Israel, a woman from that family gained absolute power over Judah (southern Israel). She was Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel (8:18). For the next 6 years, she ruled over Judah. She was the only woman who ruled over either ancient Israel or Judah.
Athaliah was able to gain power because she had married Judah’s former king, Jehoram. So, she became the mother of Ahaziah, the king after him, whom Jehu killed (9:27). Her marriage was a political arrangement. Its purpose was to bring peace between Judah’s royal family and the family of Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:1). For several years afterwards, these two royal families were friendly and they supported each other in war. However, in the end, this arrangement caused terrible troubles in Judah, as we shall now see.
As a ruler, Athaliah became more powerful and cruel even than her mother, Jezebel had been. Athaliah murdered her own family because she did not want any of them to gain power. That included her own children and grandchildren. However, as we shall see, a certain woman managed to save the life of Athaliah’s youngest grandson, Joash.
Jehu destroyed the religion of the false god Baal in northern and central Israel. However, Athaliah brought the religion of Baal into Judah and she made a great temple (sacred building) for it (11:18). That religion would have supported her in her murders and cruel acts. In the religion of Baal, powerful people considered it their right to gain absolute power over everyone else.
Next part: Jehosheba saves the life of Joash (2 Kings 11:2-3)
Please use the links at the top of the page to find our other articles in this series. You can download all our articles if you go to the download page for our free 1000+ page course book.
© 2025, Keith Simons.