2 Chronicles 23:13

And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason.

And she looked {H7200}, and, behold, the king {H4428} stood {H5975} at his pillar {H5982} at the entering in {H3996}, and the princes {H8269} and the trumpets {H2689} by the king {H4428}: and all the people {H5971} of the land {H776} rejoiced {H8056}, and sounded {H8628} with trumpets {H2689}, also the singers {H7891} with instruments {H3627} of musick {H7892}, and such as taught {H3045} to sing praise {H1984}. Then Athaliah {H6271} rent {H7167} her clothes {H899}, and said {H559}, Treason {H7195}, Treason {H7195}.

looked and saw the king standing there on his platform at the entrance, with the leaders and trumpeters next to the king. All the people of the land were celebrating and blowing the trumpets; while the singers with their musical instruments were leading songs of praise. At this, 'Atalyah tore her clothes and cried, "Treason! Treason!"

And she looked out and saw the king standing by his pillar at the entrance. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets, while the singers with musical instruments were leading the praises. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason, treason!”

and she looked, and, behold, the king stood by his pillar at the entrance, and the captains and the trumpets by the king; and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew trumpets; the singers also played on instruments of music, and led the singing of praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason! treason!

Commentary

2 Chronicles 23:13 captures the dramatic climax of the rebellion against Queen Athaliah, vividly portraying her stunned reaction as the rightful king, Joash, is publicly revealed and acclaimed by the people of Judah. This pivotal verse marks a significant moment of restoration and divine justice in the history of Israel.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is set during a critical period in the Kingdom of Judah. Following the death of her son King Ahaziah, Queen Athaliah, daughter of the wicked King Ahab and Jezebel, seized the throne and ruthlessly attempted to eradicate the entire royal line of David. However, the infant Joash, son of Ahaziah, was miraculously rescued by his aunt Jehosheba and her husband, Jehoiada the high priest, and hidden in the temple for six years. Athaliah's usurpation of the throne was a direct challenge to God's covenant with David, which promised an enduring lineage (2 Samuel 7:16).

Jehoiada, a faithful and strategic leader, meticulously orchestrated a coup to overthrow Athaliah and install Joash as the legitimate king. The "pillar at the entering in" refers to a traditional, prominent location within the temple courtyard where kings would stand for public appearances and official ceremonies, symbolizing their authority and presence. The scene described in this verse is one of jubilant celebration as the Davidic line is restored and Athaliah's tyrannical reign comes to an end.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Restoration of Legitimate Authority: The central theme is the dramatic return of the rightful king, Joash, to the throne, signifying the end of Athaliah's tyrannical rule and the re-establishment of God's chosen order. This highlights God's faithfulness to His promises despite human wickedness.
  • Divine Justice: Athaliah's reign of terror and her attempt to destroy the royal lineage are met with swift and public judgment. Her desperate cry of "Treason, Treason" is profoundly ironic, as she herself was the true usurper and traitor to God's covenant.
  • Public Affirmation and Rejoicing: The widespread rejoicing of "all the people of the land," accompanied by trumpets and music, signifies national approval and immense relief at the re-establishment of righteous leadership. This collective joy underscores the people's desire for a king who would rule justly and in accordance with God's law.
  • The Role of Righteous Leadership: Jehoiada the priest's courageous and strategic actions exemplify the critical role of godly leaders in preserving truth, justice, and the divine order within a nation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "rent her clothes" is a deeply significant cultural gesture in ancient Israel. It was a common, outward expression of extreme grief, despair, horror, or protest, often associated with perceived blasphemy or treason. In Athaliah's context, it is a desperate act of defiance and a false accusation against those who were legitimately restoring order. Her repeated cry of "Treason, Treason" reveals her shock, panic, and desperate attempt to discredit the rightful coronation of Joash, even as her own downfall was imminent.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 23:13 serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty over human affairs. Even in times of great wickedness and injustice, God works through faithful individuals to bring about His divine purposes. It encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate justice and to pray for and support righteous leadership. The people's joy upon the restoration of a legitimate, God-ordained king also illustrates the profound blessing that comes when a nation aligns itself with divine principles, transitioning from oppression to peace and order under God's chosen leader.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 9:23

    And Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, [There is] treachery, O Ahaziah.

  • Proverbs 11:10

    ¶ When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, [there is] shouting.

  • Numbers 10:1

    ¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

  • Numbers 10:10

    Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I [am] the LORD your God.

  • Romans 2:1

    ¶ Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

  • Romans 2:2

    But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:12

    For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so [are] the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.
← Back