2 Chronicles 23:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!"

Berean Standard Bible

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!”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 23:13 captures the dramatic and pivotal moment of Queen Athaliah's downfall, as she witnesses the public coronation of the rightful Davidic king, Joash, whom she believed to be dead. This verse vividly portrays her stunned realization and desperate, ironic cry of "Treason!" amidst the overwhelming jubilation of the people of Judah, marking the triumphant restoration of God's covenantal line and the end of a tyrannical reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the dramatic climax of Jehoiada the high priest's meticulously planned and executed coup against the usurper Queen Athaliah. Immediately preceding this, Jehoiada has secretly gathered the commanders, Levites, and heads of families, securing their oath of loyalty (2 Chronicles 23:1-8). He then strategically arms them and positions them around the temple, where the young Joash, hidden for six years (2 Chronicles 22:11-12), is brought forth. Joash is crowned and anointed, and the people respond with shouts of "Long live the king!" (2 Chronicles 23:9-12). Verse 13 depicts Athaliah's sudden and shocking discovery of these events, her desperate reaction, and the overwhelming public affirmation of Joash. The verses that follow detail her swift execution outside the temple grounds (2 Chronicles 23:14-15) and Jehoiada's subsequent reforms, including the restoration of temple worship and the re-establishment of the covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people (2 Chronicles 23:16-21).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Chronicles 23 unfold during a turbulent period in the history of the Kingdom of Judah. Following the death of her son, King Ahaziah, Athaliah, daughter of the wicked King Ahab and Jezebel of Israel, seized power and ruthlessly attempted to eradicate the entire royal line of David (see [2 Chronicles 22:10](/2_chronicles/22-10 "Athaliah's Usurpation")). This act was a direct and blasphemous challenge to God's eternal covenant with David, which promised an enduring dynasty (as seen in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Covenant with David")). The infant Joash, however, was miraculously rescued by his aunt Jehosheba and her husband, Jehoiada the high priest, and hidden within the temple for six years (see [2 Chronicles 22:11-12](/2_chronicles/22-11 "Joash Hidden in the Temple")). Jehoiada, a figure of immense faith and strategic wisdom, orchestrated this coup to restore the legitimate Davidic king. The "pillar at the entering in" (or "king's stand") refers to a traditional, prominent location within the temple courtyard where kings would stand for public appearances, proclamations, and official ceremonies, symbolizing their authority and presence before the people and God. The scene of jubilation, with trumpets and music, was typical for royal coronations, signifying national approval and immense relief at the re-establishment of righteous leadership and the Davidic line.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse contributes significantly to several major themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the **Restoration of Legitimate Authority** and God's unwavering **Faithfulness to the Davidic Covenant**. Despite Athaliah's ruthless attempt to extinguish the Davidic line, God preserves a remnant, demonstrating His sovereign power to uphold His promises even in the face of extreme human wickedness. This highlights the enduring nature of God's plan for a righteous king. Another prominent theme is **Divine Justice and Retribution**. Athaliah's tyrannical reign and her direct assault on God's covenant are met with swift and public judgment, underscoring the principle that wickedness will not ultimately prevail. Her desperate cry of "Treason, Treason" is profoundly ironic, as she herself was the true usurper and traitor to God's established order. The widespread **Public Affirmation and Rejoicing** of "all the people of the land" signifies a collective desire for and relief at the re-establishment of righteous leadership, emphasizing the importance of a people's alignment with God's chosen ruler. Finally, the courageous and strategic actions of **Righteous Leadership** exemplified by Jehoiada the priest are central, showcasing the critical role of godly individuals in preserving truth, justice, and the divine order within a nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pillar (Hebrew, _‘ammud_):** This term refers to a column or stand, specifically in this context, the "king's stand" or "pillar" (מַעֲמָד, _ma‘amad_ in 2 Kings 11:14, though 2 Chronicles 23:13 uses a more general term for "pillar" but implies the same location). It was a recognized place within the temple where the king would stand during significant public ceremonies, especially coronations or covenant renewals. Its significance lies in its symbolic function as the focal point of royal authority and public visibility, connecting the king directly to the sacred space of the temple and the presence of God. For Joash to be standing there publicly affirmed his legitimate claim to the throne and his divine appointment.
* **Rent her clothes (Hebrew, _qara‘_):** This action was a profound and culturally significant gesture in ancient Israel, typically expressing extreme grief, despair, horror, or protest. It was often associated with perceived blasphemy, great calamity, or, as in this case, an accusation of treason or profound injustice. For Athaliah, it was a desperate, public display of distress and outrage, a final, futile attempt to assert her authority and discredit the legitimate coronation of Joash by accusing the participants of a heinous crime against the crown. The act itself underscores her shock and the depth of her perceived loss of power.
* **Treason (Hebrew, _qesher_):** Literally meaning "conspiracy" or "rebellion," this word is Athaliah's desperate accusation. The profound irony lies in the fact that Athaliah herself was the ultimate "traitor" to the Davidic covenant and the legitimate line of kings. Her cry, intended to rally support and delegitimize Joash, instead highlights her own lawless usurpation and the righteous nature of the coup against her. It is a desperate, self-condemning utterance that underscores the divine justice unfolding before her eyes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in":** This clause vividly portrays Athaliah's sudden, shocking discovery. The phrase "behold" (וְהִנֵּה, _v'hinneh_) emphasizes the unexpected and dramatic nature of what she sees. Joash, the rightful king, whom she had presumed dead and whose lineage she had attempted to eradicate, is now publicly displayed at the traditional place of royal authority within the temple courtyard, a clear sign of his legitimate coronation. This moment is the turning point of the narrative, revealing the success of Jehoiada's conspiracy.
* **"and the princes and the trumpets by the king":** This detail underscores the official and celebratory nature of the coronation. The "princes" (שָׂרִים, _sarim_) represent the leading officials and military commanders who have sworn allegiance to Joash, signifying the institutional support for his reign. The presence of "trumpets" (חֲצֹצְרוֹת, _hatsotsrot_) indicates a royal proclamation and celebration, a sound of triumph and new beginnings, further emphasizing the legitimacy and public nature of the event.
* **"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":** This lengthy clause emphasizes the overwhelming popular acclamation and the jubilant atmosphere. The phrase "all the people of the land" (כָּל־עַם הָאָרֶץ, _kol-’am ha’arets_) signifies a widespread, unified, and enthusiastic endorsement of Joash's kingship. The repetition of "trumpets" and the addition of "singers with instruments of musick" and "such as taught to sing praise" paint a picture of national celebration, relief, and worship, indicating that this was not merely a political coup but a divinely affirmed restoration of order and righteousness.
* **"Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason.":** This final clause captures Athaliah's desperate and futile reaction. Tearing her clothes is a visible sign of profound distress and protest, a last-ditch effort to express outrage and perhaps incite a counter-rebellion. Her repeated cry of "Treason, Treason" is deeply ironic, as she, the usurper, attempts to accuse those who are restoring legitimate rule. This desperate accusation marks her complete loss of control and the final collapse of her illegitimate reign.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 2 Chronicles 23:13 is rich with **Dramatic Irony**. Athaliah, the true usurper and traitor to the Davidic covenant, cries "Treason, Treason" against those who are rightfully restoring the legitimate king. This ironic reversal highlights her blindness to her own wickedness and the divine justice unfolding. There is also a powerful **Contrast** presented: the overwhelming, jubilant sounds of trumpets, music, and the people's shouts of joy stand in stark opposition to Athaliah's desperate cry and the tearing of her clothes, symbolizing the clash between righteous restoration and illegitimate tyranny. The verse functions as the **Climax** of the coup narrative, the moment of direct confrontation where the hidden truth is revealed, and the usurper is exposed. The "pillar" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing the seat of legitimate royal authority and the public face of the monarchy, making Joash's presence there a powerful visual statement of his rightful claim.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 23:13 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic Covenant, which guaranteed an enduring lineage of kings. Even when human wickedness, as embodied by Athaliah, attempts to thwart divine plans and eradicate the promised line, God's sovereignty prevails. This dramatic restoration of Joash demonstrates that no human power, however ruthless, can ultimately undermine God's purposes or His chosen instruments. It underscores the biblical principle that legitimate authority is derived from God, and those who usurp it will ultimately face divine justice. The people's overwhelming joy signifies the blessing and peace that come when a nation aligns itself with God's righteous order, moving from oppression under a wicked ruler to the hope of a God-ordained king.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 75:7](/psalms/75-7 "God Judges and Exalts")
* [Psalm 126:1-3](/psalms/126-1 "When the Lord Restored the Fortunes of Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Chronicles 23:13 offers profound lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in times of profound darkness, injustice, and apparent triumph of evil, God remains sovereign and actively works to fulfill His purposes. Athaliah's reign of terror and her attempt to destroy the Davidic line represent the forces that seek to undermine God's truth and order in our world. Yet, God, through faithful individuals like Jehoiada, brings about a dramatic reversal. This encourages us to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when circumstances seem bleak, and to pray for and support righteous leadership in all spheres of influence. The overwhelming joy of the people of Judah upon the restoration of their legitimate king should inspire us to rejoice when truth and justice prevail, and to actively participate in bringing about God's kingdom values in our own contexts. It calls us to discern true authority from usurped power and to align ourselves with God's righteous reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Athaliah's cry of "Treason!" challenge our own perceptions of justice and authority in a world where truth is often inverted?**
* **In what ways can we, like the people of Judah, actively rejoice in the restoration of righteousness and God's order in our communities or the broader world?**
* **What lessons can we draw from Jehoiada's faithful and strategic leadership when confronting injustice or spiritual opposition today?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "pillar" where the king stood?**

Answer: The "pillar" (or "king's stand") was a specific and highly significant location within the temple courtyard, traditionally used for royal proclamations, coronations, and public appearances of the king. Its importance lay in its symbolic connection to both royal authority and the divine presence within the temple. For Joash to stand there publicly signified his legitimate claim to the throne and his divine appointment, making his coronation visible and undeniable to all. It was a place of official recognition and covenant renewal, emphasizing that the king's rule was under God. This same location is mentioned in [2 Kings 11:14](/2_kings/11-14 "Joash at the Pillar"), confirming its established role.

**Why did Athaliah cry "Treason, Treason"?**

Answer: Athaliah's cry of "Treason, Treason" was a desperate, immediate reaction born of shock, panic, and a last-ditch effort to assert her rapidly collapsing authority. She had believed the Davidic line extinguished and her reign secure. Witnessing Joash, the rightful king, publicly acclaimed by the people and the princes, was an unbearable blow. By shouting "Treason," she aimed to delegitimize the coronation and rally any remaining loyalists to her side, portraying the legitimate restoration as an unlawful rebellion against her rule. The profound irony, however, is that Athaliah herself was the true usurper and traitor to God's covenant with David, making her accusation a self-condemning statement that underscored her own wickedness and the righteousness of the coup against her.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic events of 2 Chronicles 23:13, particularly the restoration of Joash to the Davidic throne, powerfully foreshadow the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment. Joash, a hidden king miraculously preserved from an attempted genocide, emerges to reclaim his rightful inheritance and bring an end to a tyrannical reign. This narrative mirrors the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true and eternal Davidic King (as seen in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "The Son of David")). Like Joash, Jesus was born into the Davidic line, threatened by forces of evil (Herod's attempt to kill the infants, [Matthew 2:16](/matthew/2-16 "Herod's Slaughter of the Innocents")), and hidden for a time before His public ministry. His crucifixion appeared to be the triumph of the usurper (Satan, sin, and death), but it was, in fact, the means by which He triumphed over all principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them (as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Triumph over Powers")). The jubilant acclamation of Joash by "all the people of the land" foreshadows the universal rejoicing that will accompany the revelation of Christ's full kingdom, when "the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever" ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Athaliah's desperate cry of "Treason!" against the rightful king finds its ultimate parallel in the futile rebellion of those who oppose Christ's sovereign rule, who will ultimately be cast down as the Lord God Almighty reigns ([Revelation 19:6](/revelation/19-6 "The Lord God Almighty Reigns")). Thus, Joash's coronation is a powerful type, pointing to the victorious and eternal reign of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world and establishes His everlasting kingdom of righteousness and peace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.