2 Chronicles 23:21

KJV

And all the people of the land rejoiced: and the city was quiet, after that they had slain Athaliah with the sword.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the people {H5971} of the land {H776} rejoiced {H8055}: and the city {H5892} was quiet {H8252}, after that they had slain {H4191} Athaliah {H6271} with the sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the people of the land celebrated, and at last the city was quiet. That is how they killed 'Atalyah with the sword

Berean Standard Bible

and all the people of the land rejoiced. And the city was quiet, because Athaliah had been put to the sword.

American Standard Version

So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet. And Athaliah they had slain with the sword.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The verse 2 Chronicles 23:21 marks the triumphant culmination of a divinely orchestrated coup, describing the widespread joy and restored tranquility in Jerusalem following the execution of the wicked Queen Athaliah. After six years of her illegitimate and idolatrous reign, characterized by the suppression of true worship and the attempted eradication of the Davidic royal line, the people of Judah experienced profound relief and peace as the rightful heir, Joash, was enthroned and the covenant with the Lord renewed. This moment signifies the triumph of divine justice and the restoration of order and legitimate kingship in Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the definitive climax and resolution to a tumultuous period in Judah's history, immediately following the dramatic events of 2 Chronicles 23. The narrative begins in 2 Chronicles 22:10-12 with Athaliah's ruthless usurpation of the throne after the death of her son, King Ahaziah, and her massacre of the royal seed, save for the infant Joash, who was secretly hidden by Jehoiada the priest and his wife Jehoshabeath. For six years, Athaliah, a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, promoted Baal worship and suppressed the worship of Yahweh. Chapter 23 details Jehoiada's meticulously planned and executed coup: he gathered support from the Levites and military commanders, secured the Temple, presented the young Joash to the people, crowned him king, and renewed the covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people (2 Chronicles 23:1-11). Athaliah's desperate attempt to intervene was swiftly thwarted, and she was led out of the Temple complex and executed (2 Chronicles 23:12-20). Thus, 2 Chronicles 23:21 encapsulates the immediate, profound aftermath of this decisive act, highlighting the collective relief and stability that swept through the land after the removal of tyranny.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Athaliah's reign was an anomaly and a grave threat to the Davidic dynasty and the spiritual integrity of Judah. As the daughter of King Ahab of Israel and the notorious Jezebel, she brought the pervasive influence of Baal worship into Judah, directly challenging the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Her usurpation of the throne and the attempted extermination of the Davidic line were not merely political acts but direct assaults on God's eternal covenant with David, which promised an unbroken lineage of kings (see [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Covenant with David")). The culture of Judah, though often prone to idolatry, still held a deep reverence for the Davidic monarchy and the Temple as the center of true worship. Jehoiada's actions, therefore, were not just a political maneuver but a theological imperative, restoring the divinely appointed order and protecting the future of the messianic line. The public execution of Athaliah outside the sacred Temple grounds was a necessary act of purification, signaling a return to legitimate governance and the re-establishment of Yahweh as the supreme authority in the land.
* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Justice and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God will not permit wickedness and rebellion against His covenant to prevail indefinitely. Athaliah's demise is a clear manifestation of God's judgment upon unrighteous rule, echoing the principle that the wicked will ultimately perish, as seen in [Psalm 37:10](/psalms/37-10 "The Demise of the Wicked"). Secondly, it highlights the **Restoration of Legitimate Kingship and the Davidic Covenant**. The preservation of Joash and his enthronement reaffirms God's unwavering faithfulness to His promise to David, ensuring a continuous royal line from which the Messiah would eventually come. Thirdly, the phrase "the city was quiet" powerfully conveys the theme of **Peace and Order after Turmoil**. Athaliah's reign was chaotic and oppressive, but her removal brought a deep sense of security and stability, illustrating that true peace is often a fruit of righteousness and the removal of evil (cf. [Isaiah 32:17](/isaiah/32-17 "Righteousness Brings Lasting Peace")). Finally, the **People's Righteous Response** of rejoicing signifies their widespread approval of the return to divine order and true worship, emphasizing the communal desire for stability and adherence to God's ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rejoiced (Hebrew, _śāmēaḥ_):** This verb denotes a deep, heartfelt gladness, mirth, or joy. It is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe the celebration of God's deliverance, blessings, or the restoration of His covenant. In this context, the widespread use of *śāmēaḥ* emphasizes the collective, profound, and unanimous relief and elation felt by "all the people of the land" at the cessation of Athaliah's tyranny and the restoration of legitimate, God-ordained rule. It speaks to a profound emotional and spiritual liberation.
* **Quiet (Hebrew, _shāqaṭ_):** This word signifies tranquility, rest, or the cessation of disturbance, commotion, or war. It implies a state of being undisturbed, peaceful, and settled. The use of *shāqaṭ* here is a powerful contrast to the previous six years of fear, oppression, and spiritual turmoil under Athaliah's reign. It describes not merely silence, but a profound sense of security, stability, and the return to normalcy and divine order in Jerusalem, indicative of a true *shalom* (peace) after a period of chaos.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the people of the land rejoiced":** This clause emphasizes the universal nature of the joy. "All the people of the land" signifies a comprehensive endorsement of Athaliah's overthrow and Joash's enthronement. Their rejoicing was a spontaneous and overwhelming expression of relief, celebrating the end of a wicked and illegitimate reign, the preservation of the Davidic line, and the restoration of proper worship and governance. It was a communal affirmation of God's justice and faithfulness.
* **"and the city was quiet":** This phrase describes the immediate and tangible effect of Athaliah's removal on Jerusalem. The "quiet" signifies the cessation of the political instability, fear, and spiritual oppression that had characterized her rule. It implies a return to peace, order, and security, allowing the city and its inhabitants to breathe freely and resume life under a legitimate, God-fearing king. This quietness is the direct consequence of the decisive act of justice.
* **"after that they had slain Athaliah with the sword":** This final clause explicitly states the cause of the preceding joy and quietness. The slaying of Athaliah "with the sword" highlights the decisive and irreversible nature of her execution, which was carried out outside the Temple precincts. Her death was the necessary act that cleared the way for the restoration of order, legitimate kingship, and true worship, serving as the catalyst for the collective relief and peace described in the first two clauses.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its powerful message. Foremost is **Cause and Effect**, where the slaying of Athaliah is presented as the direct cause for the people's rejoicing and the city's tranquility. This highlights the immediate and profound impact of the removal of tyranny. There is also significant **Contrast** at play, juxtaposing the chaos and oppression of Athaliah's reign with the sudden peace and joy that followed her demise. The "quiet" city stands in stark opposition to the previous unrest, emphasizing the transformative power of divine justice. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Narrative Climax** and **Resolution**, providing a satisfying conclusion to the dramatic events of the coup and the restoration of the Davidic line. The collective "rejoicing" and the "quiet" city also carry **Symbolism**, representing not just physical states but the restoration of spiritual and political health to the nation of Judah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 23:21 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering sovereignty over human affairs and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. It demonstrates that even when evil appears to triumph and God's chosen lineage is threatened, His divine plan will ultimately prevail. The immediate and widespread joy, coupled with the restoration of peace, underscores the inherent human longing for righteous governance and stability, which God, in His justice, provides. The removal of Athaliah, a symbol of idolatry and illegitimate power, paved the way for the re-establishment of true worship and the legitimate Davidic monarchy, reminding us that God actively intervenes in history to uphold His righteous standards and protect His people. This event serves as a microcosm of the larger biblical narrative where God's ultimate victory over all forms of evil is assured, bringing true peace and joy.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Eternal Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 37:10](/psalms/37-10 "The Demise of the Wicked")
* [Isaiah 32:17](/isaiah/32-17 "Righteousness Brings Lasting Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound relief and joy experienced by the people of Judah in 2 Chronicles 23:21 offer timeless lessons for believers today. In a world often marked by chaos, injustice, and oppressive systems, this verse provides a powerful beacon of hope, reminding us that God remains sovereign over all earthly powers. It encourages us to trust that even in the darkest seasons, when evil seems to prevail, God is at work, orchestrating His purposes and bringing about justice in His perfect timing. This narrative also highlights the critical importance of righteous leadership, whether in government, church, or family, and the profound impact it has on the well-being and spiritual health of a community. The people's rejoicing teaches us to celebrate God's interventions, to find joy in the restoration of order, and to actively participate in seeking righteousness and peace in our own spheres of influence. Ultimately, it calls us to live with an expectant hope, knowing that God's faithfulness will always triumph over human wickedness, leading to true peace and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the swift transition from chaos to quietness in this verse encourage your faith in God's ability to bring order out of disorder in your own life or in the world?**
* **What does "all the people of the land rejoiced" teach us about the communal desire for righteous leadership and the collective impact of injustice?**
* **In what ways can we, like Jehoiada, act faithfully and strategically to uphold God's truth and bring about positive change in our communities, even when facing formidable opposition?**
* **How does the restoration of the Davidic line in this passage deepen your understanding of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when human circumstances seem to contradict them?**

### FAQ
**Why was Athaliah's death so significant for Judah?**

Answer: Athaliah's death was profoundly significant because it marked the end of a period of extreme spiritual and political crisis for Judah. She was not only an illegitimate ruler who had usurped the throne, but as the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, she actively promoted Baal worship, leading Judah away from the Lord. Her most egregious act was attempting to eradicate the entire Davidic royal line (as described in [2 Chronicles 22:10](/2_chronicles/22-10 "2 Chronicles 22:10 - Athaliah's Usurpation")), which was a direct assault on God's covenant promise to David of an eternal dynasty (see [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")). Her execution restored legitimate kingship through Joash, the rightful Davidic heir, and allowed for the re-establishment of true worship of Yahweh in the Temple, bringing spiritual and political stability back to the nation.

**What does it mean that "the city was quiet" after Athaliah's death?**

Answer: The phrase "the city was quiet" (Hebrew: *shāqaṭ*) means much more than just the absence of noise. It signifies a profound state of tranquility, rest, and the cessation of disturbance, chaos, and oppression. Under Athaliah's tyrannical and idolatrous rule, Jerusalem had been a place of fear, instability, and spiritual turmoil. Her removal brought an immediate sense of peace, security, and order. It indicated a return to normalcy, where the people could live without the constant threat of an illegitimate ruler and the pervasive influence of false gods. This "quiet" symbolized the restoration of divine order and the beginning of a period of stability under the rightful king, Joash, guided by the faithful priest Jehoiada, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 24:1-2](/2_chronicles/24-1-2 "2 Chronicles 24:1-2 - Joash's Early Reign").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic events of 2 Chronicles 23:21, culminating in the joy and peace following Athaliah's overthrow and Joash's enthronement, powerfully foreshadow the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ. Athaliah, the wicked usurper who sought to destroy the Davidic line, serves as a type of the forces of darkness—sin, death, and Satan—that seek to thwart God's redemptive plan and oppress humanity. Just as Athaliah's reign of terror was decisively ended by the legitimate heir, Joash, so too has Christ, the ultimate Son of David, definitively triumphed over all the powers of evil through His death and resurrection (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The hidden preservation of Joash points to God's miraculous protection of the messianic line, culminating in the birth of Jesus, the true King (as promised in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus, Son of David and King")). The widespread rejoicing and the "quiet" city after Athaliah's demise anticipate the profound and lasting peace (shalom) that Christ brings to all who believe in Him, a peace that surpasses understanding and reconciles humanity to God (cf. [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Ultimately, this Old Testament narrative points to Jesus as the true King who defeats all enemies, restores divine order, and ushers in an eternal reign of righteousness and peace, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where He will reign forever (as depicted in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as Victorious King") and [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")).

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 11:20

And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword [beside] the king's house.

Revelation 18:20

Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

Proverbs 11:10

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

Psalms 58:10

The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

Psalms 58:11

So that a man shall say, Verily [there is] a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

Revelation 19:1

¶ And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Revelation 19:4

And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.