2 Kings 11:16

And they laid hands on her; and she went by the way by the which the horses came into the king's house: and there was she slain.

And they laid {H7760} hands {H3027} on her; and she went {H935} by the way {H1870} by the which the horses {H5483} came {H3996} into the king's {H4428} house {H1004}: and there was she slain {H4191}.

So they took her by force and led her through the horses' entry to the royal palace, and there she was put to death.

So they seized Athaliah as she reached the horses’ entrance to the palace grounds, and there she was put to death.

So they made way for her; and she went by the way of the horses’ entry to the king’s house: and there was she slain.

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Kings 11:16 KJV

Context of 2 Kings 11:16

This verse marks the dramatic culmination of the coup orchestrated by Jehoiada the priest against Queen Athaliah, who had usurped the throne of Judah. After the death of her son, King Ahaziah, Athaliah, the wicked daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, attempted to eradicate the entire Davidic royal line by murdering all her grandchildren. However, the infant Joash was miraculously hidden for six years in the temple by Jehoiada and his wife. This verse describes Athaliah's swift capture and execution after the public revelation and anointing of young Joash as the rightful king. The people and the temple guard had rallied behind Joash, signifying the end of Athaliah's tyrannical and idolatrous reign.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: Athaliah's reign was characterized by violence, usurpation, and the promotion of Baal worship. Her swift and public execution serves as a powerful testament to God's ultimate justice against those who defy His commands and oppress His people.
  • Preservation of the Davidic Line: The survival of Joash, against all odds, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David, which promised an enduring dynasty (2 Samuel 7:16). Athaliah's attempt to destroy the royal lineage was divinely thwarted, ensuring the continuity leading to the Messiah.
  • Restoration of Righteous Leadership: With Athaliah's demise, the kingdom of Judah was cleansed of its corrupt ruler, paving the way for Joash's legitimate reign and a much-needed spiritual reformation under Jehoiada's guidance. This brought stability and a return to the worship of the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "laid hands on her" (וַיָּשִׂימוּ עָלֶיהָ יָדַיִם - vayyasimu aleyha yadayim) denotes a forceful apprehension and seizure. The specific location of her demise, "the way by the which the horses came into the king's house" (דֶּרֶךְ מְבוֹא הַסּוּסִים הַמֶּלֶךְ בֵּיתָהּ - derekh mevo ha-sussim ha-melekh beitah), is often identified as the "Horse Gate." This detail is significant as it indicates she was led out of the sacred temple precincts before her execution, preventing the defilement of the holy ground, and highlighting a public, yet orderly, removal from power.

Related Scriptures

  • For the beginning of Athaliah's violent usurpation and massacre of the royal family, see 2 Kings 11:1-3.
  • The parallel account of Athaliah's execution is found in 2 Chronicles 23:15.
  • The anointing of Joash as king, which immediately precedes Athaliah's capture, is detailed in 2 Kings 11:12.

Practical Application

The narrative of Athaliah's fall and Joash's restoration profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over human history and His unwavering commitment to His divine promises. Even when evil seems to prevail and righteousness is suppressed, God is actively working behind the scenes, preserving His purposes and raising up His chosen instruments. For believers, this account offers powerful assurance that God works all things for the good of those who love Him, and that ultimate justice, though sometimes delayed, will inevitably triumph. It encourages enduring faith and hope, even amidst political turmoil or spiritual decline, knowing that God's overarching plan cannot be thwarted.

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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

  • Genesis 9:6 (3 votes)

    Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

  • James 2:13 (2 votes)

    For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

  • Judges 1:7 (2 votes)

    And Adonibezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered [their meat] under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.

  • 2 Chronicles 23:15 (2 votes)

    So they laid hands on her; and when she was come to the entering of the horse gate by the king's house, they slew her there.

  • Matthew 7:2 (2 votes)

    For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

  • Revelation 16:5 (2 votes)

    And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.

  • Revelation 16:7 (2 votes)

    And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous [are] thy judgments.