### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻĂthalyâh**, represented by `{{H6271}}`, means **Jah has constrained**. It appears 17 times in 17 unique verses. While it is the name of two Israelite men, it primarily refers to Athaliah, an Israelitess who became the queen of Judah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6271}}` is central to the account of Queen Athaliah's seizure of the throne. When she saw `{{H7200}}` that her son `{{H1121}}`, King Ahaziah `{{H274}}`, was dead `{{H4191}}`, she arose `{{H6965}}` and destroyed `{{H6}}` all the royal `{{H4467}}` seed `{{H2233}}` [[2 Kings 11:1]]. She then reigned `{{H4427}}` over the land `{{H776}}` for six `{{H8337}}` years `{{H8141}}` [[2 Chronicles 22:12]]. Her rule ended when the hidden heir, Joash `{{H3101}}`, was presented to the people `{{H5971}}`. Hearing the noise `{{H6963}}`, Athaliah `{{H6271}}` came to the temple `{{H1004}}`, and upon seeing the new king `{{H4428}}`, she rent `{{H7167}}` her clothes `{{H899}}` and cried `{{H7121}}`, "Treason `{{H7195}}`, Treason `{{H7195}}`" [[2 Kings 11:14]]. She was subsequently slain `{{H4191}}` with the sword `{{H2719}}` [[2 Chronicles 23:21]]. The name also appears in a genealogy [[1 Chronicles 8:26]] and as the father of Jeshaiah `{{H3470}}` [[Ezra 8:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the narrative of Queen Athaliah:
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign): This word defines her central action, as Athaliah `{{H6271}}` illegitimately reigned `{{H4427}}` over the land `{{H776}}` for six years [[2 Kings 11:3]].
* `{{H6}}` **ʼâbad** (destroy): This term captures the brutality of her ascent to power, as she arose and destroyed `{{H6}}` the royal seed `{{H2233}}` to secure her position [[2 Kings 11:1]].
* `{{H7195}}` **qesher** (treason): This is the word she cried `{{H7121}}` upon seeing her reign collapse, accusing the restorers of the rightful king of the very act she had committed [[2 Kings 11:14]].
* `{{H4849}}` **mirshaʻath** (wicked woman): The narrative explicitly labels her with this term, summarizing her character and the nature of her rule [[2 Chronicles 24:7]].
### Theological Significance
The story of `{{H6271}}` carries significant thematic weight concerning the line of David and the worship of God.
* **Usurpation of the Throne:** Athaliah’s actions represent a violent interruption of the Davidic dynasty. Upon her son's `{{H1121}}` death `{{H4191}}`, she destroyed `{{H6}}` the royal `{{H4467}}` seed `{{H2233}}` to seize power for herself [[2 Chronicles 22:10]].
* **Wickedness and Idolatry:** Her reign is directly associated with godlessness. She is called "that wicked `{{H4849}}` woman," whose sons `{{H1121}}` had broken up `{{H6555}}` the house `{{H1004}}` of God `{{H430}}` and given its dedicated things `{{H6944}}` to Baalim `{{H1168}}` [[2 Chronicles 24:7]].
* **Preservation of the Royal Line:** Despite her murderous plot, the royal line was preserved. Jehosheba `{{H3089}}` stole `{{H1589}}` the young prince Joash `{{H3101}}` and hid `{{H5641}}` him from Athaliah `{{H6271}}`, so that he was not slain `{{H4191}}` [[2 Kings 11:2]].
* **Divine Judgment:** The narrative concludes with her execution. After Joash was crowned, Athaliah `{{H6271}}` was slain `{{H4191}}` with the sword `{{H2719}}`, and the result was that the city `{{H5892}}` was in quiet `{{H8252}}` [[2 Kings 11:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6271}}` **ʻĂthalyâh** is a name overwhelmingly linked to the ruthless queen of Judah. Her story is one of ambition, where she attempted to secure the throne `{{H4427}}` by exterminating the royal lineage [[2 Kings 11:1]]. Her reign is remembered for its wickedness `{{H4849}}` and its promotion of Baal `{{H1168}}` worship at the expense of the house `{{H1004}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[2 Chronicles 24:7]]. Ultimately, her downfall and death `{{H4191}}` led to the restoration of the rightful king and brought peace to the land [[2 Chronicles 23:21]]. Though her name means "Jah has constrained," she is portrayed as one who defied divine order, yet whose story serves to highlight God's preservation of the Davidic covenant.
TRV