Translations
Original
Notes
Jehoiada organized the royal guard into specific groups. Some protected the young king. Others took positions at the palace, the Sur Gate (also called the Foundation Gate, 2 Chronicles 23:5), and behind the palace guard. Additional guards stood watch at the Lord’s temple. Every effort was made to secure the king and the anointing site.
Athaliah, the mother of King Ahaziah of Judah, was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel and the wife of King Jehoram of Judah (2 Kings 8:18, 26). As queen mother, she had significant influence, but she used it for evil (2 Kings 8:18, 27; 2 Chronicles 22:3–4). Her plans included destroying the rest of the royal family (see 2 Chronicles 22:10).
While Ahab’s family in Samaria was completely destroyed, Athaliah took control in Judah through a massacre similar to Jehu’s slaughter of her family in Samaria.
Parallels
People
Sabbath: The seventh day of the week, set apart for rest and worship
Glossary
Ahab (King) Ahaziah Athaliah Family Life and Relations Gatekeepers Jehoiada Kerethites Kings, Books of First and Second Temple
Topics
Armies: March in Ranks: Determine Royal Succession Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Withdraws Support and Anoints a Successor Citizens: Loyal: Jehoiada Conspiracy of Jehoiada Fatherless: Joash Levites: Loyal to the Ruler Loyalty: Jehoiada Orphan: Joash Prophecies Concerning Israel: Athaliah, his Mother, Succeeds Him Religious Zeal: Jehoiada The Levites: Guarded King's Person and House in Times of Danger Usurpation of Political Functions by Athaliah Watchman: At the Gates of the Temple Women: Athaliah Women: Athaliah, in Destroying the Royal Household and Usurping the Throne