2 Kings 11:1
And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽעֲתַלְיָה֙
And when Athaliah
H6271
וַֽעֲתַלְיָה֙
And when Athaliah
Strong's:
H6271
Word #:
1 of 13
athaljah, the name of an israelitess and two israelites
אֵ֣ם
the mother
H517
אֵ֣ם
the mother
Strong's:
H517
Word #:
2 of 13
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
אֲחַזְיָ֔הוּ
of Ahaziah
H274
אֲחַזְיָ֔הוּ
of Ahaziah
Strong's:
H274
Word #:
3 of 13
achazjah, the name of a jewish and an israelite king
ורָאֲתָ֖ה
saw
H7200
ורָאֲתָ֖ה
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
4 of 13
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מֵ֣ת
was dead
H4191
מֵ֣ת
was dead
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
6 of 13
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
בְּנָ֑הּ
that her son
H1121
בְּנָ֑הּ
that her son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וַתָּ֙קָם֙
she arose
H6965
וַתָּ֙קָם֙
she arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
8 of 13
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וַתְּאַבֵּ֔ד
and destroyed
H6
וַתְּאַבֵּ֔ד
and destroyed
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Jeremiah 41:1Now it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, and the princes of the king, even ten men with him, came unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and there they did eat bread together in Mizpah.2 Kings 25:25But it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, came, and ten men with him, and smote Gedaliah, that he died, and the Jews and the Chaldees that were with him at Mizpah.Matthew 2:16Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.2 Chronicles 24:7For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD did they bestow upon Baalim.2 Kings 9:27But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him, and said, Smite him also in the chariot. And they did so at the going up to Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo, and died there.2 Kings 8:26Two and twenty years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Athaliah, the daughter of Omri king of Israel.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 11 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Athaliah's Usurpation and Downfall) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 11 regarding preservation of davidic line and covenant faithfulness?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 11: Preservation of Davidic line and covenant faithfulness. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.