2 Kings 11:14
And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the manner was, and the princes and the trumpeters by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets: and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried, Treason, Treason.
Original Language Analysis
וַתֵּ֡רֶא
And when she looked
H7200
וַתֵּ֡רֶא
And when she looked
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 24
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
עֹמֵ֨ד
stood
H5975
עֹמֵ֨ד
stood
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
4 of 24
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 24
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָעַמּ֜וּד
by a pillar
H5982
הָעַמּ֜וּד
by a pillar
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
6 of 24
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
כַּמִּשְׁפָּ֗ט
as the manner
H4941
כַּמִּשְׁפָּ֗ט
as the manner
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
7 of 24
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וְהַשָּׂרִ֤ים
was and the princes
H8269
וְהַשָּׂרִ֤ים
was and the princes
Strong's:
H8269
Word #:
8 of 24
a head person (of any rank or class)
בַּחֲצֹֽצְר֑וֹת
and the trumpeters
H2689
בַּחֲצֹֽצְר֑וֹת
and the trumpeters
Strong's:
H2689
Word #:
9 of 24
a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 24
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַ֤ם
and all the people
H5971
עַ֤ם
and all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
13 of 24
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְתֹקֵ֖עַ
and blew
H8628
וְתֹקֵ֖עַ
and blew
Strong's:
H8628
Word #:
16 of 24
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
בַּחֲצֹֽצְר֑וֹת
and the trumpeters
H2689
בַּחֲצֹֽצְר֑וֹת
and the trumpeters
Strong's:
H2689
Word #:
17 of 24
a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)
וַתִּקְרַ֤ע
rent
H7167
וַתִּקְרַ֤ע
rent
Strong's:
H7167
Word #:
18 of 24
to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)
עֲתַלְיָה֙
and Athaliah
H6271
עֲתַלְיָה֙
and Athaliah
Strong's:
H6271
Word #:
19 of 24
athaljah, the name of an israelitess and two israelites
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
20 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
2 Chronicles 34:31And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book.2 Kings 23:3And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.2 Kings 9:23And Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, There is treachery, O Ahaziah.Luke 19:37And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
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 she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the manner was, and the princes and the trumpeters by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets: and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried, Treason, Treason.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 11: Preservation of Davidic line and covenant faithfulness. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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.