FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
2 Kings 11:1
KJVAnd when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The accounts of the kings culminate in Assyria's conquest of Israel and an extended explanation of the disaster.
- 11:1 And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal.
- 11:2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.
- 11:3 And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Jeremiah is the traditional Jewish attribution to Kings. The completed work incorporates records of Israel and Judah and events during exile; its final compiler is uncertain. Biblical references: 2 Kings 15:11; 2 Kings 25:27. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Kings 11:1–12:21): Athaliah, Jehosheba, Jehoiada, Joash, the guards, priests, and people of Judah are involved in the succession and temple repairs. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Israelite and Judean community in and after the exile, reflecting on why both kingdoms fell and what remained of the Davidic line. Biblical references: 2 Kings 17:7; 2 Kings 23:27; 2 Kings 25:27. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Athaliah and Joash. Read 2 Kings 11:1 through 2 Kings 11:3 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The accounts of the kings culminate in Assyria's conquest of Israel and an extended explanation of the disaster. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The book continues the divided-kingdom histories through Assyria's conquest of Israel and Babylon's conquest of Judah, ending with a notice concerning Jehoiachin. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Israel and Judah, including Samaria and Jerusalem, and ends with exile in Babylon. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Athaliah and Joash (2 Kings 11:1 to 2 Kings 11:3). Start reading at 2 Kings 11:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus cites the cleansing of Naaman in His discourse at Nazareth. This supplies a specific connection to the book's prophetic narratives and challenges assumptions about privilege. See 2 Kings 5:14, Luke 4:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Hear warnings before repeated refusal hardens into habit. Reform, repentance, and faithfulness should be assessed from the narrated response to God's word, not merely a ruler's reputation. interpretation
Cited: 2 Kings 11:1, 2 Kings 11:3, 2 Kings 5:14, Luke 4:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Other accounts of this event
Joash is preserved and crowned
Parallel accounts
Related passages
- A. M. 3120. B.C.884. Athaliah 2 Chr 24:7
- the mother 2 Kgs 8:26 2 Kgs 9:27
- and destroyed Matt 2:13,16 Matt 21:38-39
- seed royal 2 Kgs 25:25 Jer 41:1
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 2 Kings 11
2 Kings 17:7 2 Kings 23:27 2 Kings 25:27
Joash Anointed King of Judah
2 Kings 11:4–12FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
The Death of Athaliah
2 Kings 11:13–16FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Jehoiada Restores the Worship of the LORD
2 Kings 11:17–21FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 2 Kings
2 Kings 17:7 2 Kings 23:27 2 Kings 25:27
Elijah's departure and Elisha's ministry
2 Kings 1:1–8:15FocusThe prophetic word continues
FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Judah before its fall
2 Kings 18:1–23:30FocusHezekiah, Manasseh, and Josiah
Jerusalem falls and Judah is exiled
2 Kings 23:31–25:30FocusDestruction and a final note of favor
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.