2 kings 11:14 - and she looked, and behold, the king stood by the pillar, as the tradition was, with the captains and the trumpets by the king; and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes, and cried, “Treason! Treason!”
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What does "2 kings 11:14" mean?
This verse describes a pivotal moment in the story of the young King Joash, and the usurper Queen Athaliah. Let's break it down:
"and she looked, and behold, the king stood by the pillar, as the tradition was": Athaliah, the queen who had seized power, sees Joash, the rightful heir, standing in the traditional place for the king during coronations or other important ceremonies. The "pillar" was a significant marker, likely within the temple complex, where the king would stand to be seen and recognized. This is a formal, public display that confirms Joash's legitimacy.
"with the captains and the trumpets by the king": Joash is surrounded by military captains (commanders, representing the armed forces) and trumpets. The presence of the captains signifies military support for Joash's claim. Trumpets were used for announcements, celebrations, and to signal important events. Their presence amplifies the declaration of Joash as king.
"and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew trumpets": The people are overjoyed and express their support for Joash with loud trumpets. This reveals that Athaliah's rule was not popular and that the people are welcoming the return of the rightful Davidic line. This is a public expression of allegiance.
"Then Athaliah tore her clothes, and cried, 'Treason! Treason!'": Athaliah's reaction is one of shock and outrage. Tearing one's clothes was a sign of deep distress, grief, or anger. By shouting "Treason! Treason!" she is trying to regain control of the situation by labeling the people's actions as an act of rebellion against her, the current (albeit illegitimate) ruler. She is attempting to portray herself as the rightful leader and Joash's coronation as an illegal coup.
In essence, this verse depicts a turning point. Athaliah, who has been ruling for years after murdering the rest of the royal family (except for Joash, who was hidden), is suddenly confronted with the reality that her power is being challenged. The public coronation of Joash, supported by the military and the people, reveals that her reign is over. Her frantic accusation of "treason" is a desperate attempt to maintain her grip on power in the face of overwhelming opposition. The verse is the climax of the plot against her.
2 kings 11:14 - and she looked, and behold, the king stood by the pillar, as the tradition was, with the captains and the trumpets by the king; and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes, and cried, “Treason! Treason!”
What does "2 kings 11:14" mean?
This verse describes a pivotal moment in the story of the young King Joash, and the usurper Queen Athaliah. Let's break it down:
"and she looked, and behold, the king stood by the pillar, as the tradition was": Athaliah, the queen who had seized power, sees Joash, the rightful heir, standing in the traditional place for the king during coronations or other important ceremonies. The "pillar" was a significant marker, likely within the temple complex, where the king would stand to be seen and recognized. This is a formal, public display that confirms Joash's legitimacy.
"with the captains and the trumpets by the king": Joash is surrounded by military captains (commanders, representing the armed forces) and trumpets. The presence of the captains signifies military support for Joash's claim. Trumpets were used for announcements, celebrations, and to signal important events. Their presence amplifies the declaration of Joash as king.
"and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew trumpets": The people are overjoyed and express their support for Joash with loud trumpets. This reveals that Athaliah's rule was not popular and that the people are welcoming the return of the rightful Davidic line. This is a public expression of allegiance.
"Then Athaliah tore her clothes, and cried, 'Treason! Treason!'": Athaliah's reaction is one of shock and outrage. Tearing one's clothes was a sign of deep distress, grief, or anger. By shouting "Treason! Treason!" she is trying to regain control of the situation by labeling the people's actions as an act of rebellion against her, the current (albeit illegitimate) ruler. She is attempting to portray herself as the rightful leader and Joash's coronation as an illegal coup.
In essence, this verse depicts a turning point. Athaliah, who has been ruling for years after murdering the rest of the royal family (except for Joash, who was hidden), is suddenly confronted with the reality that her power is being challenged. The public coronation of Joash, supported by the military and the people, reveals that her reign is over. Her frantic accusation of "treason" is a desperate attempt to maintain her grip on power in the face of overwhelming opposition. The verse is the climax of the plot against her.