And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason.

2 CHRONICLES 23:13KJV
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2 Chronicles 23:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 23:13 mean?

2 Chronicles 23:13 describes Athaliah witnessing the young king Joash being presented publicly at the temple, surrounded by leaders, trumpeters, and people celebrating with music and singing. Seeing this, Athaliah tears her clothes in distress and cries out "Treason, Treason," realizing her rule is being overthrown.

The scene takes place during a dramatic moment in Jerusalem when the rightful king, Joash, is revealed after being hidden for years. Athaliah, who had seized the throne, comes to the temple and sees the people rejoicing and the king standing by his pillar (a special place for the king). The verse highlights the sudden shift in power and the public's joy at the restoration of the Davidic line.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 23:13

  • "pillar" (עַמּוּד, ʿammud): This word means a column or pillar, and here it refers to a specific spot reserved for the king in the temple area, marking Joash’s rightful place.
  • "rejoiced" (שָׂמֵחַ, sameach): This word means to be glad or joyful, emphasizing the overwhelming happiness of the people at seeing the true king restored.
  • "rent" (קָרַע, qaraʿ): This means to tear, and in this context, Athaliah tearing her clothes is a sign of shock, grief, or outrage.
  • "Treason" (קֶשֶׁר, qesher): This word means conspiracy or treason, showing that Athaliah sees the crowning of Joash as a direct rebellion against her authority.

Why 2 Chronicles 23:13 matters

  • This verse clears up any confusion about who was considered the legitimate ruler; the public celebration and the king’s position at the pillar show Joash’s acceptance by the people and leaders.
  • The strong reaction of Athaliah, using the word "Treason," highlights how unexpected and threatening this event was for her, and how quickly the power dynamics shifted.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of God’s promise to David’s family, showing the restoration of the rightful king after a period of usurpation and danger.

Where else these words appear

“Treason” Hebrew H7195 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 15:12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
  • 2 Kings 14:19 Now they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem: and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish, and slew him there.
  • 2 Chronicles 25:27 Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.

“Athaliah” Hebrew H6271 · used in 17 verses

  • 2 Kings 8:26 Two 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.
  • 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.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:11 But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest,(for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not.

“rejoiced” Hebrew H8056 · used in 23 verses

  • Deuteronomy 16:15 Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice.
  • Esther 5:9 Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.
  • Proverbs 2:14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;

“in” Hebrew H3996 · used in 24 verses

  • Deuteronomy 11:30 Are they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?
  • 2 Kings 16:18 And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.
  • Jeremiah 38:14 Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him into the third entry that is in the house of the LORD: and the king said unto Jeremiah, I will ask thee a thing; hide nothing from me.