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 KINGS 11:14KJV
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2 Kings 11:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 11:14 mean?

2 Kings 11:14 describes the moment when Athaliah, the queen, sees the new king standing by the pillar as was traditional, surrounded by leaders and trumpeters, while the people celebrate and blow trumpets. In shock and anger, Athaliah tears her clothes and cries out that treason is happening.

This scene takes place in the temple during a dramatic turning point in Judah’s history. Athaliah had seized the throne, but now the rightful heir, Joash, is being revealed and crowned king. The verse captures the public display of loyalty to the new king and Athaliah’s realization that her rule is ending.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 11:14

  • "pillar" (עַמּוּד, ‘ammud): This word refers to a physical pillar or column. In this context, it was a customary place where the king would stand during important ceremonies, marking his authority and legitimacy.
  • "rent" (קָרַע, qara‘): This means to tear or rip, often used for tearing clothes as a sign of distress, grief, or outrage. Athaliah’s action shows her shock and desperation.
  • "Treason" (קֶשֶׁר, qesher): This word means a conspiracy or plot. Athaliah is accusing those present of rebelling against her authority, even though the people are restoring the rightful king.

Why 2 Kings 11:14 matters

  • This verse highlights the public and official nature of Joash’s coronation, showing that the people and leaders supported him, not Athaliah.
  • The mention of the pillar and the ceremony connects this event to earlier royal traditions, emphasizing the legitimacy of Joash’s claim.
  • Athaliah’s reaction underlines the dramatic reversal of power and sets up the resolution of her violent rule, which is a key turning point in the story of Judah’s kings.

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 15:15 And the rest of the acts of Shallum, and his conspiracy which he made, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
  • 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 11:20 And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king's house.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:12 And he was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land.

“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;

“trumpeters” Hebrew H2689 · used in 27 verses

  • Numbers 10:2 Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps.
  • 1 Chronicles 15:28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.
  • 2 Chronicles 23:13 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.