Background and Context:
Athaliah, the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, became the queen consort of Judah through her marriage to King Jehoram. Her reign as queen mother and later as queen regnant is marked by her attempt to establish Baal worship in Judah, following the idolatrous practices of her parents. Athaliah's account is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 11 and 2 Chronicles 22-23.

Usurpation of the Throne:
Upon the death of her son, King Ahaziah of Judah, Athaliah seized the throne by orchestrating the massacre of the royal family, thereby eliminating any potential claimants to the throne. This act of treachery is recorded in 2 Kings 11:1: "When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs."

Preservation of the Davidic Line:
Despite Athaliah's efforts to destroy the house of David, God’s providence ensured the survival of the Davidic line through Joash, the infant son of Ahaziah. Joash was secretly rescued by his aunt Jehosheba, the wife of Jehoiada the priest, and hidden in the temple for six years. 2 Kings 11:2-3 states, "But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being put to death. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah, and he was not killed. And Joash remained hidden with his nurse in the house of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled the land."

Jehoiada's Coup:
In the seventh year of Athaliah's reign, Jehoiada the priest orchestrated a coup to overthrow her and restore the rightful heir to the throne. Jehoiada gathered the commanders, the Carites, and the guards, forming a covenant to protect the young king. The plan was executed on the Sabbath, a day when the temple was crowded, ensuring public support for Joash's coronation. 2 Kings 11:12 describes the moment: "Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, 'Long live the king!'"

Athaliah's Execution:
Upon hearing the commotion, Athaliah rushed to the temple, where she witnessed Joash being crowned. Realizing her downfall, she cried out, "Treason! Treason!" Jehoiada commanded that she be captured and executed outside the temple grounds to avoid defiling the sacred space. 2 Kings 11:15-16 records, "Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, 'Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.' For the priest had said, 'She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.' So they seized Athaliah as she reached the horses’ entrance to the palace grounds, and there she was put to death."

Religious Reforms:
Following Athaliah's execution, Jehoiada led a religious reformation, renewing the covenant between the LORD, the king, and the people. The temple of Baal was destroyed, its altars and images shattered, and the priest of Baal was killed. This marked a return to the worship of Yahweh and the restoration of the Davidic monarchy. 2 Kings 11:17-18 states, "Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and people that they would be the LORD’s people, and also between the king and the people. So all the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed its altars and idols to pieces and killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars."

Significance:
Athaliah's downfall is a pivotal moment in the history of Judah, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line despite human attempts to thwart His plans. The narrative underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness and the dangers of idolatry, serving as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His purposes.