The term "regicide" refers to the act of killing a king. In the biblical context, this event is significant as it often reflects the divine judgment, human rebellion, or political upheaval within the narrative of Israel's history. The Bible records several instances of regicide, each with its own theological and moral implications.

1. The Assassination of Eglon, King of Moab:

One of the earliest instances of regicide in the Bible is the assassination of Eglon, the king of Moab, by Ehud, a judge of Israel. Eglon had oppressed the Israelites for eighteen years. Ehud, sent by God, delivered Israel by killing Eglon. The account is found in Judges 3:21-22: "And Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly. Even the handle sank in after the blade, and Eglon’s fat closed over it. So Ehud did not withdraw the sword from his belly, and the dung came out."

2. The Death of King Saul:

King Saul, the first king of Israel, met his end on the battlefield against the Philistines. Although not directly an act of regicide, Saul's death is intertwined with themes of divine judgment and the transfer of kingship to David. Saul, wounded and fearing capture, took his own life. 1 Samuel 31:4 states, "Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, 'Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and torture me!' But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it."

3. The Murder of Ish-bosheth:

Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, was murdered by his own captains, Baanah and Rechab, as part of the power struggle following Saul's death. This act of regicide was condemned by David, who sought to establish his rule over all Israel. 2 Samuel 4:6-7 recounts, "They entered the house as if to get some wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and his brother Baanah slipped away. They had entered the house while Ish-bosheth was lying on his bed in his bedroom. After they stabbed and killed him, they beheaded him."

4. The Assassination of King Joash:

King Joash of Judah was assassinated by his own servants after a reign marked by initial faithfulness to God, followed by apostasy. His death is recorded in 2 Kings 12:20-21: "His servants conspired against him and killed Joash at Beth-millo, on the road that goes down to Silla. His servants Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer struck him down, and he died."

5. The Overthrow of Queen Athaliah:

Although not a king, the regicide of Queen Athaliah is noteworthy. Athaliah, who had usurped the throne of Judah, was overthrown and executed as part of a divinely sanctioned coup led by Jehoiada the priest. 2 Kings 11:15-16 describes her demise: "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."

Theological Implications:

In the biblical narrative, regicide often serves as a tool of divine justice or a consequence of human sinfulness. It underscores the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and the accountability of leaders to divine law. The Bible presents these events not merely as political occurrences but as moments laden with spiritual significance, reflecting the broader themes of covenant, kingship, and divine retribution.