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 recorded in the biblical narrative found in 2 Kings 11 and 2 Chronicles 22-23. Athaliah's rule is marked by her usurpation of the throne following the death of her son, King Ahaziah, and her subsequent attempt to exterminate the royal line of David, a direct challenge to the Davidic covenant.

Usurpation and Reign:
After the death of Ahaziah, Athaliah seized the throne of Judah, ruling for approximately six years. Her rise to power was characterized by the violent elimination of the royal family, as she sought to secure her position by destroying any potential claimants to the throne. This act of regicide was a direct affront to the promises God made to David regarding the perpetuity of his lineage (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

Preservation of the Davidic Line:
Despite Athaliah's efforts, Joash, the infant son of Ahaziah, was saved by his aunt Jehosheba, the wife of Jehoiada the priest. Joash was hidden in the temple of the LORD for six years, under the protection and guidance of Jehoiada. This preservation of Joash was a divine intervention ensuring the continuation of the Davidic line, in accordance with God's covenant.

The Coup and Execution:
In the seventh year of Athaliah's reign, Jehoiada orchestrated a coup to dethrone her and restore the rightful heir to the throne. Jehoiada gathered the commanders, the Carites, and the guards, forming a coalition to support Joash. The plan was executed on the Sabbath, a day when the temple was heavily guarded, ensuring the safety of the young king during his anointing and proclamation.

2 Kings 11:12-14 describes the pivotal moment: "Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, gave him the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, 'Long live the king!' When Athaliah heard the noise from the guards and the people, she went out to the people in the house of the LORD. And she looked and saw the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom, and the officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets."

Upon realizing the situation, Athaliah cried out, "Treason! Treason!" However, Jehoiada commanded the captains to seize her and execute her outside the temple grounds to avoid defiling the sacred space. Athaliah was captured and put to death at the Horse Gate of the king's palace (2 Kings 11:15-16; 2 Chronicles 23:14-15).

Significance:
The execution of Athaliah marked the end of her tyrannical rule and the restoration of the Davidic line to the throne of Judah. This event underscores the faithfulness of God in preserving His covenant with David, despite human attempts to thwart His divine plan. The narrative also highlights the role of Jehoiada as a godly leader who acted with courage and wisdom to protect the rightful heir and restore proper worship in Judah.