Athaliah
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Athaliah in the Bible?
Athaliah, the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, seized the throne of Judah following the death of her son Ahaziah and reigned for six years before being deposed by a coup orchestrated by the priest Jehoiada.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Athaliah's reign clarifies the political instability of the 9th century BCE and the intense struggle for religious authority between the Davidic monarchy and the influence of the northern kingdom of Israel.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Athaliah reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Athaliah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Athaliah clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Athaliah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/athaliah/