Right Words

King Ahab of Israel not only had over 70 sons (2 Kings 10:1) but also a daughter (2 Chron. 21:6), Athaliah , who was as nasty as her mother. In fact, Athaliah is referred to in 2 Chron. 24:7 as “that wicked woman” (reminds me of Achan/Achar, “the troubler of Israel”; cf. 1 Chron. 2:7 – what a pedigree!).

Here are a few examples of how the daughter was as wicked as her mother…and fared similarly in the end.

1. Worshipped Baal rather than the LORD (1 Kings 16:31-32; 2 Chron. 23:17).
2. Caused trouble outside their native land (Jezebel in Israel, Athaliah in Judah).
3. Negatively influenced their spouse (1 Kings 16: 25; 2 Chron. 21:6).
4. Usurped political authority and slaughtered the innocent with it (1 Kings 21:8ff., 2 Chron. 22:10).
5. Were overthrown by their servants willingly when God revealed the rightful successor (2 Kings 9:32-33; 2 Chron. 23:1-11).
6. Met a violent, disgraceful end (2 Kings 9:32-37; 2 Chron. 23:14-15)
7. Blamed others rather than themselves for their judgment (2 Kings 9:31, 2 Chron. 23:12-13).

Like much of mankind, Athaliah learned nothing from the errors and subsequent downfall of her parents. Perhaps she, like so many others, thought that she could do the same wickedness with different results; God showed her otherwise in no uncertain terms!