2 Chronicles 23:13 Meaning and Explanation
“And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Athaliah sees the crowned king at the pillar, surrounded by princes, musicians, and celebrating people; she tears her clothes and shouts 'Treason!'
The Context of 2 Chronicles 23:13
Athaliah witnesses the coronation and cries out in rage at her own overthrow.
What Does 2 Chronicles 23:13 Mean?
What Athaliah sees is unmistakable. The young king stands at the pillar at the temple entrance, the rightful place of the monarch. Around him are princes, the royal trumpet fanfare sounds, and all the people of the land are rejoicing. Musicians and trained singers fill the temple with praise. The celebration is public, official, and complete—her rule is over.
In her shock and fury, Athaliah tears her clothes—a gesture of rage and despair. She cries out 'Treason! Treason!'—though from her perspective as a usurper, the true treason was her seizure of the throne after Joash's father's death. Her own cry ironically confirms that what has happened is the restoration of legitimate authority.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Chronicles 23:13
What does 2 Chronicles 23:13 mean?
Athaliah sees the crowned king at the pillar, surrounded by princes, musicians, and celebrating people; she tears her clothes and shouts 'Treason!'
What is the context of 2 Chronicles 23:13?
Athaliah witnesses the coronation and cries out in rage at her own overthrow.