Definition: And when Athaliah heard the noise of the guard [and] of the people, she came to the people into the temple of the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from 2 Kings 11:13. It’s a really unsettling and dramatic moment in biblical history. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Athaliah was King of Israel: This is the key person in this verse. She was the daughter of Ahab, who had angered God and led Israel into exile. The Guard Heard Her: The people of Israel were being watched by a guard (likely soldiers). They heard her coming. She Came to the Temple: Athaliah, driven by her desire for revenge, traveled to the Temple of the LORD – the central place of worship in Israel. What Happened Next? She Entered the Temple: She entered the temple into the building. This is a significant and terrifying action. It's not just that she was inside; she was entering the sacred space, essentially seeking to desecrate it. She Offered a Sacrifice: As she was in the temple, she offered a sacrifice – a symbolic offering of her own life. What Does This Mean? This verse is a very dark and disturbing warning about the dangers of: Revenge: Athaliah's desire for revenge against God’s people led her to act in a way that was deeply wrong and destructive. Loss of Faith: She had lost faith in God, which made her actions all the more dangerous. It shows how easily human emotions can lead us astray. The Consequences of Evil: It highlights that evil often has a way of taking root and causing great harm, even when it's driven by anger or malice. In short, this verse is a story about a queen who chose to act in a way that threatened the very foundation of her people’s faith and safety. Important Note: This passage is incredibly sad because it depicts a woman actively seeking to harm those she was sworn to protect. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of resisting evil and trusting in God's protection. --- Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse further? For example, would you like to know: The context of the story surrounding this event? What the biblical message is about regarding forgiveness or seeking peace?