Definition: And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword [beside] the king’s house.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Kings 11:20. It’s a really complex and emotionally charged passage, so we’ll go through it step-by-step. What is it about? This verse describes a very dramatic and heartbreaking event in the book of 2 Kings. It's about the death of Athaliah, the sister of King Jehoahaz, and how her death led to the downfall of the Jewish kingdom. Let’s look at each part: “And all the people of the land rejoiced…” – This is the first part of the story. It means that after Athaliah was killed, the people of Israel celebrated! They were happy and relieved because they had been spared from a terrible fate. It suggests a sense of relief and gratitude for their survival. “…and the city was in quiet…” – This is a crucial part. Before Athaliah was killed, the city of Jerusalem was quiet . It wasn’t a peaceful, bustling place; it was a place of mourning and fear. The people were anticipating her death. “And they slew Athaliah with the sword [beside] the king’s house.” – This is where it gets really intense. The King's men, led by Bildad, killed Athaliah. They did this while she was sitting in a golden throne (a symbol of her power) in the royal chamber of the palace! So, what does this all mean? This is a story about betrayal and tragedy. Here’s the core message: Betrayal: Athaliah had been plotting against King Jehoahaz for a long time. She was trying to replace him with her own son, Jehoar. She saw him as a threat to her position and her family's power. The Loss of Innocence: The killing of Athaliah represents the loss of innocence and the destruction of a powerful woman. Her death was a shocking act of violence against the King’s family. Divine Justice (Sort Of): It's a bit complicated, but many interpretations see this as a moment where God intervened to protect his people. Athaliah’s scheming was an affront to God, and her death was a punishment for her defiance. Important Note: It’s vital to understand the context of this verse. The Bible doesn't always present events with a simple "good vs. evil" narrative. It shows the complexities of human nature – ambition, betrayal, and the consequences that can arise from them. In short, this verse is a shocking moment in history where a seemingly innocent woman was brutally murdered, leading to a significant shift in the political landscape of Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Provide a slightly different perspective on the story? Discuss the historical context more deeply?