It's fascinating how the "custom" of standing by the pillar wasn't just a nice tradition, but a vital public declaration of the king's legitimacy that Athaliah's sudden appearance completely shattered. Her cry of "Treason!" highlights that she understood this public, customary affirmation of the true king as the ultimate threat to her illegitimate rule.
And when she looked, there was the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom, and the captains and the trumpeters beside the king, and all the people of the land rejoicing and blowing trumpets. And Athaliah tore her clothes and cried, “Treason! Treason!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The priest Jehoiada has just orchestrated a dramatic coup, installing the young boy Joash as king amidst the shock of Queen Athaliah, who had been ruling tyrannically after slaughtering the royal family. This moment captures the public acclamation of the new, legitimate king, a public display meant to solidify his reign and expose Athaliah's illegitimate grip on power. Her horrified reaction signals the immediate collapse of her authority and the people's embrace of God's chosen line.
Imagine the scene: a young boy is being presented as king. Why is he standing by a specific pillar, and what does that spot signify?
A Royal Post
This verse highlights a significant detail: the king stood "by the pillar, according to the custom." This wasn't just any spot. Pillars in ancient Near Eastern cultures, especially near temple or palace entrances, often symbolized stability, authority, and divine endorsement.
For Israel, standing by a designated pillar during the coronation or presentation of a new monarch reinforced several ideas:
When King Joash (the young boy) stood there, he was fulfilling a divinely ordained role, setting the stage for a return to righteous rule after Athaliah's usurpation.
The air is filled with celebration, but one person is screaming in fury. What does this stark contrast reveal about the spiritual state of the nation?
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A Nation's Verdict
The immediate reaction of "all the people of the land rejoicing and blowing trumpets" is powerful. It signifies a collective sigh of relief and a hopeful embrace of the rightful heir.
This widespread joy stands in direct opposition to Athaliah's frantic cry of “Treason! Treason!”
This contrast paints a vivid picture: God's people, represented by the rejoicing crowd, embrace His chosen king, while the illegitimate ruler, representing defiance against God's plan, is exposed and overthrown.
Understand the original words
ammud · Hebrew Noun
A common standing structure in the temple architecture, often symbolizing stability, strength, or specific commemorative sites within the sanctuary.
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
A customary or traditional practice, often referring to legal requirements, divine ordinances, or established societal/religious protocols.
qesher · Hebrew Noun
An act of betrayal or rebellion against a sovereign or a legitimate authority, often carrying severe capital consequences in biblical law.
This dramatic moment reveals the precariousness of royal succession and the deep-seated corruption Athaliah represented. Joash's public coronation, happening 'according to the custom,' signifies a restoration of proper worship and rightful rule, directly challenging Athaliah's illegitimate and idolatrous reign.
c. 841 BC
Ahaziah's Reign and Death
King Ahaziah of Judah, son of Ahab and Jezebel, reigned for only one year and followed his parents' wicked ways. He was killed by Jehu's forces after visiting his uncle Joram in Israel.
c. 841 BC
Athaliah Seizes the Throne
Upon hearing of her son Ahaziah's death, Queen Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, usurped the throne of Judah. She ruthlessly murdered all potential royal heirs, except for baby Joash who was hidden away.
c. 835 BC
Joash Hidden in the Temple
For six years, the infant Joash was secretly hidden in the Temple of the Lord by his aunt, Jeho-sheba, the wife of the high priest Jehoiada. This kept him safe from Athaliah's murderous rage.
c. 828 BC— this verse
Joash Anointed King
After seven years of Athaliah's wicked reign, the high priest Jehoiada gathered the captains of the guard and the Levites. He revealed the young Joash, anointed him king, and had him crowned by the pillar, according to custom.
c. 828 BC
Athaliah's Downfall
The public coronation of Joash, accompanied by the joyous shouts of the people and the sound of trumpets, signaled the end of Athaliah's rule. Hearing the commotion and the cry of 'Treason!', she rushed out and was subsequently executed.
This passage describes the anointing of Solomon as king by the pillar, mirroring the public ceremony and custom of presenting the monarch, reinforcing the significance of that location for royal affirmations.
2 Chronicles 23:13This parallel account highlights Athaliah's reaction and the crowd's joy, emphasizing the stark contrast between her alarm at the rightful king's enthronement and the people's celebration of God's chosen ruler.
Jeremiah 17:13The verse speaks of hope being forsaken for those who forsake the Lord, connecting to Athaliah's rejection of God's lineage and her subsequent downfall when the true king, appointed by God, was revealed.
Psalm 75:7This psalm declares that God alone promotes and debases rulers, directly relating to Athaliah's violent usurpation of the throne and her subsequent removal when God’s plan for David's line was put back into motion.
It's fascinating how the "custom" of standing by the pillar wasn't just a nice tradition, but a vital public declaration of the king's legitimacy that Athaliah's sudden appearance completely shattered. Her cry of "Treason!" highlights that she understood this public, customary affirmation of the true king as the ultimate threat to her illegitimate rule.
The priest Jehoiada has just orchestrated a dramatic coup, installing the young boy Joash as king amidst the shock of Queen Athaliah, who had been ruling tyrannically after slaughtering the royal family. This moment captures the public acclamation of the new, legitimate king, a public display meant to solidify his reign and expose Athaliah's illegitimate grip on power. Her horrified reaction signals the immediate collapse of her authority and the people's embrace of God's chosen line.
The priest Jehoiada has just orchestrated a dramatic coup, installing the young boy Joash as king amidst the shock of Queen Athaliah, who had been ruling tyrannically after slaughtering the royal family. This moment captures the public acclamation of the new, legitimate king, a public display meant to solidify his reign and expose Athaliah's illegitimate grip on power. Her horrified reaction signals the immediate collapse of her authority and the people's embrace of God's chosen line.
"And when she looked, there was the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom, and the captains and the trumpeters beside the king, and all the people of the land rejoicing and blowing trumpets. And Athaliah tore her clothes and…" — It's fascinating how the "custom" of standing by the pillar wasn't just a nice tradition, but a vital public declaration of the king's legitimacy that Athaliah's sudden appearance completely shattere…
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Last reviewed October 2026
