2 Kings xi. 1,2,&c. In the Year of the World 3120. before J.C. 880. before the vulg. Æra 884.I. ATHALIAH, the Daughter of Ahab King of Samariah, and Wife to Joram King of Judah. She being informed that Jehu had put to death her Son Ahaziah, and two and forty Princes of his blood, born of different Women, she resolved to massacre all the Princes of the Royal Family, that she might be able to ascend the Throne of Judah without any obstacle. But Jehosheba the Daughter of King Joram, and Sister to King Ahaziah, took Joash the Son of Ahaziah, with his Nurse, and privately conveyed him away, while Athaliah’s Officers, by her orders, were murdering the King’s Children. This young Prince for six years was supported privately, together with his Nurse, in the Temple; and in the seventh year the High Priest Jehoiada determined to place him upon the Throne of his Ancestors, and procure the destruction of Athaliah. He called together the Priests and Levites who guarded the Temple, discovered his design to them, shewed them the young King, and, without losing time, having first posted them at proper places, he declared young Joash King, with great acclamations of the multitude.
Athaliah having heard the noise, entred the Temple of the Lord amidst the croud, and upon seeing the young King seated on his Throne, she tore her cloathes, and cried out, Treason! Treason! At the same time Jehoiada commanded the Levites who were in arms to take her and carry her without the inclosure of the Temple, and if any one followed her, to put him to the sword. The Officers therefore laid hands on her, and dragg’d her thro’ the way of the Horse-gate, near the Palace, and in this place she was slain, in the year of the World 3126. before J.C. 874. before the vulgar Æra 878. She reigned six years.