Bad Guys of the Bible: Queen Athaliah, Daughter of Ahab and Jezebel

by David Chadwick

Queen Jezebel was one of the Bible’s leading characters when it comes to female villains. Her husband, Ahab, was just as bad. Unfortunately, without the transformative work of Jesus in someone’s life, a bad guy and a bad gal often create bad children. Ahab and Jezebel’s daughter was another bad gal.

Her story is found in 2 Kings 8:16 - 2 Kings 11:16. Queen Athaliah was wicked like her mother. She wanted power and devised a scheme to kill all the faithful royal members of the household so she could step in to reign.

If you have ever read Deuteronomy 5:9, you may remember where God refers to himself as “a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generation.” The sins of a father and mother can easily become the sins of a son and daughter. This was most certainly the case with Queen Athaliah.

Athaliah was almost successful in her evil plot. She killed all the members of the royal household except for one: Joash. He was a young child at the time and he was hidden by a chambermaid from Queen Athaliah’s wicked ways. This chambermaid was another true hidden hero! Though unnamed, she saved the bloodline of King David to King Jesus!

For seven years, Jehoida the high priest, hid Joash until a final rebellion took place at which point Athaliah was killed and Joash was placed on the throne.

We see yet again in this story how power corrupts everything. The desire to have power over people can lead to all kinds of evil. We are reminded again and again of the dangers of selfish ambition (Philippians 2:3). It destroys the soul! We must fight against it with every ounce of our being.

After learning about Jezebel, Ahab, and Athaliah, you should see plenty of things not to do! Take the warnings after reading about this family full of bad guys and apply them to your life. Men, seek to lead with gentleness and power as a person of conviction. Women, use your gifts to bless and uplift those around you, fleeing from manipulation and control. If you’re married and building a family, build on the foundation of God’s Word and seek to establish a culture within your home that points people to the ways of God’s kingdom. You will never regret seeking to live a life that prioritizes holiness!