MPV Commentary

1. Athaliah had significant influence over her son, who ruled in the spirit of the house of Ahab due to her counsel.

She destroyed all those connected with the royal family who might have claimed the throne and had escaped Jehu's massacre (2Ch 21:2-4; 22:1; 2Ki 10:13, 14). This brutal act was motivated by a desire not to let David's family outlive hers, as well as self-defense against Jehu's efforts to destroy Ahab's posterity. Her primary goal, however, was personal ambition and establishing the worship of Baal.

2. Jehosheba, or Jehoshabeath (2Ch 22:11), was the daughter of King Joram by a secondary wife, not Athaliah.

She secretly took her brother Jehoiachin from among the king's sons who were slain and hid him in the temple priests' quarters, which was under the care of Jehoiada and his wife. This room, often referred to as the bedchamber, was actually a small closet where bedding materials were stored during the day. It provided a suitable place for the infant prince to recover from any wounds he may have sustained and remain hidden.