2 Chronicles 23 21

2 Chronicles 23:21 kjv

And all the people of the land rejoiced: and the city was quiet, after that they had slain Athaliah with the sword.

2 Chronicles 23:21 nkjv

So all the people of the land rejoiced; and the city was quiet, for they had slain Athaliah with the sword.

2 Chronicles 23:21 niv

All the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was calm, because Athaliah had been slain with the sword.

2 Chronicles 23:21 esv

So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet after Athaliah had been put to death with the sword.

2 Chronicles 23:21 nlt

So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was peaceful because Athaliah had been killed.

2 Chronicles 23 verses

2 Chronicles 23 21 Meaning

This verse describes the immediate aftermath of Athaliah's execution and the successful culmination of Jehoiada the priest's covenant to restore the legitimate Davidic monarchy. It signifies the public's widespread relief and approbation following the overthrow of a tyrannical, idolatrous ruler, leading to a profound state of order and tranquility in Jerusalem. The land, freed from oppressive and ungodly rule, experiences joy and peace.

2 Chronicles 23 21 Context

2 Chronicles chapter 23 recounts the dramatic and pivotal coup d'état orchestrated by Jehoiada the priest to overthrow the tyrannical queen Athaliah and restore the rightful heir, Joash, to the throne of Judah. Athaliah, having murdered all other royal offspring (except Joash, who was hidden), usurped the throne for six years, fostering idolatry (especially Baal worship) and neglecting the Lord's temple. Jehoiada, after meticulously preparing, formed a secret covenant with the commanders and Levites, arming them and strategically positioning them to guard the temple and protect the young king Joash. The climax was the anointing of Joash as king in the temple, leading to Athaliah's dramatic appearance, her cries of "Treason! Treason!", and her swift execution. Verse 21 describes the public's joyful reaction and the immediate societal stability that followed this decisive act of divine justice and restoration of legitimate, God-ordained authority. It highlights the collective relief and affirmation of the covenant community now that righteous rule was re-established.

2 Chronicles 23 21 Word analysis

• And (וְ - ve): A simple conjunction connecting the immediate aftermath with the preceding events, emphasizing continuity in the narrative flow. It signals the swift and positive consequences of Athaliah's overthrow.
• all the people of the land (כָּל־עַם־הָאָרֶץ - kol-ʻam-haʼaretz): Signifies the general populace, not just specific officials or a faction. This emphasizes the widespread approval and relief across Judah, indicating a unanimous rejection of Athaliah's oppressive and idolatrous reign and a fervent desire for the re-establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the true worship of Yahweh. This widespread consensus reinforces the legitimacy of the coup and the new king.
• rejoiced (שָׂמֵחַ - samêach): This Hebrew term denotes profound joy, gladness, or cheerfulness. It reflects not merely a fleeting emotion but a deep sense of relief and celebration for the restoration of divine order, justice, and the true kingship. The joy is in direct contrast to the mourning or oppression under Athaliah, signifying liberation.
• and the city (וְהָעִיר - vehāʻîr): Specifically referring to Jerusalem, the capital city and heart of the kingdom. This focus narrows the scope to the political and religious center where the coup took place, highlighting the impact on daily life there.
• was quiet (שָׁקָט - shāqāt): The Hebrew verb means "to be quiet," "to be tranquil," "to have rest," or "to be at peace." It indicates the cessation of civil unrest, turmoil, fear, and oppression. After years of usurpation and chaos under Athaliah, the city experienced a welcome period of peace, security, and stability. This quietness is a direct result of the restoration of justice and righteous rule.
• for Athaliah had been put to death with the sword by the king's house: This phrase acts as a causal explanation for the widespread joy and peace. The removal of the source of terror and apostasy (Athaliah) brought about these desired conditions. The act of "putting to death with the sword" (הוּמְתָה בַחֶרֶב - humtāh vaḥerev) emphasizes the decisive, judicial execution, marking a complete end to her reign of terror. "By the king's house" (עַל־בֵּית הַמֶּלֶךְ - ʻal-bêṯ hammelek) indicates the location of her death, underscoring that justice was exacted decisively within the royal domain, symbolically cleansing the monarchy from her evil influence.

• "all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet": This phrase dramatically captures the public's collective response. The parallelism highlights two key aspects of the change: the inner disposition (rejoicing) and the outer state (quiet/peace). It shows the transition from a state of chaos and fear under an illegitimate ruler to one of stability, security, and well-being under legitimate authority, signifying divine blessing upon the people's repentance and adherence to the covenant. This universal jubilation implies that Athaliah’s rule was deeply unpopular and seen as contrary to God’s will and the Davidic covenant.
• "for Athaliah had been put to death with the sword by the king's house": This causal clause (introduced by "for" or "because") explicitly links the positive outcome to the decisive act of divine justice. Her death, achieved swiftly and publicly at the place of her power, demonstrated God's judgment against usurpation and idolatry and validated the coup. This closure was essential for the return of order and joy. The public's joy here isn't malicious, but righteous indignation against the oppressor, giving way to profound relief at justice served and restoration inaugurated.

2 Chronicles 23 21 Bonus section

The immediate and universal reaction of "rejoicing" and "quiet" in 2 Chronicles 23:21 reflects a significant theological principle: peace and order are blessings that often follow the removal of wickedness and the establishment of righteousness. This also stands as a testament to the enduring hope for the Davidic line, a covenant established by God that the people keenly felt was being honored through Joash's ascension. The absence of further rebellion or challenge following Athaliah's death underscores the broad support for Jehoiada's actions and the perceived legitimacy of the young king, reinforcing the idea that this coup was divinely sanctioned and popularly desired.

2 Chronicles 23 21 Commentary

2 Chronicles 23:21 encapsulates the immediate and profound societal impact of righteous judgment and the restoration of God's covenant king. Following Athaliah's execution, a sense of euphoria swept across Judah, specifically Jerusalem. The relief was palpable; a corrupt, tyrannical, and idolatrous queen, who had threatened the very line of David and the worship of Yahweh, was gone. This wasn't merely a political coup but a divinely ordained cleansing that purged the nation of a deeply ingrained evil. The "quiet" in the city signifies the immediate cessation of turmoil and the return to civil order, a blessing for a society under legitimate rule. The "rejoicing" illustrates the public's overwhelming support for the restored Davidic covenant and the true worship it represented. It marked the definitive shift from Athaliah's terror and idolatry to a hopeful return to faithfulness under young King Joash, guided by the righteous priest Jehoiada. This verse highlights the profound connection between a nation's spiritual state and its social welfare, affirming that justice and legitimate, God-fearing governance bring joy and peace.