Definition: And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from 2 Chronicles 23:13. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling part of the book, and it’s full of symbolism and meaning. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: King David is about to be executed. The verse describes the final moments before King David's death. He’s being led into Jerusalem, which is a significant moment for the people. A young woman named Athaliah appears. She’s a royal advisor – she was the advisor to King David – and she has a very sinister plan. She deliberately sabotages the king's celebration. As he’s being brought into the city, Athaliah intercepts his celebrations, throws off her robes (a symbolic act of rebellion), and shouts, "Treason, treason!" What This Verse Means – It's about betrayal and a terrible threat: "And she looked..." : This sets the scene. It’s a moment of observation, perhaps seeing something that confirms her plan. "...and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in..." : The King is being brought into Jerusalem for a significant religious event – likely a celebration or a momentous decision. He’s positioned at a crucial point. "...and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced..." : The royal guards and musicians are celebrating, indicating a time of joy and abundance. "...and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise." : This is key. The entire city is filled with music, chanting, and praise – a massive outpouring of joy and celebration. "Then Athaliah rent her clothes..." : This is the shocking part. Athaliah, recognizing the King’s weakness and vulnerability, deliberately exposes herself to the celebration. She uses her position as advisor to cause chaos and to signal that she's against him. "...and said, Treason, treason." : This is the core of the message. She’s declaring that her actions are a betrayal – a deliberate act of defiance against David and his kingdom. The Significance & Symbolism: Athaliah as a Threat: In Jewish tradition, Athaliah was often associated with a wicked queen who plotted against her own family. This verse suggests she represents a powerful, vengeful force seeking to undermine the King's rule. Treason: The word "treason" carries a very serious weight. It means breaking a sacred oath or duty, and in this case, it signifies actively plotting against someone’s life. Overall Interpretation: This passage is a powerful warning about the dangers of betrayal and the potential for evil to rise from within those closest to power. It highlights that even seemingly harmless individuals can be dangerous when driven by malice. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger narrative about political turmoil in ancient Israel, surrounding King David's reign and his eventual downfall. It’s a dramatic moment that underscores the importance of loyalty and righteousness. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular aspect of this passage further? (e.g., its historical context?) Connect it to a specific theme in the Bible? Give you some possible interpretations about the meaning of Athaliah’s actions?