And Jehoiada the priest sent out the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, saying, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.”
Jehoiada orders Athaliah brought out from among the ranks and commands that any follower be killed, but not inside the house of the LORD.
It joins decisive judgment with care for the temple’s holiness.
12When Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and cheering the king, she went out to them in the house of the LORD. 13And she looked and saw the king standing by his pillar at the entrance. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets, while the singers with musical instruments were leading the praises. 14And Jehoiada the priest sent out the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, saying, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.” 15So they seized Athaliah as she reached the entrance of the Horse Gate on the palace grounds, and there they put her to death.