13 And Athaliah heard the noise of the couriers [and] of the people; and she came to the people into the house of Jehovah. 14 And she looked, and behold, the king stood on the dais, according to the custom, and the princes and the trumpeters were by the king; and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets. And Athaliah rent her garments and cried, Conspiracy! Conspiracy! 15 And Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds that were set over the host, and said to them, Lead her forth without the ranks; and whosoever follows her, slay with the sword; for the priest said, Let her not be put to death in the house of Jehovah. 16 And they made way for her, and she went by the way by which the horses entered the king's house, and there was she put to death.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Kings 11:13-16

Commentary on 2 Kings 11:13-16

(Read 2 Kings 11:13-16)

Athaliah hastened her own destruction. She herself was the greatest traitor, and yet was first and loudest in crying, Treason, treason! The most guilty are commonly the most forward to reproach others.