Who is the only woman we hear of reigning as queen regnant in Israel or Judah?

Athaliah stands out in the biblical narratives as a fascinating figure and the sole woman to rule as queen regnant in either Israel or Judah. Her reign follows a tumultuous chapter in Israel's history filled with conspiracies and the struggle for the throne, directly tied to her motherhood as she was the mother of King Ahaziah. A lesser-known fact is that Athaliah was the daughter of Jezebel and Ahab, notorious for their idolatrous practices and confrontation with prophets like Elijah. Can you imagine the drama?

Athaliah’s story in 2 Chronicles carries the weight of not just her leadership but the legacy of her lineage. She rose to power after the death of her son Ahaziah, effectively taking matters into her own hands. To consolidate her control, she infamously ordered the execution of her own grandchildren, which underlines the extremes of political ambition and survival.

Even though she ruled in a patriarchal society, Athaliah’s reign offers a rare glimpse into female authority in the Bible, challenging our historical perceptions. Her story ultimately ends in conflict—she was overthrown and executed, but perhaps what’s more compelling is the narrative she leaves behind about power, lineage, and influence. The fact that history scarcely remembers monarchs based on gender opens discussions on fairness and governance that still resonate today. Athaliah remains a striking embodiment of complex human nature and the consequential choices we face even in times of adversity.