The answer is: Athaliah

2 Kings 11:1 - Athaliah’s thirst for power nearly wiped out David’s lineage, threatening God’s covenant promise. Her defeat and the preservation of Joash underscore divine protection over God’s plans.

Athaliah stands out as a particularly notorious figure in the biblical narrative, often referred to as archetypal for villainy not just in Judeo-Christian texts but also in broader cultural literature. After the death of her son, King Ahaziah, she seized power by eliminating threats from the royal family, showcasing a driven but wicked ambition. Her reign was marked by a blatant disregard for the Davidic lineage—the rulers seen as essential under God's covenant, solidifying Judah's identity and doctrines.

Interesting enough, Athaliah wasn’t just a power-hungry queen; she was also the daughter of Jezebel, the infamous Phoenician princess known for her manipulative and idolatrous behavior! Think about that for a second—someone raised in such a turbulent environment leads to a dark legacy. Coincidentally, Jezebel’s reign was similarly characterized by attempts to secure power through ruthless actions, drawing a stark parallel between mother and daughter.

The narrative then takes a thrilling turn. Despite Athaliah’s plans, God’s divine providence surfaces in the story as Joash—a king hidden for six years to ensure his safety—emerges. This divine protection is echoed in other biblical stories, like Moses’s rescue from pharaoh's decree or Jesus's insistence to move on to fulfill his destiny. The message here stands timeless: while human ambition may seek to thwart God's plans, Providence often has a way of preserving and even elevating what's just, heralding hope amid turmoil.