# behold

This alerts the reader that the following information is very important.

# standing by his pillar at the entrance

The relationship between the king and this particular pillar at the temple entrance is unclear.

# All the people of the land

This is a generalization to show that many people participated in the event. Alternate translation: "A very large number of the people of the land" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

# Athaliah tore her clothes

This was a symbolic action to show her great distress. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

# Treason! Treason!

Treason is acting to overthrow the government. Athaliah had killed the legitimate heirs of the king and made herself ruler in [2 Chronicles 22:10](../22/10.md). She was angry that Joash became king in her place. The exclamation is repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: "You are committing treason!"