The only female king in the Bible was Athaliah, who ruled over the Kingdom of Judah. She was the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel and the wife of King Jehoram of Judah. After her husband's death, she seized power and reigned for six years, ruthlessly eliminating her own grandson and all other potential heirs to the throne. Her reign ended when Jehoiada, the high priest, orchestrated a coup and installed her grandson, Joash, as king.
Athaliah's story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of ambition and the consequences of disregarding the divine will. She represents the antithesis of a righteous ruler, embodying the wickedness and idolatry that plagued the Kingdom of Judah during her time.
