And when Athaliah heard the noise of the guard, and of the
people
Their acclamations and shouts at the coronation of the king; for by this time the people had some knowledge of the affair, and ran, and came flocking to see the new king, and express their joy on this occasion, and whom they greatly praised, ( 2 Chronicles 23:12 )
she came to the people into the temple of the Lord;
the outward court, where the people were assembled; and she seems to come alone, unattended, in great surprise and consternation, and was admitted to pass the guards, being the queen, and alone, and perhaps by the particular order of Jehoiada, though contrary to the general orders he gave, ( 2 Kings 11:8 ) .