By a pillar - Rather, “upon the pillar,” probably a sort of stand or pulpit raised on a pillar. Under the later monarchy, the Jewish king se…

And when she looked. —Having entered the court, the whole scene met her astonished gaze.

The king stood by a pillar…

And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as
the manner was of kings, when …

Athaliah hastened her own destruction. She herself was the greatest traitor, and yet was first and loudest in crying, Treason, treason! The most gu…