The one God of the Scriptures was rejected. In her life environment did not dictate her choices. She stood apart from family, from friends and chose to serve God. She knew that her choices were in direct conflict with what her family wanted, but she chose to follow God and separate from family. This is a difficult decision and many are unwilling to make it.
Women occupy a critical place in society.
In this story there is a contrast in the two ways women impact society. They can be as Athaliah and bring harm, evil, and pail. She was a tigress of a woman and cared not for anything that honored God. She brought the Kingdom of Judah to its lowest historical point. They can be as Jehosheba and bring love, rescue, and righteousness.