In the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, Azariah the son of Obed, Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into a covenant with him. They went around in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the heads of fathers’ households of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem. All the assembly made a covenant with the king in God’s house. He said to them, “Behold, the king’s son must reign, as Yahweh has spoken concerning the sons of David.
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In the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, Azariah the son of Obed, Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into a covenant with him. They went around in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the heads of fathers’ households of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem. All the assembly made a covenant with the king in God’s house. He said to them, “Behold, the king’s son must reign, as Yahweh has spoken concerning the sons of David. This is the thing that you must do. A third part of you, who come in on the Sabbath, of the priests and of the Levites, shall be gatekeepers of the thresholds. A third part shall be at the king’s house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation. All the people will be in the courts of Yahweh’s house. But let no one come into Yahweh’s house, except the priests and those who minister of the Levites. They shall come in, for they are holy, but all the people shall follow Yahweh’s instructions. The Levites shall surround the king, every man with his weapons in his hand. Whoever comes into the house, let him be slain. Be with the king when he comes in, and when he goes out.”
Parallel Translations
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In the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, Azariah the son of Obed, Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into a covenant with him.
They went around in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the heads of fathers’ households of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.
All the assembly made a covenant with the king in God’s house. He said to them, “Behold, the king’s son must reign, as Yahweh has spoken concerning the sons of David.
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And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him.
And they went about in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the chief of the fathers of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.
And all the congregation made a covenant with the king in the house of God. And he said unto them, Behold, the king’s son shall reign, as the LORD hath said of the sons of David.
Show all 3 translations
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And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him.
And they went about in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the heads of fathers' houses of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.
And all the congregation made a covenant with the king in the house of God. And he said unto them: 'Behold, the king's son shall reign, as the LORD hath spoken concerning the sons of David.
Cross-references (25)
- 2 Samuel 7:12 (v3) When your days are fulfilled, and you sleep with your fathers, I will set up your offspring after you, who will proceed out of your body,…
- 2 Chronicles 6:16 (v3) “Now therefore, Yahweh, the God of Israel, keep with your servant David my father that which you have promised him, saying, ‘There shall…
- 2 Chronicles 21:7 (v3) However Yahweh would not destroy David’s house, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a lamp to…
- 1 Kings 2:4 (v3) Then Yahweh may establish his word which he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your children are careful of their way, to walk before me in…
- 2 Kings 11:17 (v3) Jehoiada made a covenant between Yahweh and the king and the people, that they should be Yahweh’s people; also between the king and the…
Show all 25 cross-references
- 2 Chronicles 7:18 (v3) then I will establish the throne of your kingdom, according as I covenanted with David your father, saying, ‘There shall not fail you a man…
- 2 Chronicles 11:13-17 (v2) The priests and the Levites who were in all Israel stood with him out of all their territory. For the Levites left their pasture lands and…
- 1 Samuel 18:3 (v1) Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
- 2 Samuel 5:3 (v3) So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron, and king David made a covenant with them in Hebron before Yahweh; and they anointed…
- 2 Samuel 7:16 (v3) Your house and your kingdom will be made sure forever before you. Your throne will be established forever.” ’ ”
- 1 Kings 9:5 (v3) then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever, as I promised to David your father, saying, ‘There shall not fail…
- 2 Kings 11:4-20 (v1) In the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the captains over hundreds of the Carites and of the guard, and brought them to him into…
- 1 Chronicles 9:9-27 (v3) and their brothers, according to their generations, nine hundred fifty-six. All these men were heads of fathers’ households by their…
- 1 Chronicles 11:3 (v3) So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before Yahweh; and they anointed…
- 1 Chronicles 15:12 (v2) and said to them, “You are the heads of the fathers’ households of the Levites. Sanctify yourselves, both you and your brothers, that you…
- 1 Chronicles 24:6 (v2) Shemaiah the son of Nethanel the scribe, who was of the Levites, wrote them in the presence of the king, the princes, Zadok the priest,…
- 2 Chronicles 15:12 (v1) They entered into the covenant to seek Yahweh, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul;
- 2 Chronicles 21:2 (v2) He had brothers, the sons of Jehoshaphat: Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariah, Michael, and Shephatiah. All these were the sons of…
- 2 Chronicles 23:16 (v3) Jehoiada made a covenant between himself, all the people, and the king, that they should be Yahweh’s people.
- Nehemiah 9:38 (v1) Yet for all this, we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, our Levites, and our priests, seal it.”
- Psalms 89:29 (v3) I will also make his offspring endure forever, and his throne as the days of heaven.
- Psalms 89:36 (v3) His offspring will endure forever, his throne like the sun before me.
- Psalms 112:5 (v2) It is well with the man who deals graciously and lends. He will maintain his cause in judgment.
- Matthew 10:16 (v2) “Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
- Ephesians 5:15 (v2) Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise,
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (19 sources)
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv1–2 Of the reign of Athaliah, or after the death…
Of the reign of Athaliah, or after the death of Ahaziah.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv1–3 2Ch 23:1 And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened…
2Ch 23:1 And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him.
Ver. 1. Strengthened himself, and took.] It was a weighty work he went about, and therefore he taketh the wisest course, the fittest time; on the Sabbath, when the congregation met; and in the temple, whither Athaliah and her courtiers seldom came; and not till the people had, for seven years before, borne Athaliah’s tyrannical government, and groaned after deliverance.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv1–2 Took the captains of hundreds; not all, but those…
Took the captains of hundreds; not all, but those here following, in whom he put most trust. But this chapter is almost all taken out of 2Ki 11, where it is explained.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On v1 We may well imagine the bad posture of affairs…
We may well imagine the bad posture of affairs in Jerusalem during Athaliah's six years' usurpation, and may wonder that God permitted it and his people bore it so long; but after such a dark and tedious night the returning day in this revolution was the brighter and the more welcome. The continuance of David's seed and throne was what God had sworn by his holiness (Psa 89:35), and an interruption was no defeasance; the stream of government here runs again in the right channel. The instrument and chief manager of the restoration is Jehoiada, who appears to have been, 1. A man of great prudence, who reserved the young prince for so many years till he was fit to appear in public, and till the nation had grown weary of the usurper, who prepared his work beforehand, and then effected it with admirable secresy and expedition. When God has work to do he will qualify and animate men for it. 2. A man of great interest. The captains joined with him, Ch2 23:1. The Levites and the chief of the fathers of Israel came at his call to Jerusalem (Ch2 23:2) and were there ready to receive his orders. See what a command wisdom and virtue will give men. The Levites and all Judah did as Jehoiada commanded (Ch2 23:8), and, which is strange, all that were entrusted with the secret kept their own counsel till it was executed. Thus the words of the wise are heard in quiet, Ecc 9:17. 3. A man of great faith. It was not only common equity (much less his wife's relation to the royal family) that put him upon this undertaking, but a regard to the word of God, and the divine entail of the crown (Ch2 23:3): The king's son shall reign, must reign, as the Lord hath said. His eye to the promise, and dependence upon that, added a great deal of glory to this undertaking. 4. A man of great religion. This matter was to be done in the temple, which might occasion some breach of rule, and the necessity of the case might be thought to excuse it; but he gave special order that none of the people should come into the house of the Lord, but the priests and Levites only, who were holy, upon pain of death, Ch2 23:6, Ch2 23:7. Never let sacred things be profaned, no, not for the support of civil rights. 5. A man of great resolution. When he had undertaken this business he went through with it, brought out the king, crowned him, and gave him the testimony, Ch2 23:11. He ventured his head, but it was in a good cause, and therefore he went on boldly. It is here said that his sons joined with him in anointing the young king. One of them, it is likely, was that Zechariah whom Joash afterwards put to death for reproving him (Ch2 24:20), which was so much the more ungrateful because he bore a willing part in anointing him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On v1 Jehoiada prepares the people and crowns the king, ver.…
Jehoiada prepares the people and crowns the king, ver. 1- 11. Athaliah is slain, ver. 12-15. The kingdom is reformed, ver. 16-21.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On v1 Jehoiada the priest, after having taken counsel with the
CHAPTER XXIII
Jehoiada the priest, after having taken counsel with the
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captains, Levites, c., proclaims Joash, and anoints him
king, 1-11.
Athaliah, endeavouring to prevent it, is slain, 12-15.
He makes the people enter into a covenant, that they would
serve the Lord, 16.
The people break down the temple of Baal, and slay Mattan his
priest, 17.
Jehoiada makes several alterations, and remodels the kingdom,
18-21.
NOTES ON CHAP. XXIII
Verse 1. And in the seventh year] See on 2Kg 11:4, &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv1–2 2Ch 23:1. And took the captains of hundreds —…
2Ch 23:1. And took the captains of hundreds — Not all, but those here following, in whom he put most trust. But the contents of this chapter, in general, having occurred 2 Kings 11., where they are explained, little need be said on them here.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv1–3 The five names do not occur in Kings; only,…
The five names do not occur in Kings; only, and incidentally, the five divisions of the royal guard (2Ki 11:5 note).
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv1–2 Seventh. Vatican Sept., by mistake, has "the eighth." ---…
Seventh. Vatican Sept., by mistake, has "the eighth." --- Encouraged, or "strengthened." Sept., &c. H. --- Captains, whether Levites, or ancient officers of the crown, who were dissatisfied with the usurper, 4 K. xi.
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On v2 chief of all the fathers of Israel--This name is…
chief of all the fathers of Israel--This name is frequently used in Chronicles for Judah and Benjamin, now all that remained of Israel. Having cautiously entrusted the secret of the young prince's preservation to all the leading men in the kingdom, he enlisted their interest in the royal cause and got their pledge to support it by a secret oath of fidelity.
they came to Jerusalem--The time chosen for the grand discovery was, probably, one of the annual festivals, when there was a general concourse of the nation at the capital.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv1–3 Ch. 2Ch_23:1-11 (= 2Ki_11:4-12). The Conspiracy against Athaliah
Ch. 2Ch_23:1-11 (= 2Ki_11:4-12). The Conspiracy against Athaliah
1. strengthened himself] Cp. 2Ch_1:1 (note); the phrase does not occur in the parallel passage of Kings.
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Azariah, etc.] These names do not occur in Kings.
captains of hundreds] In 2 Kin. “captains over hundreds of the Carites (i.e. Cherethites) and of the guard.” The Chronicler takes the captains to be captains of Levites.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv1–3 (Comp. 2Ki_11:4-20.)
XXIII.
THE FALL OF ATHALIAH, AND SUCCESSION OF JOASH.
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(Comp. 2Ki_11:4-20.)
(1) Jehoiada strengthened himself.—Showed himself strong or courageous, behaved boldly (1Sa_4:9). The chronicler has substituted a favourite expression (hithchazzaq) for the term used in Kings, “Jehoiada sent.”
The captains of hundreds.—Their names, added here, are not given in 2Ki_11:4. On the other hand, Kings reads, “the captains of the hundreds of the Carians (or body-guard) and the Runners (or couriers, i.e., royal messengers) “—terms which were probably obscure to the chronicler.
Azariah . . . and Azariah.—Heb.,’Azaryâh . . . and ‘Azaryâhû. (Comp. 2Ch_21:2.) These names are introduced in the chronicler s well-known manner (by the prefix le, marking the object of the verb). His style is very visible in the additions to the narrative as compared with Kings.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv1–3 This chapter records first those careful preparations of Jehoiada…
This chapter records first those careful preparations of Jehoiada which eventuated in the safe proclaiming of Joash king (vers. 1-11); then the tragic demonstration and tragic end of Athaliah (vers. 12-15); and lastly, the beneficent action of Jehoiada over people and king, to the complete restoration of the worship and temple-services of the true God (vers. 1621). The chapter is very closely paralleled by 2Ki_11:4-21; while the characteristic and to be expected differences on the part of our text are very conspicuous. These will be noted as they occur. While each compiler so definitely keeps on that side of the line which answers the main purpose of his history, in the abundant material common to both, and to which both resorted, all harmonizes still with the supposed objects of the two works respectively.
Jehoiada strengthened himself. (see our note, 2Ch_12:1 2Ch_13:7) He nerved himself with courage, and that courage which results from conviction of duty and of ripe time to achieve it. The captains of hundreds (or, centurions of the royal guards) are not mentioned in the parallel by name, but the significant mention there (2Ki_11:5-7) of five detachments (three "third parts," plus "two parts" of another body) tally with the number five, who are here mentioned by name. The five detachments probably summed up a force of nominally five hundred. It is interesting to note how often high religious enterprises have been due to the trusting mutual co-operation of very few to begin with, and them awakened and led by one. Of no one of these five named here is anything known more to his honour than this that his name is here recorded. It is said with the most perfect simplicity of even Hebrew language, that he took them with him in covenant.
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Vers. 1-25.
The time of action, after six years" waiting.
In the first verse of this chapter, so full of the indications of the ruling providence of God, alike in his raising up a priest like Jehoiada, and in the marriage alliance which Jehoiada had formed with the sister of the king, we are told that this priest "strengthened himself," or took courage, and proceeded also therewith to take measures to bring the hidden heir to the throne to light, and to place on his head the crown. It is not necessary to understand this to imply that courage had been lacking to him before for this work, but that, till the time was ripe, he had not girded himself to the enterprise. We may notice
I THE PATIENT WAITING OF JEHOIADA. To men of action, waiting is a hard task. Possibly simply the infancy and youngest childhood of Joash advised that waiting. How could the scene have been made one-half as effective as it was while Joash was but an infant? But there may have been other reasons, and some of them easily imaginable, in the state and temper of the kingdom, for the delay. Six years, at any rate, did he "rest, and the seventh" he rose up to work six years, not one of which was free from anxiety and danger. Many a time must he have turned over the whole matter in thought, and prayed over it, and with his God-fearing wife developed the plan till now the seventh year came.
II THE WISE ACTION OF JEHOIADA. As politician, statesman, Churchman, he is a good example. By concerting methods of proceeding with ever-widening circles of co-operation (the captains of hundreds, the Levites, the chiefs of the fathers, etc., vers. 1, 2), he obviates the danger and almost the possibility of any breakdown; he gains sympathy; he gives to enthusiasm its natural springs, and to public spirit legitimate impulse, and so carries all to a successful issue.
III THE RELIGIOUS SERVICE OBSERVED, AND THE DISTINCTNESS AND DIRECTNESS WITH WHICH THE PRINCIPLE AND SANCTION OF RELIGION WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE WHOLE PROCEEDING. The meeting ("congregation") gathered in the house of the Lord. The meeting made a "covenant" with the king there ha challenging it, evidently. And the priest, faithful to his knowledge, and faithful to his own faith, lays down distinctly the common ground and the sacred bond of their co-operation: "Behold, the king"s son shall reign, as the Lord hath said of the sons of David" (ver. 3).
IV THE MODEL RELIGIOUS CARE WITH WHICH THE HOUSE OF GOD WAS GUARDED AGAINST ANY ACCIDENTAL PROFANATION. The priests and Levites on the one hand, and the people on the other hand, all had their places and work assigned to them, with every precaution and warning (vers. 6-10).
V THE CEREMONY OF THE CORONATION, WITH ITS CENTRAL FEATURE AN ALMOST SACRAMENTAL CELEBRATION OF THE TESTIMONY LAID UPON THE KING. Whether, as some think, that with the crown of gold, the testimony, the hook of the Law, was for a moment rested upon his head the better crown by far of the two or whether it was put into his hands, is very immaterial. The act was a most suggestive one, and a most impressive one, and one which, to the end of the life of Joash, now so young, might well be a memory of real religious usefulness. We do not read of any previous instance of the kind. It may be that it was thought of as a remembrancer specially suited to the very tender age of the young king.
VI THE EVIL-DOING OF ATHALIAH NOW AT LAST SILENCED FOR EVER. The voice of priest and people was one now. And the voice of these was also one with the voice of God. And too surely, even if it were the first time, for "so long a time," the voice of fear and of conscience spoke at one, from the lips of the doomed woman Athaliah.
VII THE VOWS TAKEN AFRESH HEREUPON BY HIMSELF AND ALL THE PEOPLE AND THE RING. These vows were in the shape, apparently, of a covenant the contracting parties being the priest in the name of the Lord his God on the one side, and on the other the people and the king (ver. 16). Are we not forcibly reminded here how right it is and how needful that the servants of God, in the sense of being public ministers of his truth, of religion, of the Church, should feel it their solemn duty not only to give instruction and the best of it, but to make earnest appeal to the people, and from time to time urge and lovingly challenge them to decision in matters of their religious life?
VIII THE WORK OF PRACTICAL REFORMATION AT ONCE BEGUN, THE PEACE OF THE LAND ENGAGED IN THAT WORK, AND THE GLADNESS OF THE WHOLE PEOPLE IN IT.
HOMILIES BY W. CLARKSON Vers. 1-11.
The constituents of success.
It was no light work that Jehoiada had in hand. He had need to "strengthen himself," as we are told that he did (ver. 1). To effect a revolution in a kingdom is either a very guilty or a very noble deed. It can only be justified by the most grave conditions and by a reasonable prospect of success. When, as on this occasion, it is imperatively demanded, and when, as now, it is boldly and effectively accomplished, a very great work of patriotism and philanthropy is wrought; and it is not only man who is served, but God also. On the other hand, to undertake such an achievement without adequate cause and without sufficient means, is to plunge a country into civil strife and to ensure the spilling of much blood and the desolation of many homes. Jehoiada succeeded in his great undertaking, and his success was due to many things. These things are the constant constituents of prosperity everywhere. They are
I A SENSE OF SACRED DUTY. Jehoiada was not seeking his own exaltation; he was concerned that the purpose of God was not being fulfilled, and he was desirous of acting in such a way that the will of God should be done in the land, "as the Lord hath said" (ver. 3). Men often carry a purpose into execution because they are animated by a strong, energizing ambition; but they may also be quickened and sustained by a nobler end. They may be charged with a commission from God; they may be filled with a sense of what they owe to him. And a profound persuasion that God has called us to execute a certain work has again and again proved a most powerful inspiration.
II COURAGE AND COMMAND ON THE PART OF THE LEADER (OR LEADERS). Jehoiada had made up his mind that the thing was now to be done; "The king"s son shall reign," he said. And he went about the work of the restoration of the royal house of David with the firmness of fearlessness. He took a commanding tone, knowing that the moment of revolution is not the time for divided counsels. "This is the thing that ye shall do," he said (ver. 4); they did "according to all things Jehoiada commanded" (ver. 8). Had there been any hesitancy on his part, any lack of decision or resolution, the attempt might have broken down. In perilous times, when great issues are at stake, we must not object to, but rather admire and sustain, the vigour and the determination of our leader.
III THE GREATEST POSSIBLE CO-OPERATION. Jehoiada called to his aid the military (ver. 1), the ecclesiastics (ver. 2), the people (ver. 3). We should invite all to help on whose willingness and fidelity we can depend.
IV A CONSCIENTIOUS REGARD FOR WHAT IS RIGHT. Jeboiada wanted to make the most effective arrangement of those who were to act at the critical moment, but he would not have any violation of sacred law under any circumstances (ver. 6). It is our bounden duty to neglect no measures that are likely to work toward the desired end; but in all our arrangements, with this in view, we must stop at the point of disobedience to the Divine Word. Even success itself, however ardently we may desire it, and however devotedly we may have been pursuing it, must be renounced if it cannot be won without the sacrifice of conscience. It is often bought too dearly; and the price is always too high when it includes even the small change of conscientious scruples.
V THE GREATEST POSSIBLE WISDOM IN CONTRIVANCE. The outworking and execution of the most sagacious measures (vers. 3-10).
VI OLDNESS AT THE MOMENT OF EXECUTION. (Ver. 11.) Caution, perhaps secrecy, up to a certain hour; then openness and even daring will win the prize.
VII A REVERENT ATTITUDE TOWARD THE GREAT DISPOSER OF EVENTS. C.
HOMILIES BY T. WHITELAW
Vers. 1-11.
The coronation of Joash.
I PREPARATIONS FOR THE CEREMONY. (Vers. 1-10.)
1. Jehoiadas covenant with the captains. (Ver. 1.)
(1) The time. In the seventh year of Joash"s life, when Jehoiada felt that matters were ripe for a revolution. Six years of Athaliah as queen had put the people out of love with her person and practices. Even those about her court were becoming intolerant of her tyrannies and idolatries. Besides, six years had transformed the babe Jehoshabeath had rescued into a bey, a miniature king, who would much more easily and effectually arrest the popular imagination than an infant in arms. And, finally, Jehoiada had himself had leisure to watch the current of the times, to learn the temper and disposition of the people, to test the characters of those upon whose aid he must rely, to acquaint himself with all that would need to be done, and generally to mature his plans. In the seventh year he judged that the hour had struck for an attempt to liberate the country from the yoke of Athahah, and to restore the crown of David to its rightful heir. Many projects otherwise promising are lost by being launched forth prematurely, and many fail through want of "striking while the iron is hot". (Ecc_3:1-8)
(2) The persons. Jehoiada called to his aid five centurions of the queen"s body-guard, whom he probably knew to be disaffected towards the queen and favourable to a change in the government, (2Ki_11:4) and whose names are given Azariah, "whom Jehovah aids;" the son of Jeroham, "who is loved;" Ishmael, "whom God hears," the son of Jehohanan, "Jehovah is gracious;" Azariah, the son of Obed, "worshipping;" Maaseiah, "work of Jehovah," the son of Adaiah, "whom Jehovah adorns;" Elishaphat, "whom God judges," the son of Zichri, "famous; all men of renown; good, if their characters were reflected in their names; capable, as their civil rank showed.
(3) The object. To depose Athaliah trebly lawful, because, as a usurper, she had climbed into the throne by bloodshed and violence, and had therefore no just title to the sceptre; because, as a wicked ruler, her longer continuance in power would endamage the best interests, and even endanger the existence of the state; and because, so long as she wore the crown, the real heir to the throne was defrauded of his rights. Whether, in the first instance, Jehoiada mentioned the existence of Joash is doubtful.
2. The nation"s covenant with the king.
(1) The representatives of the people summoned. The captains to whom this work was entrusted went about (ver. 2), no doubt privately in Judah, and invited all the Levites and heads of fathers" houses in every city to a secret convention in Jerusalem.
(2) The people"s representatives convened. In obedience to the high priest"s call, those invited by his messengers came. The congregation consisted of the priests and Levites, the heads of fathers" houses, and the captains of the guards, with their men (?).
(3) The people"s legitimate sovereign produced. The meeting was held in the temple court. At the proper moment Joash was produced (ver. 3; 2Ki_11:4) and the story of his preservation rehearsed.
(4) The people"s duty pointed out. Skilfully done by Jehoiada, who simply said, "Behold, the king"s son shall reign, as the Lord hath said of the sons of David;" it was an intimation that the crown belonged to Joash by Divine appointment, and a hint to them to see that Jehovah"s promise to their ancestor should not fail.
(5) The people"s assent given. The effect of Jehoiada"s action in producing Joash and in citing the Messianic promise (2Sa_7:12) was electrical. With one heart and voice the people pledged themselves to the revolution, to depose Athaliah and to crown Joash.
3. The arrangements for the coup detat.
(1) The disposition of the priests and Levites. These should be divided into two main bodies, those who entered on their temple duties (ver. 4; 2Ki_11:5) on the sabbath (the day fixed for the revolution), and those who retired from them. (ver. 8; 2Ki_11:7) The former should again divide themselves into three companies. Of these, the first should act as" porters of the doors," or "keepers of the thresholds," i.e. were to mount guard at the gates of the temple; (cf. 1Ch_9:19) the second should stand "at the king"s house," which may have been the apartments or cloister in which Joash was concealed (Keil), but more probably signified the palace (ver. 15), the approach from which to the temple it was desirable to guard; the third should take up a position "at the gate of the foundation," or "the gate Jesod whether a temple gate (Stanley, Keil) or a palace gate (Bertheau) is uncertain. (On the discrepancies between these appointments and those in Kings, consult the Exposition.) The latter, i.e. the priests and Levites retiring from duty, should act as the king"s body-guard when he entered into and departed from the temple. This work should be deputed to them alone, since they only as "holy" persons could pass into the temple. As their duty would be to ensure the safety of the king"s person, they would be armed man with his weapons in his band." To them also should be entrusted the task of seeing that no unauthorized person came within the precincts of the sacred edifice, and of executing judgment on such as without warrant did.
(2) The disposition of the people. These should be stationed in the court in which stood the brazen altar of Solomon.
(3) The disposition of the "captains of hundreds" and their men. These, whom the Chronicler does not overlook while assigning the principal part in the forthcoming ceremony to the priests and Levites, should be employed to preserve order amongst the people, and guard against the possibility of attack from any of the queen"s party who might become cognizant of what was going on.
II PROCEEDINGS IN THE CEREMONY. (Vers. 8-11.)
1. The carrying out of the above arrangements. When the sabbath fixed for the execution of the plot arrived, "the Levites and all the men of Judah did according to all things that Jehoiada had commanded." Each priest, with his assistant Levites, went to his appointed place those that entered on their temple duties to their different guards, as above explained; those that retired from service, instead of departing to their homes Jehoiada dismissed not the courses to the new work of guarding the king"s person, also as above explained. The former mounted guard at the temple gates, the latter assumed their places inside the temple (inner) court, "from the right side of the house to the left side of the house, along by the altar and the temple," so as to be "by the king round about." The people generally stood in the outer court, the centurions and their hundreds forming a circle round the inner court, between it and the people, so as to prevent any unauthorized person from passing within the house.
1. The arming of the captains. "Jehoiada delivered to them the spears, bucklers, and shields, that had been King David"s, which were in the house of God" (ver. 9). These were intended for themselves and their men (Berthean), either because they had come into the temple unarmed (Keil),
2. having left their weapons in the palace on leaving duty (Bahr), or because Jehoiada wished David"s crown to be won back by David"s weapons (Ewald, Stanley), or perhaps he judged that, as the work they were about to be employed in was God"s, so the weapons they should use should also be God"s.
3. The production of the boy-prince. When everything was ready, Joash, encompassed by armed Levites, marched from the priest"s house into the temple court, and took up his station at one of the pillars leading into the inner court (2Ch_23:13; 2Ki_11:14) so as to be seen by the priests and Levites in the inner, and the captains and people in the outer court.
4. The coronation of the heir to the throne. Jehoiada (with the people assenting) placed upon the brow of Joash the royal diadem, "probably a band studded with jewels the first direct example of a coronation" (Stanley).
5. The delivering to him of the testimony. Not the insignia regia, i.e. the regalia of the kingdom (Clericus), or the phylacteries of Deu_6:8 (Grotius), or Samuel"s laws of the kingdom; (1Sa_8:10) but the Law of Moses, often called the "testimony" (Exo_25:16 Exo_27:21; Num_9:15 Num_10:11 Num_17:4) which was now presented to the young king in the form of a roll, to indicate that his life and government both should be regulated by its precepts. (Deu_17:18-20)
6. The anointing of the new sovereign. Done by Jehoiada and his sons, this symbolized Joash"s consecration to a theocratic or holy office, that of ruling over Jehovah"s people. So Saul (1Sa_10:1) and David (1Sa_16:11) were anointed by Samuel, Solomon by Zadok the priest, (1Ki_1:39) and Jehu by Elisha"s messenger. (2Ki_9:6)
7. The acclamation of the people. When the coronation ceremony ended, the people clapped their hands (2Ki_11:12) in expression of their, (Psa_47:1) and shouted, as their wont was at coronations, "God save the king!" or, "Let the king live!" (1Sa_10:24; 2Sa_16:16) (On "clapping of hands, see the Theological Monthly, February, 1889, p. 135.)
Learn:
1. It is not always wrong for ministers of religion to take part in politics.
2. There are times when rebellion against the powers that be is a solemnduty.
3. Neither God"s house nor God"s day can be put to a better use than to seta crown upon the head of God"s anointed.
4. In Church and state alike each man has his own place and work.
5. Kings may expect their thrones to be stable if these are erected on thegood will of their subjects.
6. No sovereign can rule well who takes not the Law of God for his guide.
7. A great and good man in troubled times invaluable to Church or state.What could Judah have done without Jehoiada?
8. No man can miss the destiny God has in store for him. W.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On v1 CRITICAL NOTES.] This chapter parallel with 2Ki_11:4-20, evidently from…
CRITICAL NOTES.] This chapter parallel with 2Ki_11:4-20, evidently from same source, although presenting certain points of difference. In Ki. narrative related from civil point of view, in Chronicles writer concerns himself mainly with the ecclesiastical aspect of the transaction [Speak. Com.]. Joash is made king (2Ch_23:1-11); Athaliah slain (2Ch_23:12-15); and worship restored (2Ch_23:16-21).
2Ch_23:1-11.—Joash made King. J. strengthened, braced himself to the effort from which he had previously shrunk [Speak. Com.]. Captains, centurions of royal guards loyal to legitimate heir of crown. Covenant for overthrow of Athaliah’s tyranny. 2Ch_23:2. Gathered, probably at time of festivals, to disarm suspicion. Israel, i.e., Judah. 2Ch_23:3. Congregation, select Levites and trusty persons, collected by captains from various cities. Said, Jehoiada said, pointing to Joash. Lord (2Sa_8:12-13). 2Ch_23:4. Ye. Levites received orders, in Ki. orders to royal guard given. Entering, Levites released each other every Sabbath day (1Ch_9:25). Porters, watchmen. Doors, Hebrew thresholds. 2Ch_23:5. Courts, people not admitted ordinarily, on this occasion allowed to witness proceedings. Remember Athaliah had completely desecrated the entire enclosure [Speak. Com.]. 2Ch_23:6. Watch, see that no worshippers of Baal forced their way in. 2Ch_23:7. Compass, Levites not engaged as indicated to surround king at entrance and exit. 2Ch_23:8. Dismissed, not to keep a sufficient force for the occasion; armed them within temple courts to avoid suspicion (2Ch_23:9), and equipped “all the people,” i.e., combined princes, guards, and Levites, who surrounded the king. 2Ch_23:11. Testimony, The law according to which he was to rule (Deu_17:18).
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2Ch_23:12-15.—Athaliah is slain. She is permitted to enter outer court without a guard. 2Ch_23:13. Pillar, platform on which king elevated to be seen. Treason, conspiracy. She was taken out of temple grounds to horse gate (for king’s mules), and there slain (2Ki_11:16-18; 2Ki_23:2; 2Ki_23:6; 2Ki_23:12).
2Ch_23:16-21.—Jehoiada’s reforms. J. represented the Lord (2Ki_11:17); ratified the covenant to be the Lord’s people (2Ch_23:16); destroyed temple of Baal (2Ch_23:17); and arranged for restoration of priests and Levites, singers and porters. 2Ch_23:20. Brought down, escorted king to palace, through high gate, chief gate of outer court (gate of guard, 2Ki_11:19). Quiet, a bloodless revolution (except Athaliah’s death) and free from tyranny and idolatry.
HOMILETICS
JOASH MADE KING.—2Ch_23:1-11
Six years of Athaliah’s tyranny had ripened the people for revolution. They were weary and ready for change. Agents and managers at hand, and the revolution was successful.
I. The measures adopted. “Every step was taken in accordance with the usages which had been gradually gaining head during the previous reigns, and all the means which his office placed at the disposal of Jehoiada were freely employed” [Stanley].
1. He concerted with the leaders of the army. Indirect communication with the five officers of loyal guard, whom he bound by solemn oath.
2. He enlisted the co-operation of the Levites. These divided into three bands: one to guard the king, the other two posted at doors and gates. Captains and military officers entered the temple unarmed to lull suspicion, and furnished with sacred armoury. All courts of temple filled with those favourable to the cause, and secret kept wonderfully. “The words of the wise are heard in quiet” (Sir_9:17).
II. The leading man to arrange them. Jehoiada chief in this conspiracy. A man of prudence, piety, and commanding position. United by marriage with the royal family, he sought to overturn the usurper, and restore lawful sovereignty. As high priest it was his duty officially to watch over the temple and execute the laws of God. In his signal services to God, his king, and country he was supported by chief authorities civil and religious, counselled by the prophets of his time, and directed by divine guidance. He earned a foremost name in Israel, and was buried with honour in the city of David.
III. The time in which the measures were carried out. Success depends upon time, the exact moment as well as method. The Sabbath was the day fixed. Needful to have as large a force as possible. Those detained who under other circumstances would have gone home. But the excitement of the moment did not make J. forget the sanctity of God’s house. None but priests and ministering Levites permitted to enter, and strict orders given to take Athaliah out of its precincts.
IV. The success which attended the execution of the measures. At the given signal the king was exhibited and crowned. Bystanders clapped hands together and raised the national shout, “Long live the king.” Trumpeters announced the royal inauguration. Athaliah entered the temple, saw the fatal hour was come, rent her royal robes, and cried out, “Conspiracy, conspiracy!” but the temple was kept from pollution; the throne of David was preserved, and the worship of God restored. A revolution carried out with tact, unanimity, and with little bloodshed. “All the people of the land rejoiced; and the city was quiet.”
THE REFORMS OF JEHOIADA.—2Ch_23:15-21
Only part of work done by overthrow of tyranny and death of Athaliah, to complete revolution government must be settled and interests of religion secured.
I. The national covenant was renewed. A covenant with Israel “to be unto him a people for inheritance” (Deu_4:6; Deu_27:9; Exodus 19). A threefold covenant by which the king bound himself to rule according to divine rule, and the people pledged themselves to be loyal to him as God’s representative—by which the king and people agreed to “be the Lord’s people.” Sensible of obligation to God, we are bound closer to one another. Men first give themselves to the Lord and then to us (2Co_8:5). Starting in this spirit they are more likely to prosper in families, churches, and kingdoms.
II. The idolatry of Baal was destroyed. This immediate fruit of the renewal of covenant. Baal’s temples, altars, and images shattered to pieces by popular fury. Beside the altar fell the priest of Baal, for God commanded that seducers to idolatry should be put to death (Deu_13:5-6). Sins must be forsaken and overcome; every usurper in heart and life dethroned, and God’s reign supreme over all.
III. The worship of Jehovah was restored. Priests were appointed to their courses, and sacrifices duly offered. Singers and porters arranged according to former custom. Praise and thanksgiving filled the courts of God’s house, and worship restored in its ancient purity.
IV. The throne of Judah was established. The young king wonderfully preserved, was brought down from the temple to the palace, seated on the throne—“the throne of the kings of Judah” (2Ki_11:19)—and crowned as lawful sovereign. “Through the priesthood the lineage of David had been saved and the worship of Jehovah restored in Judah, even more successfully than it had been in Samaria through the prophets” [Stanley].
V. The priesthood was elevated to highest honour. “During minority of Joash, Jehoiada virtually reigned. The very office in some sense created by him. He raised the priesthood to an importance which (with single exception of Eli) it had never before attained in history of the Jewish nation, and which it never afterwards altogether lost. The name of ‘High Priest,’ which had not been given to Aaron, or Eli, or Zadok, was given to him, and afterwards continued to his successors. He was regarded as a second founder of the order, so that in after days he, rather than Aaron, is described as the chief” [Stanley].
TEMPLE WORSHIP RESTORED AND ESTABLISHED.—2Ch_23:15-21
Reparation of this venerable fabric first object, and one of the great events of his reign. From Joash seemed to come the impulse. “Joash was minded to restore the house of the Lord.” It had suffered from neglect, been spoiled of its treasures, and only a faded remnant of former splendour.
I. In its structure and worship. Its outward form, its foundations had been injured, “broken up” (ch. 2Ch_24:7) by Athaliah’s workmen taking away stones for her own temple. Priests had not taken care to repair the breaches, but the king zealous. Sad to see ministers dilatory in sacred duties, professors with mere form becoming careless and hypocritical! Spiritually its worship was restored in purity and attraction. Officers appointed for departments, lawful sacrifices offered, and true service revived.
II. In its method of support. An account of measures adopted (2 Kings 12). Three sorts of money levied—redemption money, estimation money, and freewill offerings. This method seemed to have failed for some reason, and the plan adopted in chapter 24 (cf. outline).
III. In its principles and design. Its purpose to remind of God and his claims, to afford the privilege of meeting and praising God. In teaching it set moral before ritual, intoned the minds of kings, the lives of the people, and the traditions of the nation. From God came restoration from danger, elevation to honour, and prosperity to all ranks. Hence needful to have a fixed place to cultivate reverence and social fellowship; to embody order and devotional life. Common worship is the necessity of our nature and the command of Scripture; the indestructive principle of Sabbatic law and temple ritual. The recognition of God—the formal recognition of him by the people as Ruler, Saviour, and Portion—is the germinal moral principle of duty and religion.
“One place there is—beneath the burial sod,
Where all mankind are equalised by death;
Another place there is—the fane of God,
Where all are equal who draw living breath.”
HOMILETIC HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS
2Ch_23:10-13. Joash made King.
1. Presented in the temple.
2. Crowned with the diadem and testimony. “It is the first direct example of a coronation. The diadem, probably a band studded with jewels, was placed on his head by the high priest, and upon it the sacred ‘testimony,’ which, in the reign of Jehoshaphat, had been raised into new importance. It seemed like the intimation of a limitation to the king’s despotic power—an indication that he was not to be, like David, above, but beneath the law of his country” [Stanley].
3. Anointed with sacred oil. According to Hebrew text, 2Ki_11:12, by people; to LXX. (of same), by Jehoiada; to 2Ch_23:11, by Jehoiada and his sons.
4. Accepted by the nation. Trumpets and shouting, “God save, lit. Long live the king” (2Ch_23:11). A form used among Continental nations, as the French “Vive le Roi.” “Our own form of loyal acclamation comes from the ritual of daily responses and of the ancient coronation service, ‘Domine, salvum fac Regem,’ which is taken from Psa_19:9, as in Sept. and Vulgate Versions. Coverdale translation (1537) gives ‘God save the new kynge’; Geneva (1560) ‘God save the kynge.’ The Authorised Versions of 1539 and 1572 had ‘God send the kynge life’ ” [J. H. Blunt].
2Ch_23:11. The crown and the testimony. Two important symbols. The crown the sign of power, and the law the sign of theocratic wisdom. “Finely are both the crown and the book presented to the king, that he might be not only mighty, but also wise, or (as we may say) know God’s word and right. Thus even now we make kings with a sword and book” [Luther].
2Ch_23:12-15. Death of Athaliah.
1. By secret plot.
2. By agency of high priest.
3. By co-operation of the people.
4. As a righteous judgment. “This woman ruled viciously, selfishly, without regard to patriotic instinct or patriotic right, and having filled the cup of her iniquity, the people arose, and Athaliah was slain with the sword” [Parker]. Athaliah might well have written, as Mary Queen of Scots did in a window at Fotheringay Castle:—
“From the top of all my trust
Mishap hath laid me in the dust” [Trapp].
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary (gen. ed. Joseph S. Exell; Funk & Wagnalls, c. 1892) — public domain (pre-1929). A full-Bible homiletical/sermon-outline anthology covering 65 of 66 books (2 John is absent from the source module). Text from a community e-Sword module.
J. R. Dummelow 1909 · Public Domain On v1 Reign of Joash
Reign of Joash
This chapter repeats 2Ki_11:4-20, but brings into prominence the ecclesiastical officials in place of the soldiers of the royal guard.
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4. This is the thing, etc.] The arrangements differ from those desoribed in 2 Kings 11 (see note there). Here there are three divisions which are posted (a) at the doors of the Temple, (b) at the palace, (c) at the gate of the foundation (which in 2 Ki is called the 'gate Sur' and connected with the palace). Here too only priests or Levites are allowed to enter the Temple, whilst the rest take up their position outside; but in Kings the distinction is not observed.
16. Between him, etc.] RV 'between himself, and all the people, and the king.'
18. Appointed the offices, etc.] better, 'put the offices.. into the hand of.' The priests the Levites] LXX has (preferably) 'the priests and the Levites,' the priests alone being authorised to offer sacrifice (according to Num_18:7).
J. R. Dummelow, A Commentary on the Holy Bible (Macmillan, 1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Arno C. Gaebelein 1922 · Public Domain On v1 4. Reformation Under Joash
4. Reformation Under Joash
CHAPTER 23 Joash King and Athaliah’s Execution
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1. Joash made king (2Ch 23:1-11)
2. Athaliah slain (2Ch 23:12-15)
3. Jehoiada and the revival (2Ch 23:16-21)
The annotations to this interesting page in the history of Judah have already been made in connection with 2 Kings 11. We therefore pass over the preservation of the young child Joash and his hiding away in the LORD’s house, on this account. However we call attention to the differences in the two accounts in 2 Kings 11 and 2 Chron. 23. As stated before the book of Chronicles is written from the priestly and Levitical view point; this explains the greater detail about Jehoiada, the priest, given in Chronicles. A careful study and comparison of the two chapters will show that there are no discrepancies.
“The differences, and even more the similarity, in the narratives of the event in the books of Kings and Chronicles have suggested what to some appear discrepancies of detail. It is well to know that, even if these were established, they would not in any way invalidate the narrative itself, since in any case they only concern some of its minor details, not its substance. The most notable difference is that in the book of Kings the plot and its execution seem entirely in the hands of the military; in Chronicles, exclusively in those of the priests and Levites. But in Chronicles also--and indeed, there alone--the five military leaders are named; while, on the other hand, the narrative in the book of Kings throughout admits the leadership of the priest Jehoiada. And even a superficial consideration must convince that both the priests and the military must have been engaged in the undertaking, and that neither party could have dispensed with the other. A revolution inaugurated by the high-priest in favor of his nephew, who for six years had been concealed in the Temple, and which was to be carried out within the precincts of the Sanctuary itself, could no more have taken place without the cooperation of the priesthood than a change in the occupancy of the throne could have been brought about without the support of the military power. And this leaves untouched the substance of the narrative in the two accounts (A. Edersheim).
Athaliah received her just recompense. The youthful Joash occupied the throne of David, and the faithful priest Jehoiada was the instrument who brought about the needed revival. The beginning was in a solemn covenant. It was a covenant which bound the young ruler and the people together to be true to Jehovah, as it is demanded of the LORD’s people; there was also a covenant between the King and the people (2Ki 11:17). And the revival under the priestly direction began by the destruction of the idols and false worship and a return to Jehovah and the true worship of His Name. Every true revival must needs begin the same way. Tested by this standard most of the present day revivals are found wanting. “And he set the porters at the gates of the house of the LORD, that none which was unclean in anything should enter in.” The house of the LORD was guarded against all that is unclean. How different from the corruption which is tolerated in Christendom, in that which is “the house,” the professing Church.
Arno C. Gaebelein, The Annotated Bible (1913–1922) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v1 Joash made King
Joash made King
v. 1. And in the seventh year, namely, after Athaliah had usurped the power in Judah, Jehoiada strengthened himself, was filled with courage and energy, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah, the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael, the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah, the son of Obed, and Maaseiah, the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat, the son of Zichri, into covenant with him, these commanders of the guard being exceptionally trustworthy men. Cf 2Ki 11:4.
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v. 2. And they went about in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the chief of the fathers of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem. So the centurions of the guard were reinforced by the Levites and by the tribe-chiefs, the heads of the father houses. All these were pledged to support the plan of Jehoiada, as it was put in operation in the Temple on a certain day.
v. 3. And all the congregation, whose cooperation had been secured by the wise plan of Jehoiada, made a covenant with the king in the house of God, pledging him their support, in overthrowing Athaliah’s tyranny and in upholding the rightful heir to the throne. And he, Jehoiada, said unto them, Behold, the king’s son shall reign, as the Lord hath said of the sons of David, 2Sa 7:12.
v. 4. This is the thing that ye shall do: A third part of you entering on the Sabbath, of the priests and of the Levites, shall be porters of the doors, guarding the thresholds. It should be remembered that a certain part of the Levites retired from service every Sabbath, while an equal number resumed their ministry on that day. On this occasion they were apparently placed under the command of the centurions of the guards to insure proper military order, in case necessity should arise.
v. 5. And a third part shall be at the king’s house, posted near the royal palace, able to guard the entire passageway between palace and Temple; and a third part at the gate of the foundation, at the gate Jesod or Sur, 2Ki 11:6; and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the Lord, it being an easy matter to have such an assembly at one of the great annual festivals, when the number of visitors in Jerusalem was very great.
v. 6. But let none come into the house of the Lord, the inner Temple, the Sanctuary proper with its court, save the priests and they that minister of the Levites, namely, in assisting in the offering of sacrifices; they shall go in, for they are holy, set apart especially for this duty; but all the people shall keep the watch of the Lord, behaving in a manner which would be in full accordance with all the precepts of the Lord.
v. 7. And the Levites shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand, furnished from the armory of David on the Temple grounds; and whosoever else cometh into the house, without being authorized to enter the inner Temple grounds, he shall be put to death; but be ye with the king when he cometh in and when he goeth out, to guard his life at all times.
v. 8. So the Levites and all Judah, under the command of the centurions of the guard, did according to all things that Jehoiada, the priest, had commanded, and took every man his men that were to come in on the Sabbath, for their regular term of duty, with them that were to go out on the Sabbath; for Jehoiada, the priest, dismissed not the courses, he, upon this occasion, detained those who would ordinarily have been excused, because he needed as large a force as he could possibly gather.
v. 9. Moreover, Jehoiada, the priest, delivered to the captains of hundreds of spears and bucklers and shields that had been King David’s, which were in the house of God, for captured arms were deposited as trophies in the house of God, 1Ch 18:7 ff. ; 2Ch 9:24; 2Ch 12:10.
v. 10. And he set all the people, those selected for this special work, every man having his weapon in his hand, from the right side of the Temple to the left side of the Temple, all the way across its entire area, along by the altar and the Temple, both the altar of burnt offering and the Sanctuary itself being included in this ring of defenders, by the king round about, who was placed inside this cordon.
v. 11. Then they brought out the king’s son, from his place of concealment somewhere in the Temple chambers, and put upon him the crown, and gave him the testimony, either a copy of the entire Law, or of that part which related to the duties of a king, Deu 17:18, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him and said, God save the king! literally, "May the king live!" an acclamation of loyalty. After days of darkness and affliction the Lord often sends days of special joy and blessing upon His people.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v1 General Information:
General Information:
Throughout chapter 23, Joash is referred to as "the king." It may be helpful to your readers to occasionally add "King Joash" or "Joash the king" to make his identity explicit. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
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Jehoiada
the chief priest who served in the temple and was faithful to God. He was an advisor to Joash. (See: How to Translate Names)
showed his strength
He decided it was time to challenge Athaliah's rule and reveal that Joash was alive and ready to be king. AT: "decided to act"
the commanders of hundreds
The phrase "commander of hundreds" is probably an official title for a military officer. Possible meanings are 1) the word "hundreds" represents the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders led. AT: "the commanders of 100 soldiers" or 2) the word translated as "hundreds" does not represent an exact number, but is the name of a military division. AT: "the commanders of military divisions" (See: Numbers)
entered into a covenant
"made an agreement"
Azariah ... Ishmael ... Azariah ... Maaseiah ... Elishaphat
These five men were the commanders of hundreds of soldiers. (See: How to Translate Names)
Jeroham ... Jehohanan ... Obed ... Adaiah ... Zichri
These are men's names. (See: How to Translate Names)
the heads of the ancestral houses of Israel
Here "heads" is a metaphor for the most important part. And "houses" represents the families. AT: "leaders of the founding families of Israel" (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)
the king's son
Here, "king" refers to Joash's father. AT: "Joash, the son of the king"
translationWords
covenant
commander
Levi
head
house
assembly
house of God
reign
descend
David
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v1 23:1-3 Jehoiada . . . made a pact or…
23:1-3 Jehoiada . . . made a pact or covenant with key military officers, who solicited broad popular support among the Levites and clan leaders. The content of the people’s pact with Joash was expressed in Jehoiada’s declaration that the son of the king must become king.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.