2 Chronicles 23:14

Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds that were set over the host, and said unto them, Have her forth of the ranges: and whoso followeth her, let him be slain with the sword. For the priest said, Slay her not in the house of the LORD.

Then Jehoiada {H3077} the priest {H3548} brought out {H3318} the captains {H8269} of hundreds {H3967} that were set over {H6485} the host {H2428}, and said {H559} unto them, Have her forth {H3318} of the ranges {H1004}{H7713}: and whoso followeth {H935}{H310} her, let him be slain {H4191} with the sword {H2719}. For the priest {H3548} said {H559}, Slay {H4191} her not in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Y'hoyada the cohen brought out the captains of hundreds who were in charge of the army and said to them, "Escort her out past the ranks [of guards]; but anyone who follows her, let him be put to the sword." For the cohen had said, "Do not put her to death in the house of ADONAI.

And Jehoiada the priest sent out the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, saying, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.”

And Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds that were set over the host, and said unto them, Have her forth between the ranks; and whoso followeth her, let him be slain with the sword: for the priest said, Slay her not in the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 23:14 describes a pivotal moment in the history of Judah, detailing the command given by Jehoiada the priest regarding the execution of the wicked Queen Athaliah. This verse emphasizes the sanctity of the Lord's house even amidst a necessary act of divine judgment.

Context of 2 Chronicles 23:14

This verse is part of the dramatic account of the overthrow of Queen Athaliah and the restoration of the rightful Davidic king, Joash. Athaliah, the daughter of King Ahab and Jezebel, was a ruthless usurper who, upon the death of her son King Ahaziah, destroyed all the royal seed of Judah except for the infant Joash, who was secretly saved by Jehoiada's wife, Jehosheba. Athaliah reigned for six years, promoting idolatry and neglecting the temple. Jehoiada, the high priest, orchestrated a courageous coup, rallying the captains and Levites to secretly bring forth and anoint the young Joash as king within the temple precincts. This verse immediately follows the public acclamation of Joash and the people's rejoicing, as Athaliah, hearing the commotion, came to the temple and cried "Treason, Treason!" Her reign of terror was about to end. For more on Athaliah's ruthless seizure of power, see 2 Chronicles 22:10.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sanctity of the Temple: The most striking command in this verse is "Slay her not in the house of the LORD." Jehoiada, as the high priest, meticulously ensured that even a righteous execution, necessary for justice, did not defile the sacred space dedicated to God. This underscores the profound reverence for the Jerusalem Temple as God's dwelling place and a place of worship, not bloodshed.
  • Divine Justice and Overthrow of Wickedness: Athaliah's reign was marked by idolatry, murder, and usurpation of God's chosen Davidic line. Her execution, ordered by the chief priest, represents divine judgment on a wicked ruler and the consequences of rebellion against God's covenant.
  • Restoration of Righteous Rule: The removal of Athaliah paved the way for the legitimate king, Joash, to ascend the throne, restoring the Davidic monarchy and the proper worship of God in Judah. This was a crucial step in fulfilling God's promise to David. The anointing of Joash as king is detailed in 2 Chronicles 23:11.
  • Order and Authority: Jehoiada's firm command to the captains of hundreds demonstrates his authority and careful planning, ensuring the coup was executed with precision and respect for religious law. The phrase "Have her forth of the ranges" refers to removing her from the temple courtyards or precincts.

Practical Application

While we do not live under the same theocratic monarchy, the principles embedded in this verse remain relevant:

  • Reverence for Sacred Spaces: The emphasis on keeping the temple undefiled teaches us the importance of respecting places set apart for God's worship and purpose. This applies to churches, homes, or any place where God's presence is honored.
  • Consequences of Unrighteousness: Athaliah's fate is a stark reminder that wickedness and rebellion against God's order ultimately lead to destruction. God's justice, though sometimes delayed, will prevail.
  • God's Faithfulness: Despite human wickedness and attempts to thwart His plans, God remains faithful to His covenants and promises, as seen in the preservation of the Davidic line through Joash. This offers hope and assurance that God's ultimate purposes will be fulfilled.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 9:7

    And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city.

  • 2 Kings 11:8

    And ye shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand: and he that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain: and be ye with the king as he goeth out and as he cometh in.

  • 2 Kings 11:15

    But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her forth without the ranges: and him that followeth her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the LORD.

  • Exodus 21:14

    But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.

  • 2 Kings 10:25

    And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, [and] slay them; let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast [them] out, and went to the city of the house of Baal.
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