2 Chronicles 23:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 23:14 records the pivotal command issued by Jehoiada the high priest regarding the execution of the wicked Queen Athaliah. This verse meticulously details the precise instructions to remove her from the sacred Temple precincts before her demise, underscoring the paramount importance of preserving the sanctity of God's dwelling place even amidst a necessary act of divine judgment. It marks the decisive moment in the restoration of the legitimate Davidic monarchy and the re-establishment of righteous worship in Judah, following Athaliah's six-year reign characterized by usurpation and idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the dramatic climax of the narrative detailing the overthrow of Queen Athaliah and the restoration of the rightful Davidic king, Joash. Immediately preceding Jehoiada's command, the young Joash has been publicly presented and anointed as king within the Temple, an event that elicits widespread jubilation from the people of Judah. Athaliah, hearing the commotion and shouts of "Long live the king!", enters the sacred precincts of the Temple and cries out, "Treason, Treason!" ([2 Chronicles 23:13](/2_chronicles/23-13 "2 Chronicles 23:13 - Athaliah's Cry of Treason")). Jehoiada's command in verse 14 is the direct, authoritative response to her appearance, initiating her removal and subsequent execution. The verses that follow describe her death, the destruction of the Baal altars, and the subsequent covenant renewal between Jehoiada, the king, and the people, signifying a profound return to faithfulness to the Lord and the re-establishment of proper Temple worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Queen Athaliah was the daughter of King Ahab and Jezebel of Israel, a lineage infamous for its fervent promotion of Baal worship and profound apostasy. Following the death of her son, King Ahaziah of Judah, she ruthlessly seized power, attempting to exterminate the entire Davidic royal line ([2 Chronicles 22:10](/2_chronicles/22-10 "2 Chronicles 22:10 - Athaliah Destroys the Royal Seed")). Only the infant Joash was miraculously rescued by Jehoiada's wife, Jehosheba, and secretly hidden within the Temple for six years. Athaliah's tyrannical reign was marked by the active promotion of idolatry and the severe neglect, if not desecration, of the Jerusalem Temple. Jehoiada's meticulously planned coup was a highly dangerous but divinely orchestrated act, essential for restoring the legitimate Davidic monarchy and the true worship of Yahweh, which was foundational to Judah's covenant identity and national well-being. The profound reverence for the Temple as God's holy dwelling place was a central tenet of Israelite culture, making Jehoiada's explicit command to avoid defiling it with bloodshed a deeply significant cultural, religious, and theological statement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. It emphatically underscores the **sanctity and holiness of the Temple**, emphasizing that even necessary acts of divine judgment must respect the consecrated nature of God's dwelling place. This theme resonates deeply with the meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle and Temple found throughout the Pentateuch and historical books, highlighting God's demand for purity in His presence. The verse also showcases **divine justice and the overthrow of wickedness**, demonstrating God's ultimate judgment upon those who defy His covenant, persecute His chosen line, and lead His people astray, as vividly seen in Athaliah's demise and the restoration of the Davidic king. Furthermore, the miraculous preservation of Joash and the re-establishment of the monarchy speak volumes about God's unwavering **faithfulness to His covenant with David**, ensuring a perpetual line of kings ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")), a promise foundational to the hope of the Messiah. Finally, Jehoiada's meticulous leadership exemplifies the theme of **righteous authority and divine order**, as he carefully plans and executes the coup, ensuring that justice is carried out with precision, integrity, and profound respect for God's law and the sacred space.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slain (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** From H4191, this primitive root means "to die" or, causatively, "to kill" or "to slay." Its double usage in the verse—first as a general command for anyone following Athaliah to be killed, and second as a specific prohibition against killing her within the Temple—underscores the gravity and finality of the act. It signifies a definitive, judicial execution, emphasizing both the necessity of the judgment and the precise boundaries within which it must occur.
* **Ranges (Hebrew, _sᵉdêrâh'_):** From H7713, this term refers to "a row," "rank (of soldiers)," or "story (of rooms)," and by extension, a "range" or structured pathway. In this context, "of the ranges" refers to the ordered pathways, courtyards, or precincts within the Temple complex. Jehoiada's command, "Have her forth of the ranges," precisely means to remove Athaliah from these sacred and ordered areas of the Temple grounds, ensuring that her execution would not defile the consecrated space with bloodshed.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** From H1004, this word primarily means "a house" but carries a wide variation of applications, including "palace," "place," or "temple." In the phrase "House of the LORD" (Hebrew, _bayith Yᵉhôvâh_), it refers specifically to the Jerusalem Temple, the central place of worship for Israel and the designated dwelling place of God's presence. Jehoiada's insistence, "Slay her not in the house of the LORD," reveals a profound reverence for this sacred structure, which was considered holy and set apart for God's purposes, and therefore not to be defiled by any form of bloodshed, even a righteous execution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds that were set over the host,"**: This opening clause establishes Jehoiada's commanding authority and the meticulous planning behind the coup. As the high priest, he exercises both religious and practical leadership, mobilizing the military leaders ("captains of hundreds") who were responsible for the royal guard ("the host"). This demonstrates the organized, legitimate, and divinely sanctioned nature of the action, orchestrated by the highest religious authority in Judah.
* **"and said unto them, Have her forth of the ranges:"**: This is Jehoiada's direct and immediate command to remove Queen Athaliah. "Have her forth" means to lead or escort her out. "Of the ranges" precisely specifies that she must be taken out of the sacred Temple precincts, highlighting the immediate priority of removing her from the holy area before any further action, particularly her execution, is undertaken.
* **"and whoso followeth her, let him be slain with the sword."**: This part of the command serves as a stern warning and a crucial measure to prevent any resistance, counter-coup, or further chaos. It ensures that any remaining supporters of Athaliah would be immediately dealt with, thus securing the success of Joash's enthronement and preventing any further defilement or disruption within the holy Temple grounds.
* **"For the priest said, Slay her not in the house of the LORD."**: This final clause provides the indispensable rationale for all the preceding commands concerning Athaliah's removal. It explicitly states Jehoiada's core concern: the absolute sanctity of the Temple. The execution, though a just and necessary act of judgment, must not defile God's holy dwelling place. This underscores the profound reverence for the Temple and the strict adherence to purity laws, even in a moment of intense political and religious upheaval, demonstrating the theological priority of God's holiness.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Irony** is strikingly evident in Athaliah's ultimate fate: she, who ruthlessly sought to destroy the Davidic line and actively promoted idolatry, thereby defiling the land, is herself brought to swift judgment and executed, but explicitly *outside* the very Temple she neglected and whose sanctity she demonstrably disregarded. The command itself serves as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**, as it immediately precedes and anticipates the violent end of Athaliah's tyrannical reign and the subsequent restoration of divine order. **Symbolism** is central to the verse, with the Temple representing divine order, holiness, and God's sacred presence, which must remain untainted by human violence, even righteous judgment. The stark contrast between the sacredness of the Temple and the necessary violence of the execution highlights the absolute priority of God's holiness and His demand for purity. Furthermore, Jehoiada's precise and authoritative instructions demonstrate **Authoritative Command**, portraying him as a righteous leader acting with divine sanction and meticulous care for God's law and the sacred space.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command in 2 Chronicles 23:14 profoundly illustrates the Old Testament emphasis on the absolute holiness of God and the sacredness of spaces dedicated to Him. Jehoiada's insistence that Athaliah not be slain within the Temple underscores the theological principle that God's dwelling place must be preserved from defilement, particularly from bloodshed, which was intrinsically associated with sin and ritual impurity ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")). This reflects a broader covenantal understanding where the purity of worship and the sanctity of the sanctuary were paramount for maintaining God's presence among His people. The execution of Athaliah, though violent, was viewed as an act of divine justice, bringing an end to a wicked reign that had flagrantly violated God's laws and threatened the very continuity of His redemptive plan through the Davidic line. This act of judgment, carefully executed outside the holy place, reaffirms God's sovereignty over kings and nations, and His unwavering commitment to upholding righteousness and His covenant promises.

* [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguishing Between Holy and Unholy")
* [Psalm 5:6](/psalms/5-6 "Psalm 5:6 - God Abhors the Bloodthirsty")
* [Numbers 35:33-34](/numbers/35-33-34 "Numbers 35:33-34 - Defilement of the Land by Bloodshed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today no longer live under a theocratic monarchy with a physical temple as the central place of worship, the principles embedded in 2 Chronicles 23:14 remain profoundly relevant. Jehoiada's deep reverence for the physical Temple challenges us to consider our own reverence for God's presence and for the spiritual "temples" in which He now dwells: our individual bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")), and the gathered community of believers, which forms God's spiritual dwelling place ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). We are called to live lives of purity and holiness, ensuring that our actions, thoughts, and words do not defile the sacred space God has set apart within and among us. Furthermore, Athaliah's dramatic demise serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate consequences of rebellion against God's righteous rule and the persistent pursuit of wickedness. Though God's justice may seem delayed in our contemporary world, it is absolutely certain, and He will ultimately bring all things into account. This encourages us to trust in God's unwavering sovereignty, even when evil seems to prevail, and to actively pursue righteousness and justice in our own lives and communities. Finally, the meticulous care taken to ensure justice was done in an orderly and respectful manner, even in a time of intense crisis, reminds us that even when confronting evil, we are called to act with wisdom, integrity, and a deep, abiding respect for God's holy standards.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I treat my body, the "temple of the Holy Spirit," with the reverence and purity it deserves, both physically and spiritually?**
* **How does the principle of God's ultimate justice, powerfully exemplified in Athaliah's overthrow, shape my perspective on current injustices and moral challenges in the world?**
* **What "sacred spaces" in my life—whether physical environments, personal relationships, or spiritual disciplines—do I need to diligently protect from defilement, disrespect, or compromise?**
* **How can I, like Jehoiada, exercise wise and righteous authority in my various spheres of influence, always prioritizing God's holiness, order, and His divine will?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important that Athaliah not be slain in the house of the LORD?**

Answer: It was critically important to Jehoiada, as the high priest, that Athaliah not be slain in the house of the LORD due to the profound theological and ritualistic understanding of the Temple's sanctity in ancient Israel. The Temple was considered the holy dwelling place of God's tangible presence, where His glory resided ([1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10-11 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple")). Bloodshed, particularly in the context of execution or murder, was viewed as defiling and polluting. According to Mosaic Law, the land itself could be defiled by innocent blood ([Numbers 35:33-34](/numbers/35-33-34 "Numbers 35:33-34 - Defilement of the Land by Bloodshed")), and the Temple, as the most sacred space, would be especially susceptible to such defilement. Jehoiada's command demonstrated his unwavering commitment to maintaining the purity and holiness of God's sanctuary, ensuring that even a righteous act of judgment did not violate the sacred boundaries and purity laws established by God Himself. This meticulous adherence to ritual purity underscored the absolute holiness of God and the profound reverence due to His dwelling place.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic events of 2 Chronicles 23:14, culminating in the execution of Athaliah and the restoration of Joash, find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus. Athaliah's ruthless attempt to eradicate the Davidic line foreshadows the constant spiritual warfare waged against God's redemptive plan throughout history, culminating in Herod's desperate attempt to kill the infant Jesus ([Matthew 2:16](/matthew/2-16 "Matthew 2:16 - Herod's Massacre of the Innocents")). Yet, just as Joash was miraculously preserved to continue the Davidic dynasty, Jesus, the true Son of David, was preserved and ultimately established as the eternal King, whose throne will have no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingship")). Jehoiada's righteous judgment against Athaliah, executed outside the Temple, powerfully points to Christ's ultimate victory over sin, death, and the forces of evil. Jesus, the perfect High Priest, did not merely remove defilement from a physical temple but, through His own sacrificial death, cleansed humanity from the defilement of sin, making believers a spiritual temple for God's indwelling Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). The bloodshed that occurred outside the earthly temple in 2 Chronicles 23:14 finds its profound redemptive parallel in the precious blood of Christ, shed outside the gates of Jerusalem ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")), not to defile, but to purify, atone, and sanctify His people. Thus, the restoration of righteous rule under Joash points forward to the eternal, undefiled reign of Christ, who truly takes away the sin of the world and establishes a kingdom of righteousness and peace, where God's presence dwells perfectly and eternally among His people ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.