2 Chronicles 23:5

And a third part [shall be] at the king's house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation: and all the people [shall be] in the courts of the house of the LORD.

And a third part {H7992} shall be at the king's {H4428} house {H1004}; and a third part {H7992} at the gate {H8179} of the foundation {H3247}: and all the people {H5971} shall be in the courts {H2691} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

a third the royal palace and a third the Gate of the Foundation; while all the people are to remain in the courtyards of the house of ADONAI.

a third shall be at the royal palace, and a third at the Foundation Gate, while all the others are in the courtyards of the house of the LORD.

and a third part shall be at the kingโ€™s house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation: and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Chronicles 23:5 (KJV)

This verse describes a crucial moment in the Old Testament, detailing the strategic deployment of forces by Jehoiada the priest to secure the temple and the royal palace during the restoration of King Joash to the throne of Judah. It outlines the precise positioning of the Levites and priests who were on duty, ensuring order and protection during a pivotal political and spiritual transition.

Historical and Cultural Context

Second Chronicles chapter 23 recounts the dramatic overthrow of the wicked Queen Athaliah, who had usurped the throne of Judah after her son King Ahaziah's death (2 Chronicles 22:10). Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, had attempted to destroy all the royal heirs from the line of David. However, Joash, an infant, was secretly rescued and hidden for six years in the House of the LORD by Jehoiada and his wife Jehoshabeath.

Verse 5 is part of Jehoiada's meticulously planned coup. He organized the priests and Levites, who served in rotating shifts, to perform specific duties. Their presence in the temple precincts and near the king's house was essential for both security and legitimacy, as they were the spiritual and often administrative backbone of the kingdom. The "king's house" refers to the royal palace, while the "gate of the foundation" likely denotes a significant and strong entrance point within or leading to the temple complex, emphasizing defensive positioning.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Strategic Planning and Order: Jehoiada's careful organization highlights the importance of detailed planning and disciplined execution in major undertakings, especially those involving significant risk and change.
  • Restoration of Rightful Authority: This verse is integral to the narrative of restoring the legitimate Davidic king, Joash, to the throne, fulfilling God's covenant promise to maintain a lamp for David's lineage (1 Kings 11:36).
  • The Role of the Priesthood: Jehoiada, as a priest, demonstrates significant leadership beyond spiritual duties, actively engaging in the political and national life to uphold righteousness and divine order.
  • Public Involvement: The phrase "all the people [shall be] in the courts of the house of the LORD" signifies the widespread public support and witness to this monumental event, lending popular legitimacy to Joash's coronation (2 Chronicles 23:11).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "gate of the foundation" (Hebrew: ืฉืึทืขึทืจ ื”ึทื™ึฐืกื•ึนื“, sha'ar hayesod) suggests a gate of solid construction or one that serves as a cornerstone, perhaps indicating a primary or particularly fortified entrance to the temple area. This detail underscores the strategic importance of this location in Jehoiada's plan to secure the sacred space and the new king.

Practical Application

This passage reminds believers that God often uses human planning and courageous action to achieve His divine purposes. Just as Jehoiada meticulously planned the restoration, we are called to be wise stewards of our responsibilities, whether in spiritual leadership, family, or community. The emphasis on order and strategic positioning also highlights the importance of preparedness and unity in facing challenges, trusting that God is at work even in tumultuous times to bring about His will and work all things for good.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 44:2

    Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.

  • Ezekiel 44:3

    [It is] for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the porch of [that] gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.

  • 2 Kings 11:5

    And he commanded them, saying, This [is] the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you that enter in on the sabbath shall even be keepers of the watch of the king's house;

  • 2 Kings 11:6

    And a third part [shall be] at the gate of Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard: so shall ye keep the watch of the house, that it be not broken down.

  • Acts 3:2

    And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

  • Ezekiel 46:2

    And the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of [that] gate without, and shall stand by the post of the gate, and the priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate: then he shall go forth; but the gate shall not be shut until the evening.

  • Ezekiel 46:3

    Likewise the people of the land shall worship at the door of this gate before the LORD in the sabbaths and in the new moons.
โ† Back