2 Chronicles 23:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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 Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 23:5 details the meticulous strategic deployment of forces by Jehoiada, the high priest, during the pivotal coup to overthrow the wicked Queen Athaliah and restore the rightful Davidic king, Joash, to the throne of Judah. This verse specifies the positioning of the Levites and priests, divided into contingents, to secure both the royal palace and key entrances to the temple complex, while simultaneously orchestrating the presence of the general populace within the temple courts to witness and legitimize this momentous spiritual and political transition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jehoiada's carefully orchestrated plan to restore the legitimate Davidic monarchy after six years of usurpation by Queen Athaliah. The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 22:10-12) recount Athaliah's attempt to eradicate the royal line and the miraculous rescue of the infant Joash by Jehoshabeath, Jehoiada's wife. Chapter 23 then outlines Jehoiada's secret preparations, gathering the captains of hundreds, Levites, and heads of families from all Judah. Verse 5 specifically details the strategic positioning of these forces, with other "thirds" mentioned in the broader context of 2 Chronicles 23:4-5 being on duty within the temple itself, ensuring comprehensive security. The verses immediately following describe the actual coronation of Joash and the swift execution of Athaliah, demonstrating the successful execution of the plan outlined here.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Athaliah's reign (841-835 BC) was a dark chapter for Judah, marking a direct threat to the Davidic covenant and the spiritual integrity of the nation, as she was the daughter of the idolatrous King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel. Her usurpation represented a break in the divinely appointed Davidic lineage. The Temple in Jerusalem was not merely a religious center but also a political and economic hub, symbolizing God's presence and the legitimacy of the Davidic monarchy. The Levites and priests, organized into rotating shifts for temple service, possessed a disciplined structure that Jehoiada leveraged for this military-style operation. Their presence at both the "king's house" (the royal palace) and the "house of the LORD" underscored the interconnectedness of royal and divine authority in ancient Judah, where the king was meant to rule under God's covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and the Preservation of the Davidic Line**, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, even when human wickedness threatens its continuity, as seen in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Importance of Righteous Leadership**, exemplified by Jehoiada's courageous and strategic action to uphold God's appointed order, contrasting sharply with Athaliah's illegitimate rule. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Centrality of the Temple** not only as a place of worship but also as a secure and legitimate site for national transitions and the re-establishment of divine order. Finally, the inclusion of "all the people" points to the theme of **Public Witness and Legitimization**, signifying that the restoration of Joash was not a mere palace coup but an event affirmed by the community, reflecting God's will for His people, as further elaborated in [2 Chronicles 23:11](/2_chronicles/23-11 "2 Chronicles 23:11 - Joash's Coronation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **third part (Hebrew, _shelishit'_):** This term, repeated twice, signifies a precise and strategic division of the Levites and priests who were on duty. In the broader context of 2 Chronicles 23:4-5, it implies that the Levites entering and leaving duty were organized into three main contingents. One third was stationed at the palace, another at a key temple gate, and the remaining third (implied from the preceding verse) would be on regular temple duty, ensuring comprehensive coverage and security for both the royal and sacred precincts. This highlights Jehoiada's meticulous planning and the disciplined nature of the Levitical service.
* **gate of the foundation (Hebrew, שַׁעַר הַיְסוֹד, _sha'ar hayesod'_):** This phrase likely refers to a significant, structurally strong, or foundational entrance to the Temple complex. It could be synonymous with the "gate of the guards" mentioned in 2 Kings 11:6, which was a crucial entry point for security. Its designation as "the foundation" might imply its role as a cornerstone or primary access point, emphasizing its strategic importance in securing the temple precincts against any potential counter-attack from Athaliah's loyalists.
* **courts of the house of the LORD (Hebrew, חַצְרוֹת בֵּית יְהוָה, _hatsrot beit Yahweh'_):** These refer to the outer areas or courtyards of the Temple, accessible to the general populace. The presence of "all the people" in these courts was crucial. It was not merely a gathering but a deliberate assembly for public witness and affirmation. Their presence legitimized Joash's coronation, demonstrating widespread support for the overthrow of Athaliah and the restoration of the Davidic line, providing a popular mandate to the divine decree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a third part [shall be] at the king's house":** This clause describes the deployment of a contingent of the organized Levitical and priestly forces to the royal palace. This strategic positioning was vital for securing the seat of royal power, preventing any loyalists of Athaliah from seizing control of the palace or harming the young king Joash. It underscores the dual focus of Jehoiada's coup: protecting the king and the temple.
* **"and a third part at the gate of the foundation":** This specifies the stationing of a second contingent at a critical defensive point of the temple complex. This positioning ensured the security of the sacred space itself, preventing infiltration or disruption during the coronation ceremony. It highlights the importance of controlling key access points to both the political and religious centers of Judah.
* **"and all the people [shall be] in the courts of the house of the LORD":** This final clause emphasizes the crucial role of public participation. The general populace was instructed to gather in the outer temple courts. Their presence served multiple purposes: to witness the legitimate transfer of power, to provide a visible show of support for Joash, and to deter any opposition. It transformed a covert operation into a publicly affirmed act of divine restoration.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its strategic and theological significance. **Parallelism** is evident in the repetition of "a third part," which highlights the balanced and organized deployment of forces to two distinct, yet equally critical, locations: the king's house and the gate of the foundation. This structure emphasizes the meticulous planning and comprehensive nature of Jehoiada's security arrangements. **Synecdoche** is present in the phrase "a third part," where a portion (the specific Levitical and priestly divisions) stands for the larger organized body of temple personnel involved in the coup. Furthermore, the locations mentioned—the "king's house" and the "house of the LORD"—function as **Symbolism**. The king's house symbolizes the earthly monarchy and political authority, while the house of the LORD symbolizes divine authority and the spiritual foundation of the nation. Their simultaneous securing underscores the intertwined nature of sacred and secular power in Judah, both needing to be brought into alignment with God's will. The presence of "all the people" in the courts also symbolizes the popular affirmation and legitimacy of the event, transforming a military maneuver into a communal act of restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, detailing the precise deployment of forces and the gathering of the people, is a profound testament to God's active involvement in human history, even through the meticulous planning and courageous actions of His servants. It underscores the divine commitment to the Davidic covenant, demonstrating that God will preserve His chosen line despite the most dire threats, ensuring that a "lamp" remains for David. Jehoiada's leadership exemplifies righteous stewardship and strategic action in the face of spiritual and political corruption. The confluence of the king's house, the temple, and the assembled people signifies the restoration of proper order and the re-establishment of a kingdom under God's rightful authority, where both civil and religious life are aligned with divine purpose.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")
* [1 Kings 11:36](/1_kings/11-36 "1 Kings 11:36 - A Lamp for David")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God as the Judge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous planning and courageous execution by Jehoiada in 2 Chronicles 23:5 offer timeless lessons for believers today. Just as Jehoiada strategically positioned forces to secure the king and the temple, we are called to be vigilant and intentional in safeguarding the spiritual "throne" of our hearts and the "temple" of our lives and communities from the encroaching forces of spiritual darkness and moral decay. This passage reminds us that while God is sovereign, He often works through the diligent and disciplined efforts of His people. We are not to be passive observers but active participants in upholding righteousness and divine order, whether in our personal walk, our families, or the broader church and society. The presence of "all the people" also highlights the importance of collective witness and unified action in supporting righteous causes and celebrating God's restorative work. It challenges us to consider where we are "stationed" in the spiritual battle and how we are contributing to the public affirmation of God's truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or community do you see "Athaliah-like" forces seeking to usurp God's rightful authority, and how might you strategically respond?**
* **How does Jehoiada's meticulous planning inspire you to be more intentional and disciplined in your spiritual walk or service?**
* **What does it mean for you to be "in the courts of the house of the LORD" today, actively witnessing and affirming God's work in the world?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "third part" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "third part" refers to divisions of the Levites and priests who were organized for temple service and, in this specific context, were strategically repurposed by Jehoiada for security and order during the coup. As detailed in 2 Chronicles 23:4, Jehoiada specifically addressed "the Levites and all Judah," indicating that these were the temple personnel who were on duty and could be trusted to execute his plan. Their disciplined structure and loyalty made them ideal for securing both the palace and the temple.

**What is the "gate of the foundation"?**

Answer: The "gate of the foundation" (Hebrew: _sha'ar hayesod_) likely refers to a significant, strong, and strategically important entrance to the Temple complex. While its exact location is debated among scholars, it is generally understood to be a key defensive point, possibly the "gate of the guards" mentioned in the parallel account in [2 Kings 11:6](/2_kings/11-6 "2 Kings 11:6 - Gate of the Guards"). Its name suggests it was a foundational or primary access point, emphasizing its crucial role in Jehoiada's plan to secure the sacred precincts during the restoration of Joash.

**Why were "all the people" in the courts of the LORD?**

Answer: The presence of "all the people" in the courts of the house of the LORD was a deliberate and crucial part of Jehoiada's plan to legitimize Joash's coronation and the overthrow of Athaliah. Their gathering served as a public witness to the event, demonstrating widespread popular support for the restoration of the Davidic line and righteous rule. It transformed a covert operation into a communal affirmation of God's will, lending popular authority to the actions of Jehoiada and the new king, as further evidenced by the people's joyful acclamation in [2 Chronicles 23:11](/2_chronicles/23-11 "2 Chronicles 23:11 - Joash's Coronation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous planning and successful execution of Joash's restoration in 2 Chronicles 23:5, particularly the preservation of the Davidic line, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect restoration accomplished through Jesus Christ. Just as Jehoiada secured the "king's house" and the "house of the LORD" to reinstate a rightful king, God the Father orchestrated the perfect plan to send His Son, Jesus, the true heir of David, to establish an eternal kingdom. Jesus is the ultimate "gate of the foundation," the very cornerstone upon which God's spiritual temple, the Church, is built, as declared in [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone"). He is not merely a king restored to an earthly throne but the [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), whose reign is eternal and whose kingdom will never end ([Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - Christ's Eternal Throne")). The presence of "all the people" in the temple courts anticipating Joash's coronation finds its ultimate fulfillment in the gathering of all believers, the redeemed people of God, who worship in the presence of the true Temple, Jesus Himself, who declared He would rebuild the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple")). The preservation of Joash from Athaliah's murderous intent also mirrors God's preservation of the Messianic line, ensuring that from David's lineage, the Savior would come ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")). Thus, this Old Testament account of a physical restoration points forward to the spiritual and eternal kingship of Christ, who perfectly secures our salvation and reigns supreme over all.

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 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.