2 Kings 11:11

And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, round about the king, from the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, [along] by the altar and the temple.

And the guard {H7323} stood {H5975}, every man {H376} with his weapons {H3627} in his hand {H3027}, round about {H5439} the king {H4428}, from the right {H3233} corner {H3802} of the temple {H1004} to the left {H8042} corner {H3802} of the temple {H1004}, along by the altar {H4196} and the temple {H1004}.

The guards then took positions, each man with his weapons in his hand, from the right side of the house to the left side of the house, alongside the altar, alongside [the exterior of] the house and around the king.

And the guards stood with weapons in hand surrounding the king by the altar and the temple, from the south side to the north side of the temple.

And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, from the right side of the house to the left side of the house, along by the altar and the house, by the king round about.

Commentary

2 Kings 11:11 vividly describes a pivotal moment in ancient Israelite history: the protection of the young King Joash during his anointing within the Temple precincts. This verse paints a picture of unwavering loyalty and strategic defense, ensuring the survival of the rightful heir to the throne of Judah against the backdrop of political turmoil and usurpation.

Context

This verse is set during a dramatic period following the death of King Ahaziah of Judah. His mother, the wicked Queen Athaliah, seized power and, in a ruthless act of self-preservation, attempted to destroy all the royal offspring, including her own grandchildren. However, Ahaziah's sister, Jehosheba, secretly rescued Joash, a one-year-old infant, and hid him in the Temple for six years (2 Kings 11:3). The high priest Jehoiada then orchestrated a daring coup. He rallied the captains, the Carites (royal bodyguards), and the runners (another group of guards), bringing them into a sworn covenant within the Temple. 2 Kings 11:11 captures the culmination of this meticulous plan, as the loyal guard takes up its position to protect Joash during his public presentation and anointing as king.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection and Providence: The careful positioning of the guard around Joash highlights God's hand in preserving the Davidic line. Despite Athaliah's ruthless purge (2 Kings 11:1), God ensured a remnant survived, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises regarding a perpetual dynasty.
  • Restoration of Rightful Authority: This verse underscores the moment of restoration of legitimate kingship in Judah. The guards' vigilance ensured the successful transition from a usurper queen to the rightful heir, symbolizing a return to order and adherence to God's established succession.
  • The Sanctity and Strategic Role of the Temple: The Temple, typically a place of worship, here also functions as a fortress and a sanctuary for the young king. Its layout, with its corners, altar, and general structure, became critical to the defensive formation, emphasizing its central role in the nation's spiritual and political life.
  • Loyalty and Courage: The "guard" (likely including the Carites and runners mentioned earlier) stood with weapons ready, showcasing their unwavering loyalty to Jehoiada and, by extension, to the true heir and God's will. Their courage was essential in challenging a tyrannical regime.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "every man with his weapons in his hand" (Hebrew: kilayw b'yado) emphasizes a state of immediate readiness and vigilance. It signifies not just presence, but active preparedness for any threat, crucial for the security of the young king during such a vulnerable and public ceremony. The specific mention of "the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, [along] by the altar and the temple" illustrates a precise and complete encirclement, ensuring no breach in their protective formation as they secured the coronation of Joash.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God is sovereign and faithful to His promises, even when circumstances seem dire or evil appears to triumph.
  • We are called to stand firm in our convictions and protect what is right, even in the face of opposition, much like Jehoiada and his loyal guards.
  • Vigilance and preparedness are important, not only in physical defense but also in spiritual warfare, as we are called to be alert against the schemes of the enemy.
  • God can use unexpected people and places (like the Temple becoming a fortress) to accomplish His divine purposes.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 6:12 (2 votes)

    ¶ And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands:

  • Luke 11:51 (2 votes)

    From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

  • Joel 2:17 (2 votes)

    Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where [is] their God?

  • Ezekiel 8:16 (2 votes)

    And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, [were] about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.

  • Matthew 23:35 (2 votes)

    That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

  • 2 Kings 11:8 (2 votes)

    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 11:10 (2 votes)

    And to the captains over hundreds did the priest give king David's spears and shields, that [were] in the temple of the LORD.