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Commentary on 2 Kings 11 verses 4–12
Six years Athaliah tyrannised. We have not a particular account of her reign; no doubt it was of a piece with the beginning. While Jehu was extirpating the worship of Baal in Israel, she was establishing it in Judah, as appears, Ch2 24:7. The court and kingdom of Judah had been debauched by their alliance with the house of Ahab, and now one of that house is a curse and a plague to both: sinful friendships speed no better. All this while, Joash lay hid, entitled to a crown and intended for it, and yet buried alive in obscurity. Though the sons and heirs of heaven are now hidden, the world knows them not (Jo1 3:1), yet the time is fixed when they shall appear in glory, as Joash in his seventh year; by that time he was ready to be shown, not a babe, but, having served his first apprenticeship to life and arrived at his first climacterical year, he had taken a good step towards manhood; by that time the people had grown weary of Athaliah's tyranny and ripe for a revolution. How that revolution was effected we are here told.
I. The manager of this great affair was Jehoiada the priest, probably the high priest, or at least the sagan (as the Jews called him) or suffragan to the high priest. By his birth and office he was a man in authority, whom the people were bound by the law to observe and obey, especially when there was no rightful king upon the throne, Deu 17:12. By marriage he was allied to the royal family, and, if all the seed-royal were destroyed, his wife, as daughter to Joram, had a better title to the crown than Athaliah had. By his eminent gifts and graces he was fitted to serve his country, and better service he could not do it than to free it from Athaliah's usurpation; and we have reason to think he did not make this attempt till he had first asked counsel of God and known his mind, either by prophets or Urim, perhaps by both.
II. The management was very discreet and as became so wise and good a man as Jehoiada was.
1.He concerted the matter with the rulers of hundreds and the captains, the men in office, ecclesiastical, civil, and military; he got them to him to the temple, consulted with them, laid before them the grievances they at present laboured under, gave them an oath of secresy, and, finding them free and forward to join with him, showed them the king's son (Kg2 11:4), and so well satisfied were they with his fidelity that they saw no reason to suspect an imposition. We may well think what a pleasing surprise it was to the good people among them, who feared that the house and lineage of David were quite cut off, to find such a spark as this in the embers.
2.He posted the priests and Levites, who were more immediately under his direction, in the several avenues to the temple, to keep the guard, putting them under the command of the rulers of hundreds, Kg2 11:9. David had divided the priests into courses, which waited by turns. Every sabbath-day morning a new company came into waiting, but the company of the foregoing week did not go out of waiting till the sabbath evening, so that on the sabbath day, when double service was to be done, there was a double number to do it, both those that were to come in and those that were to go out. These Jehoiada employed to attend on this great occasion; he armed them out of the magazines of the temple with David's spears and shields, either his own or those he had taken from his enemies, which he devoted to God's honour, Kg2 11:10. If they were old and unfashionable, yet those that used them might, by their being David's, be reminded of God's covenant with him, which they were now acting in the defence of. Two things they were ordered to do: - (1.) To protect the young king from being insulted; they must keep the watch of the king's house (Kg2 11:5), compass the king, and be with him (Kg2 11:8), to guard him from Athaliah's partizans, for still there were those that thirsted after royal blood. (2.) To preserve the holy temple from being profaned by the concourse of people that would come together on this occasion (Kg2 11:6): Keep the watch of the house, that it be neither broken through nor broken down, and so strangers should crowd in, or such as were unclean. He was not so zealous for the projected revolution as to forget his religion. In times of the greatest hurry care must be taken, Ne detrimentum capiat ecclesia - That the holy things of God be not trenched upon. It is observable that Jehoiada appointed to each his place as well as his work (Kg2 11:6, Kg2 11:7), for good order contributes very much to the expediting and accomplishing of any great enterprise. Let every man know, and keep, and make good, his post, and then the work will be done quickly.
3.When the guards were fixed, then the king was brought forth, Kg2 11:12. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Sion! for even in thy holy mountain thy king appears, a child indeed, but not such a one as brings a woe upon the land, for he is the son of nobles, the son of David (Ecc 10:17) - a child indeed, but he had a good guardian, and, which was better, a good God, to go to. Jehoiada, without delay, proceeded to the coronation of this young king; for, though he was not yet capable of despatching business, he would be growing up towards it by degrees. This was done with great solemnity, Kg2 11:12. (1.) In token of his being invested with kingly power, he put the crown upon him, though it was yet too large and heavy for his head. The regalia, it is probable, were kept in the temple, and so the crown was ready at hand. (2.) In token of his obligation to govern by law, and to make the word of God his rule, he gave him the testimony, put into his hand a Bible, in which he must read all the days of his life, Deu 17:18, Deu 17:19. (3.) In token of his receiving the Spirit, to qualify him for this great work to which he before was called, he anointed him. Though notice is taken of the anointing of the kings only in case of interruption, as here, and in Solomon's case, yet I know not but the ceremony might be used for all their kings, at least those of the house of David, because their royalty was typical of Christ's, who was to be anointed above his fellows, above all the sons of David. (4.) In token of the people's acceptance of him and subjection to his government, they clapped their hands for joy, and expressed their hearty good wishes to him: Let the king live; and thus they made him king, made him their king, consented to, and concurred with, the divine appointment. They had reason to rejoice in the period now put to Athaliah's tyranny, and the prospect they had of the restoration and establishment of religion by a king under the tuition of so good a man as Jehoiada. They had reason to bid him welcome to the crown whose right it was, and to pray, Let him live, concerning him who came to them as life from the dead and in whom the house of David was to live. With such acclamations of joy and satisfaction must the kingdom of Christ be welcomed into our hearts when his throne is set up there and Satan the usurper is deposed. Hosanna, blessed is he that comes: clap hands, and say, "Let King Jesus live, for ever live and reign, in my soul, and in all the world;" it is promised (Psa 72:15), He shall live, and prayer shall be made for him, and his kingdom, continually.
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SUMMARY
This verse is a pivotal command issued by Jehoiada the priest, strategically deploying a specific contingent of Temple personnel to secure the sacred precincts of the Lord's house and protect the young, hidden King Joash. It details the precise instruction for two-thirds of the Sabbath-ending guard rotation to remain on vigilant watch around the rightful Davidic heir, underscoring the meticulous planning and divine orchestration behind the coup to overthrow the usurper Athaliah and restore legitimate, righteous leadership to Judah.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse, though a direct command, is imbued with profound literary depth. There is significant Irony in Jehoiada's strategic utilization of the Sabbath, a day typically designated for rest and religious observance, as the precise timing for a military coup. This subversion of expectation highlights Jehoiada's shrewdness and the urgent necessity of the situation, transforming a predictable religious routine into an opportunity for decisive action and surprise. Furthermore, Symbolism is powerfully at play: the "house of the LORD" (the Temple) symbolizes not just a physical structure but the very heart of the covenant community, God's dwelling place, and the purity of Yahwistic worship. Protecting it and the "king" within its sacred confines is symbolic of restoring divine order, legitimate rule, and true faith after a period of chaos, idolatry, and usurpation. The entire narrative, including this verse, functions as Foreshadowing of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, which ultimately points to the coming of the Messiah, the true King who would establish an eternal and unshakeable kingdom.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly a tactical instruction, carries profound theological weight, revealing God's active and sovereign involvement in human history to fulfill His divine promises. It powerfully underscores the theme of divine preservation, demonstrating that even when the Davidic line appears to be extinguished by human evil and treachery (Athaliah's purge), God works through faithful individuals like Jehoiada to uphold His covenant. The meticulous planning and execution of the coup, particularly the strategic use of the Temple and its personnel, illustrate God's sovereignty over all circumstances, even leveraging routine events like Sabbath guard rotations to achieve His redemptive purposes. It stands as a powerful testament to God's unfailing faithfulness to His word and His unwavering commitment to His chosen people and their rightful, divinely appointed leadership.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic narrative surrounding 2 Kings 11:7 offers profound lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God remains sovereign even in the darkest periods of history, when evil seems to triumph and His divine promises appear to be in jeopardy. Jehoiada's courage, unwavering faithfulness, and strategic wisdom serve as a compelling example of righteous leadership and the critical importance of acting decisively when God's truth, His people, and His established order are under attack. We are called to be vigilant "watchmen" in our own spheres of influence, diligently protecting what is sacred, upholding God's truth, and contending for righteousness in a world that often seeks to undermine it. This passage encourages us to place our unreserved trust in God's unfailing faithfulness, knowing that He is always at work, often behind the scenes and through unexpected means, to accomplish His purposes and preserve His people. It challenges each of us to consider how we might be instruments in His sovereign hands, even in seemingly ordinary or routine circumstances, to advance His kingdom and protect the integrity of His truth.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was the Sabbath chosen for this coup, given it was a day of rest?
Answer: The Sabbath was chosen precisely because of its predictable routine, which allowed Jehoiada to mobilize forces without arousing suspicion. On the Sabbath, specific Temple personnel would be rotating on and off duty, and their movements would be expected and unremarkable. By instructing the "two parts" (likely two-thirds) of those going off duty to remain on watch, Jehoiada could gather a significant, loyal force within the Temple's secure confines, leveraging the very predictability of religious observance. This strategic timing transformed a day of routine into an opportunity for a decisive strike, highlighting Jehoiada's shrewdness and the urgency of restoring the legitimate Davidic monarchy and pure Yahwistic worship.
Who were the "two parts" mentioned in the verse?
Answer: The "two parts" (Hebrew: shnayim hayadot, literally "two hands" or "two portions") most likely refers to two-thirds of the Levites and priests who were completing their Sabbath duty rotation and would normally be leaving the Temple. In the Temple service, priests and Levites served in divisions that rotated weekly. On the Sabbath, one division would finish its duty and another would begin. Jehoiada's comprehensive plan in 2 Kings 11:5-7 outlines specific roles for three "parts" or divisions of the guard, with two of these parts being those who were normally going off duty. This strategic deployment ensured a large, loyal, and well-positioned force to protect young Joash and secure the Temple during the coup against Athaliah.
What was the significance of protecting the "house of the LORD about the king"?
Answer: Protecting the "house of the LORD" (the Temple) and the "king" (Joash) simultaneously held immense significance. The Temple was the spiritual heart of Israel, symbolizing God's presence and covenant with His people. Its protection was crucial for restoring true Yahwistic worship after Athaliah's idolatrous reign. Protecting the king, Joash, was equally vital because he represented the continuation of the Davidic covenant, God's promise that a descendant of David would always sit on the throne (2 Samuel 7:16). Thus, the act of guarding both the Temple and the king was a dual act of restoring legitimate political authority and pure religious devotion, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises and His active role in preserving His chosen line.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic events of 2 Kings 11:7, particularly the miraculous preservation of the Davidic line through young Joash, serve as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Just as Joash was hidden and protected within the "house of the LORD" to preserve the royal lineage, so too was God's plan for a Messiah, a Son of David, meticulously guarded and brought to fruition through the ages, despite all human attempts to thwart it. The vigilance of Jehoiada and the Temple guards in protecting the earthly king finds its ultimate spiritual parallel in God's sovereign protection of His eternal King. Jesus, the true Son of David, is the one through whom God's covenant promises find their complete and final fulfillment (Matthew 1:1). He is the rightful heir to the eternal throne, not merely of Israel but of all creation (Revelation 11:15). His coming was the ultimate act of divine preservation, ensuring salvation and establishing an everlasting kingdom that no usurper or evil force can ever overthrow (Luke 1:32-33). The Temple, which served as a sanctuary for Joash, ultimately points to Christ Himself, who is the true Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity, and the one who would rebuild the spiritual Temple in three days (John 2:19-21). In Christ, we see the perfect King, the ultimate deliverer, whose reign brings true justice, peace, and eternal security to all who believe.