2 Kings 11:7

And two parts of all you that go forth on the sabbath, even they shall keep the watch of the house of the LORD about the king.

And two {H8147} parts {H3027} of all you that go forth {H3318} on the sabbath {H7676}, even they shall keep {H8104} the watch {H4931} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} about {H413} the king {H4428}.

while the other two groups of you who come on duty on Shabbat will guard the house of ADONAI, where the king is.

the two divisions that would go off duty on the Sabbath are to guard the house of the LORD for the king.

And the two companies of you, even all that go forth on the sabbath, shall keep the watch of the house of Jehovah about the king.

Commentary

Context of 2 Kings 11:7

This verse is part of a dramatic narrative in 2 Kings 11, detailing the preservation of the Davidic royal line through the actions of Jehoiada the priest. After King Ahaziah's death, his mother Athaliah seized the throne and attempted to destroy all the royal offspring (2 Kings 11:1). However, baby Joash, the rightful heir, was hidden by Jehoiada's wife, Jehosheba, for six years in the Temple (2 Kings 11:3). In the seventh year, Jehoiada meticulously planned a coup to overthrow Athaliah and install Joash as king. Verse 7 outlines a crucial part of his strategic deployment of forces, leveraging the routine of the Temple guard on the Sabbath.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Preservation of the Davidic Line: The central theme is God's faithfulness to His covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:16), ensuring a descendant would always sit on the throne. Jehoiada's actions are instrumental in this divine plan.
  • Strategic Planning and Execution: Jehoiada's detailed instructions for the Temple guards demonstrate remarkable wisdom and foresight. He carefully assigns specific duties to different groups, ensuring maximum security for young Joash and the success of the coup.
  • The Role of the Temple and Priesthood: The Temple served not only as a place of worship but also as a sanctuary and strategic base for the rightful king's protection. The priesthood, led by Jehoiada, played a vital role in upholding righteousness and preserving the legitimate monarchy.
  • Sabbath as a Strategic Opportunity: The use of the Sabbath for this military operation is noteworthy. While typically a day of rest, its predictable routine for guard rotations made it an opportune time to gather loyal forces without arousing suspicion from Athaliah's regime.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "two parts" (Hebrew: shnayim yadoth) is often interpreted as "two-thirds." This indicates that a significant majority of the priests and Levites who were normally off duty or rotating were brought into active service for this critical mission. They were to "keep the watch of the house of the LORD about the king," emphasizing their dual role: guarding the sacred Temple and protecting the young monarch.

Practical Application

This passage reminds us that even in times of great apostasy and danger, God works through faithful individuals to accomplish His purposes. Jehoiada's courage and strategic wisdom highlight the importance of righteous leadership. It also underscores the truth that God is sovereign over all circumstances, preserving His promises and ultimately bringing forth His chosen deliverer. For believers, this narrative offers encouragement that God is always working behind the scenes, even when evil seems to prevail, to uphold His truth and protect His people.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 23:6

    But let none come into the house of the LORD, save the priests, and they that minister of the Levites; they shall go in, for they [are] holy: but all the people shall keep the watch of the LORD.

  • 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;
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