2 Chronicles 23:7

And the Levites shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand; and whosoever [else] cometh into the house, he shall be put to death: but be ye with the king when he cometh in, and when he goeth out.

And the Levites {H3881} shall compass {H5362} the king {H4428} round about {H5439}, every man {H376} with his weapons {H3627} in his hand {H3027}; and whosoever else cometh {H935} into the house {H1004}, he shall be put to death {H4191}: but be ye with the king {H4428} when he cometh in {H935}, and when he goeth out {H3318}.

The L'vi'im are to surround the king, each man with his weapons in his hand. Anyone who enters the house is to be killed. Stay with the king whenever he enters or leaves."

The Levites must surround the king with weapons in hand, and anyone who enters the temple must be put to death. You must stay close to the king wherever he goes.”

And the Levites shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand; and whosoever cometh into the house, let him be slain: and be ye with the king when he cometh in, and when he goeth out.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 23:7 (KJV) provides a glimpse into a pivotal moment in Judah's history, detailing the specific instructions given to the Levites during the coup led by Jehoiada the priest to restore the rightful king, Joash, to the throne.

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of the usurpation of the throne by Queen Athaliah, who had seized power after the death of her son Ahaziah and attempted to destroy all the royal offspring of Judah. Young Joash, the only survivor, was hidden for six years in the Temple. Jehoiada, the high priest, orchestrated a daring plan to bring Joash forth and crown him, thereby restoring the Davidic line and God's covenant faithfulness. The Levites, typically serving in priestly duties, were now deputized as a protective guard force for this critical operation within the sacred confines of the Temple.

Key Themes

  • Protection of the Rightful King: The primary command for the Levites was to form a human shield around King Joash, ensuring his safety during the anointing and coronation. This reflects the divine importance of protecting God's chosen ruler and the preservation of the royal lineage.
  • Sanctity and Security of the Temple: The strict decree that "whosoever [else] cometh into the house, he shall be put to death" underscores the extreme measures taken to secure the Temple during this volatile period. It emphasizes the sacredness of God's dwelling place and the necessity of order, especially when it became the staging ground for such a vital political and spiritual restoration.
  • Loyalty and Obedience: The Levites' immediate and disciplined response to Jehoiada's orders demonstrates their unwavering loyalty to the true heir and to the priest who represented God's will. Their readiness with "weapons in his hand" shows their commitment to defending the rightful order established by God.
  • Restoration of Godly Authority: This entire event, culminating in Joash's coronation, signifies the triumph of God's plan over illegitimate rule and the re-establishment of a king who would ideally lead the people in righteousness, as seen in Joash's initial good reign under Jehoiada's guidance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "compass the king round about" comes from the Hebrew word sabab (Χ‘Χ‘Χ‘), meaning to turn around, encircle, or surround. This highlights the complete protective cordon formed by the Levites. The term "weapons" (Hebrew keli, Χ›ΧœΧ™) refers to instruments or equipment, here specifically military arms, indicating their prepared state for defense and offense.

Practical Application

While this verse describes a unique historical event, its principles resonate today. It reminds us of the importance of protecting what is right and godly, even in dangerous circumstances. It also speaks to the need for vigilance and discernment against those who would seek to disrupt divine order. Spiritually, believers are called to be vigilant and to stand firm against spiritual adversaries, guarding the truth and the "house" of God, which is now the church, the body of believers.

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Cross-References

  • 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 11:9 (2 votes)

    And the captains over the hundreds did according to all [things] that Jehoiada the priest commanded: and they took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that should go out on the sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest.

  • Numbers 3:10 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

  • Exodus 19:12 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, [that ye] go [not] up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death:

  • Exodus 19:13 (2 votes)

    There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether [it be] beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount.

  • Numbers 3:38 (2 votes)

    But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, [even] before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, [shall be] Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

  • Exodus 21:14 (2 votes)

    But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.