2 Kings 11:15

But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her forth without the ranges: and him that followeth her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the LORD.

But Jehoiada {H3077} the priest {H3548} commanded {H6680} the captains {H8269} of the hundreds {H3967}, the officers {H6485} of the host {H2428}, and said {H559} unto them, Have her forth {H3318} without {H1004} the ranges {H7713}: and him that followeth {H935}{H310} her kill {H4191} with the sword {H2719}. For the priest {H3548} had said {H559}, Let her not be slain {H4191} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Y'hoyada the cohen ordered the captains of hundreds, the army officers, "Escort her out past the ranks [of guards]; but anyone who follows her, kill with the sword." For the cohen had said, "She must not be put to death in the house of ADONAI."

And Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.”

And Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of hundreds that were set over the host, and said unto them, Have her forth between the ranks; and him that followeth her slay with the sword. For the priest said, Let her not be slain in the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

2 Kings 11:15 describes a pivotal moment in the overthrow of the tyrannical Queen Athaliah, orchestrated by the high priest Jehoiada. This verse specifically details Jehoiada's precise instructions for Athaliah's execution, emphasizing the sacredness of the Temple.

Context

Following the death of King Ahaziah of Judah, his mother Athaliah, a daughter of King Ahab and Jezebel, seized the throne by massacring all the royal heirs of Judah, except for the infant Joash, who was secretly rescued by Jehoiada's wife, Jehosheba (2 Kings 11:1). For six years, Athaliah reigned as a ruthless usurper. In the seventh year, Jehoiada, the high priest, revealed Joash and initiated a coup to restore the rightful Davidic line to the throne. The people and the military supported him, anointing Joash as king within the Temple precincts (2 Kings 11:12). This verse details the final act against Athaliah as the coup culminates.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Restoration: Jehoiada's actions represent God's intervention to restore the legitimate monarchy and the Davidic covenant after Athaliah's illegitimate rule and bloodshed.
  • Sanctity of Sacred Space: The explicit command "Let her not be slain in the house of the LORD" underscores the profound reverence for the Temple as a holy place, where bloodshed, even for justice, was forbidden. This highlights a deep respect for God's presence and the purity of His sanctuary.
  • Order and Authority: Jehoiada, as the high priest, demonstrates strong leadership, giving clear, decisive orders to the military captains to ensure the coup's success and prevent further chaos within the sacred confines.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "without the ranges" (KJV) refers to the boundaries or precincts of the Temple complex. The Hebrew word for "ranges" (שׁוּרוֹת - shurot) can mean "rows" or "lines," here denoting the designated areas or limits around the Temple proper. The emphasis is on removing Athaliah from the holy ground before her execution, maintaining the sanctity of the House of the LORD.

Reflection and Application

This verse offers several insights for believers today:

  • Reverence for God's Presence: The insistence on removing Athaliah from the Temple before execution reminds us of the need to approach God's presence and holy spaces with reverence and purity. It teaches us about the separation between the sacred and the profane.
  • Upholding Righteousness: Jehoiada's courage in confronting wickedness and restoring justice serves as an example of standing for what is right, even in dangerous circumstances. He acted not out of personal vengeance, but to uphold God's established order and protect the rightful heir.
  • God's Faithfulness: Despite Athaliah's attempt to obliterate the royal line, God preserved a remnant (Joash) to fulfill His promises, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His covenants, even when human actions seem to threaten them. This resonates with the broader theme of God's unchanging character and purpose.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 23:14 (2 votes)

    Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds that were set over the host, and said unto them, Have her forth of the ranges: and whoso followeth her, let him be slain with the sword. For the priest said, Slay her not in the house of the LORD.

  • 2 Chronicles 23:9 (2 votes)

    Moreover Jehoiada the priest delivered to the captains of hundreds spears, and bucklers, and shields, that [had been] king David's, which [were] in the house of God.

  • Ezekiel 21:14 (2 votes)

    Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite [thine] hands together, and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain: it [is] the sword of the great [men that are] slain, which entereth into their privy chambers.

  • Ezekiel 9:7 (2 votes)

    And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city.

  • 2 Kings 11:4 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king's son.

  • 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.

  • 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.