2 Kings 11:4-12 | The Way of Scripture

2 Kings 11:4-12

What surrounds Joash’s public recognition as king?

Berean Standard Bible

4 Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada sent for the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards, and had them brought into the house of the LORD. There he made a covenant with them and put them under oath. He showed them the king’s son 5 and commanded them, “This is what you are to do: A third of you who come on duty on the Sabbath shall guard the royal palace, 6 a third shall be at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the guards. You are to take turns guarding the temple— 7 the two divisions that would go off duty on the Sabbath are to guard the house of the LORD for the king. 8 You must surround the king with weapons in hand, and anyone who approaches the ranks must be put to death. You must stay close to the king wherever he goes.” 9 So the commanders of hundreds did everything that Jehoiada the priest had ordered. Each of them took his men—those coming on duty on the Sabbath and those going off duty—and came to Jehoiada the priest. 10 Then the priest gave to the commanders of hundreds the spears and shields of King David from the house of the LORD. 11 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. 12 Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, presented him with the Testimony, and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and declared, “Long live the king!”

What is the context?

In the seventh year Jehoiada brings military commanders and guards into an oath-bound agreement and shows them the surviving king’s son. He arranges the Sabbath changes of duty so that the king and the temple will be guarded.

The commanders follow his instructions, receiving David’s spears and shields and surrounding the child. Jehoiada brings Joash out, crowns him, presents the Testimony, and has him anointed and proclaimed king.

The acclamation joins the restoration of a royal heir with the Lord’s house and the obligation signified by the Testimony. The safeguards and weapons belong to the particular succession crisis; they do not prescribe how a congregation should install its leaders.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley understands the Testimony as the book of the law given to remind the king of his duty. The USCCB note identifies it with the law’s tablets in a reconstructed installation ceremony. Both connect kingship with divine instruction, while differing about the precise object and manner. The BSB’s wording does not settle all those physical details.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

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