2 Kings 11 12

2 Kings 11:12 kjv

And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.

2 Kings 11:12 nkjv

And he brought out the king's son, put the crown on him, and gave him the Testimony; they made him king and anointed him, and they clapped their hands and said, "Long live the king!"

2 Kings 11:12 niv

Jehoiada brought out the king's son and put the crown on him; he presented him with a copy of the covenant and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, "Long live the king!"

2 Kings 11:12 esv

Then he brought out the king's son and put the crown on him and gave him the testimony. And they proclaimed him king and anointed him, and they clapped their hands and said, "Long live the king!"

2 Kings 11:12 nlt

Then Jehoiada brought out Joash, the king's son, placed the crown on his head, and presented him with a copy of God's laws. They anointed him and proclaimed him king, and everyone clapped their hands and shouted, "Long live the king!"

2 Kings 11 verses

2 Kings 11 12 Meaning

This verse vividly details the formal enthronement of Joash (Jehoash) as king of Judah, marking a pivotal moment of restoration and divine faithfulness. After six years in hiding from Athaliah's murderous rampage against the royal lineage, the rightful heir of the Davidic covenant is brought forth, crowned, and consecrated. The presentation of "the testimony" emphasizes that Israel's monarchy is unique, bound by God's divine law and covenant, rather than arbitrary rule. The anointing signifies divine appointment and authorization. The joyful acclamation of the people publicly affirms their allegiance and hope for the king's legitimate, God-ordained reign, overthrowing Athaliah's idolatrous and illegitimate rule.

2 Kings 11 12 Context

The verses immediately preceding (2 Ki 11:1-3) recount how Athaliah, queen mother and daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, seized the throne after the death of her son Ahaziah, massacring the royal seed of Judah to eliminate rivals. However, Joash (Jehoash), an infant, was secretly rescued by his aunt Jehosheba (King Ahaziah's sister and Jehoiada the priest's wife) and hidden in the temple for six years. During this period, Athaliah ruled as an illegitimate and idolatrous queen, promoting Baal worship in Judah. Chapter 11 describes Jehoiada the priest's meticulously planned coup to restore the legitimate Davidic monarchy. He enlisted loyal temple guards, Levites, and commanders to surround and protect the temple during the crucial moment. Verse 12 is the climax of this strategic preparation, the public presentation and coronation of young Joash, symbolizing the triumph of God's covenant faithfulness over human rebellion and the restoration of the rightful king and worship in Judah. This event contrasts the pagan practices under Athaliah with a return to YHWH's covenant requirements for kingship.

2 Kings 11 12 Word analysis

• And he brought forth: (וַיֹּצֵא - va-yo-tse) From yatza, meaning "to bring out, lead forth, disclose." This implies a formal, public unveiling of the king's son from his hiding place, emphasizing revelation and legitimacy after a period of concealment. It signifies the end of a hidden secret and the beginning of open reign.

• the king's son: (בֶּן הַמֶּלֶךְ - ben ha-me-lekh) Refers to Joash/Jehoash, who was indeed the legitimate heir by birthright, ensuring the continuation of the Davidic dynasty promised by God. His lineage connects directly to David and ultimately points towards the coming Messiah.

• and put the crown upon him: (וַיִּתֵּן עָלָיו אֶת הַנֵּזֶר - va-yit-ten a-lav et ha-ne-zer) The crown (nezer) is a universal symbol of royalty, authority, and sovereignty. In the Israelite context, it represents God-given authority, distinguishing divine appointment from human usurpation.

• and gave him the testimony: (וַיִּתֵּן לוֹ אֶת הָעֵדוּת - va-yit-ten lo et ha-e-duth) This is highly significant. Ha-eduth (the testimony/witness) most commonly refers to the divine law, especially the two tablets of the covenant given to Moses, also placed in the Ark of the Covenant (Ex 25:16, 21). It signifies that the Israelite king's authority is not absolute or divinely bestowed upon the king but is subservient to and defined by God's Law. Unlike pagan kings who might claim divinity or rule above the law, the king of Israel was a servant under YHWH's "testimony." This acts as a perpetual witness against any king who would stray from YHWH's covenant.

• and they made him king: (וַיַּמְלִיכוּ - va-yam-li-khu) This active verbal form denotes the formal proclamation and investiture of Joash as the rightful monarch. It's a collective act of endorsement by Jehoiada, the priests, and the assembled people.

• and anointed him: (וַיִּמְשְׁחוּ - va-yim-she-khu) The act of anointing with oil was a sacred ritual that conferred divine sanction and spiritual endowment. It was a sign of being set apart for a special purpose, used for priests, prophets, and kings (e.g., David, Solomon). This consecrated Joash, establishing his rule as divinely chosen.

• and they clapped their hands: (וַיִּמְחֲאוּ כָף - va-yim-cha-u khaph) This is an expression of joy, agreement, celebration, and public affirmation. It shows popular approval and enthusiasm for the new king and the defeat of the illegitimate rule.

• and said, God save the king: (וַיֹּאמְרוּ יְחִי הַמֶּלֶךְ - va-yom-ru Yechi ha-me-lekh) Literally, "Let the king live!" This is a traditional shout of allegiance, blessing, and loyalty. It expresses a desire for the king's long life and prosperous reign, coupled with divine preservation.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony:" This sequence outlines the formal steps of investiture, emphasizing presentation, authorization through symbols of power (crown), and, critically, accountability to God's covenant (testimony). It underscores that Israelite kingship is unique in its subservience to divine revelation.
  • "and they made him king, and anointed him;" These two actions confirm the king's legitimacy and divine appointment. "Made him king" refers to the human declaration and formal recognition, while "anointed him" refers to the spiritual consecration by God, signifying His divine choice and empowerment through His representatives.
  • "and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king." This represents the people's spontaneous and heartfelt acclamation. It is a public display of support, solidarity, and a shared hope for a legitimate, blessed, and prosperous reign under God, sharply contrasting with the tyrannical oppression of Athaliah.

2 Kings 11 12 Bonus section

• Type and Fulfillment: Joash, miraculously preserved and divinely installed, can be seen as a type foreshadowing Jesus Christ, the ultimate "King's Son" who inherited the throne of David (Lk 1:32-33). Jesus' coming was hidden (spiritual reality unrecognized by many), His reign divinely appointed, and He is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant.
• Priesthood's Role: This event uniquely showcases the crucial role of the priesthood, particularly Jehoiada, in upholding the covenant and national righteousness. When the monarchy became corrupt (Athaliah's paganism), the priestly office acted as a guardian of true worship and legitimate kingship, demonstrating a system of checks and balances where divine law, as interpreted by the priesthood, stood supreme.
• Contrast with Illegitimacy: The careful, covenantal ritual surrounding Joash's enthronement directly contrasts with Athaliah's seizure of power (1 Ki 11:1). Her reign was illegitimate and based on violence and idolatry; Joash's was legitimate, divinely sanctioned, and based on covenant obedience. This highlights the biblical principle that authority must align with God's design.

2 Kings 11 12 Commentary

2 Kings 11:12 serves as the theological and political culmination of Jehoiada's carefully orchestrated revolt. It represents God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David (2 Sam 7) by preserving a remnant of the royal line even when human actions (Athaliah's massacre) sought to extinguish it. The elaborate coronation ritual—bringing forth the hidden king, crowning him, and anointing him—reaffirmed divine election and human assent. Crucially, giving the king "the testimony" highlights that the true authority for Israel's king comes not from earthly power alone, but from submission to God's divine Law and covenant stipulations (Deut 17:18-20). This made the Israelite monarchy distinct from surrounding pagan kingdoms where kings often considered themselves above or beyond divine accountability. The acclamation "God save the king!" underscores both the fervent hope of the people for a legitimate ruler and their understanding that such a reign could only prosper under divine blessing and guidance, setting the stage for a period of reform.