2 Kings 11 15

2 Kings 11:15 kjv

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.

2 Kings 11:15 nkjv

And Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the army, and said to them, "Take her outside under guard, and slay with the sword whoever follows her." For the priest had said, "Do not let her be killed in the house of the LORD."

2 Kings 11:15 niv

Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of units of a hundred, who were in charge of the troops: "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 temple of the LORD."

2 Kings 11:15 esv

Then Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains who were set over the army, "Bring her out between the ranks, and put to death with the sword anyone who follows her." For the priest said, "Let her not be put to death in the house of the LORD."

2 Kings 11:15 nlt

Then Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders who were in charge of the troops, "Take her to the soldiers in front of the Temple, and kill anyone who tries to rescue her." For the priest had said, "She must not be killed in the Temple of the LORD."

2 Kings 11 verses

2 Kings 11 15 Meaning

Jehoiada the high priest, exercising both religious and de facto political authority, commanded the military captains to remove Queen Athaliah from the sacred precincts of the Lord's Temple. He ordered her execution by sword outside the Temple gates, with strict instructions to kill anyone attempting to support or follow her. This deliberate action was taken to prevent the defilement of God's holy house by bloodshed.

2 Kings 11 15 Context

(paragraph)2 Kings Chapter 11 describes a pivotal moment in Judah's history. Following the death of her son King Ahaziah, Athaliah, a zealous proponent of Baal worship and the daughter of Israel's wicked King Ahab and Jezebel, seized the throne of Judah and attempted to eradicate all remaining descendants of David to secure her rule. Unbeknownst to her, Ahaziah's infant son, Joash, was rescued by his aunt Jehosheba (sister of Ahaziah) and her husband, Jehoiada the high priest. Joash was secretly raised for six years within the Temple complex. In the seventh year, Jehoiada orchestrated a meticulous and daring coup, rallying the Levites, priests, and military commanders to depose Athaliah and install the rightful Davidic heir, Joash, as king. Verse 15 details the critical command given by Jehoiada for Athaliah's removal and execution, emphasizing the sacredness of the Temple. Historically, this act reaffirmed the Davidic covenant, purged Baal worship from Jerusalem, and re-established the divinely appointed monarchy in Judah.

2 Kings 11 15 Word analysis

• "Then Jehoiada" (וַיְצַו יְהוֹיָדָע, vay'tzav Yehoyada): Jehoiada's name means "Yahweh knows" or "Yahweh is known." As the high priest, he represents both the religious and spiritual authority. His actions here underscore his vital role as God's instrument in preserving the Davidic covenant and purifying the nation.
• "the priest" (הַכֹּהֵן, hakkohen): Emphasizes his authoritative role, not merely a political figure, but a sacred one, acting for the Lord. He represents God's will and law.
• "commanded" (וַיְצַו, vay'tzav): A strong verb indicating direct, unequivocal instruction. Reflects his firm authority in this urgent situation.
• "the captains of hundreds" (שָׂרֵי הַמֵּאוֹת, sarei hamma'ot): Refers to the military commanders. This signifies an organized, disciplined operation, not an uncontrolled riot. Their obedience highlights Jehoiada's respected position and effective leadership.
• "who were set over the army" (הַפְּקִידִים עַל-הַחָיִל, happeqidim al-hachayil): Further clarifies their military function and the structured chain of command under Jehoiada's temporary oversight during the coup.
• "Bring her out" (הוֹצִיאוּ אֹתָהּ, hotziu otah): An imperative indicating an immediate, physical removal. "Out" specifically means out of the Temple precinct.
• "between the ranks" (בֵּין הַשּׁוּרוֹת, bein hashshurot): Literally "between the rows." This likely refers to her being escorted by two lines of armed guards, ensuring security and preventing any last-minute interference or escape. It conveys a somber, formal, and controlled procession towards judgment. Some ancient near eastern cultures practiced a ritual "walking out" of a defeated opponent between the victor's soldiers.
• "and put to death with the sword" (וְהַמֶת בַּחֶרֶב, vehēmet bacherev): A clear command for capital punishment. The sword was a common instrument of execution, particularly for treason or rebellion against royal authority. It signifies decisive, official justice.
• "whoever follows her" (כֹּל הַבָּא אַחֲרֶיהָ, kol habba ahareiha): This is a comprehensive deterrent. It's a dire warning against anyone who might show lingering allegiance, attempt to rescue her, or initiate a counter-coup. This command ensured the complete neutralization of Athaliah's influence and supporters.
• "For the priest said" (כִּי אָמַר הַכֹּהֵן, ki amar hakkohen): An explanatory clause, justifying the immediate preceding instruction regarding the execution's location.
• "Let her not be put to death in the house of the Lord" (אַל-תֻּמַת בֵּית יְהוָה, al-tumat beit Yehovah): This is the theological cornerstone of the verse. It reveals Jehoiada's paramount concern for the sanctity of the Temple. The House of the Lord was consecrated to Yahweh; bloodshed, especially state execution, would profane it, just as any foreign or unholy element would. It demonstrated reverence for divine purity above political convenience.

2 Kings 11 15 Bonus section

(paragraph)The emphasis on executing Athaliah outside the Temple might also reflect an awareness of ancient Israelite law concerning capital punishment and holy sites. For instance, Exodus 21:14 states that even one who kills another by guile should be taken "from My altar, that he may die." While not directly forbidding all executions near holy places, it established the principle of removing those guilty of capital offenses from a place of refuge for their judgment, ensuring that even under righteous authority, bloodshed would not contaminate the sanctuary. This incident under Jehoiada thus sets a significant precedent for proper respect for the sacred, even amidst violent political change. The swiftness of the execution and the explicit order to eliminate any followers showcase the necessity for a complete and decisive break with the idolatrous and tyrannical past represented by Athaliah and her Ahab-Jezebel lineage.

2 Kings 11 15 Commentary

(paragraph)2 Kings 11:15 illustrates Jehoiada's profound understanding of God's holiness and His covenant. While Athaliah's death was a political necessity to secure Joash's throne and restore the Davidic line, the location of her execution was a theological imperative. By commanding that she be put to death outside the Temple, Jehoiada meticulously avoided defiling God's sacred dwelling, underscoring the stark contrast between Athaliah's pagan profanities and the divine purity of the Lord's house. This act was not merely a change in government but a powerful spiritual restoration, a reassertion of Yahweh's sovereignty and the rightful order established through His covenant with David. It highlights the priestly duty to uphold the holiness of God and protect the true worship, even when it involves drastic measures against wicked rulers. This concern for sacred space resonates with biblical principles of purity and the clear separation between the holy and the profane, demonstrating God's abhorrence of anything that taints His presence.