2 kings 11:4 - In the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the captains over hundreds of the Carites and of the guard, and brought them to him into Yahweh’s house; and he made a covenant with them, and made a covenant with them in Yahweh’s house, and showed them the king’s son.
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What does "2 kings 11:4" mean?
This verse (2 Kings 11:4) describes a crucial step in a plan to overthrow the usurper Queen Athaliah and restore the rightful heir, Joash, to the throne of Judah. Let's break it down:
"In the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the captains over hundreds of the Carites and of the guard..." This indicates that Jehoiada, the high priest, waited seven years after Athaliah seized power to take action. He strategically contacted the commanders of specific military units:
"Captains over hundreds": This signifies officers in charge of groups of roughly a hundred soldiers.
"Carites": The Carites were a foreign mercenary guard, likely from Caria in Asia Minor. They were loyal to those who paid them, making them potentially susceptible to Jehoiada's influence.
"The guard": This refers to the royal bodyguard or the temple guard. It indicates Jehoiada was enlisting support from within the existing security forces.
"...and brought them to him into Yahweh’s house..." Jehoiada brought these officers into the Temple, which was a secure and sacred location. Meeting there added solemnity and legitimacy to the proceedings, emphasizing divine endorsement.
"...and he made a covenant with them, and made a covenant with them in Yahweh’s house..." This is a key point. Jehoiada entered into a formal agreement (a covenant) with these officers. The repetition emphasizes the seriousness of the commitment. The covenant likely included promises of loyalty, secrecy, and support for Joash's claim to the throne. Performing this covenant "in Yahweh's house" invoked divine authority and consequences for breaking it.
"...and showed them the king’s son." Finally, Jehoiada revealed Joash, the hidden son of the late King Ahaziah. This was the pivotal moment. Showing them the rightful heir legitimized the plot and gave the officers a tangible reason to act. Until now, their allegiance to Athaliah was based on power. Jehoiada provided them with a legitimate alternative, a descendant of David, to whom they were ultimately bound by their faith and national identity.
In summary, the verse describes how Jehoiada carefully orchestrated the initial phase of a coup. By gathering key military commanders, securing their loyalty through a covenant sworn in the Temple, and presenting them with the legitimate king, he set the stage for Athaliah's removal and the restoration of the Davidic line. This verse is a masterclass in strategic planning and political maneuvering, all done in the name of religious duty and national restoration.
2 kings 11:4 - In the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the captains over hundreds of the Carites and of the guard, and brought them to him into Yahweh’s house; and he made a covenant with them, and made a covenant with them in Yahweh’s house, and showed them the king’s son.
What does "2 kings 11:4" mean?
This verse (2 Kings 11:4) describes a crucial step in a plan to overthrow the usurper Queen Athaliah and restore the rightful heir, Joash, to the throne of Judah. Let's break it down:
"In the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the captains over hundreds of the Carites and of the guard..." This indicates that Jehoiada, the high priest, waited seven years after Athaliah seized power to take action. He strategically contacted the commanders of specific military units:
"Captains over hundreds": This signifies officers in charge of groups of roughly a hundred soldiers.
"Carites": The Carites were a foreign mercenary guard, likely from Caria in Asia Minor. They were loyal to those who paid them, making them potentially susceptible to Jehoiada's influence.
"The guard": This refers to the royal bodyguard or the temple guard. It indicates Jehoiada was enlisting support from within the existing security forces.
"...and brought them to him into Yahweh’s house..." Jehoiada brought these officers into the Temple, which was a secure and sacred location. Meeting there added solemnity and legitimacy to the proceedings, emphasizing divine endorsement.
"...and he made a covenant with them, and made a covenant with them in Yahweh’s house..." This is a key point. Jehoiada entered into a formal agreement (a covenant) with these officers. The repetition emphasizes the seriousness of the commitment. The covenant likely included promises of loyalty, secrecy, and support for Joash's claim to the throne. Performing this covenant "in Yahweh's house" invoked divine authority and consequences for breaking it.
"...and showed them the king’s son." Finally, Jehoiada revealed Joash, the hidden son of the late King Ahaziah. This was the pivotal moment. Showing them the rightful heir legitimized the plot and gave the officers a tangible reason to act. Until now, their allegiance to Athaliah was based on power. Jehoiada provided them with a legitimate alternative, a descendant of David, to whom they were ultimately bound by their faith and national identity.
In summary, the verse describes how Jehoiada carefully orchestrated the initial phase of a coup. By gathering key military commanders, securing their loyalty through a covenant sworn in the Temple, and presenting them with the legitimate king, he set the stage for Athaliah's removal and the restoration of the Davidic line. This verse is a masterclass in strategic planning and political maneuvering, all done in the name of religious duty and national restoration.