2 kings 11:7 - The two companies of you, even all who go out on the Sabbath, shall keep the watch of Yahweh’s house around the king.
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What does "2 kings 11:7" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 11:7 refers to a specific historical situation during a coup to overthrow the usurper Queen Athaliah and restore the rightful king, Joash, to the throne of Judah. Let's break it down:
"The two companies of you..." This refers to two specific divisions or groups within the royal guard or army.
"...even all who go out on the Sabbath..." This is a crucial detail. Normally, the Temple guard would rotate. A group would be on duty for a period, and another would be off-duty. Because the coup was planned for the Sabbath (a day of rest), the existing system needed to be manipulated. The verse states that both companies - the one that would normally be relieved on the Sabbath and the one that would normally begin its duty on the Sabbath - were to remain on duty. This doubled the number of guards present and available to support the coup.
"...shall keep the watch of Yahweh's house..." "Yahweh's house" refers to the Temple. Keeping watch meant providing security, guarding against intruders or threats. The Temple was a strategically important location because it was a holy place and often served as a place of refuge.
"...around the king." This indicates the primary purpose of the doubled guard. Their presence wasn't just about general Temple security. Their focus was to protect the newly crowned King Joash.
In essence, the verse outlines the security measures taken to protect Joash during his secret coronation within the Temple. The normally rotating guards were kept on duty together, effectively doubling the security force to ensure the success of the coup and the king's safety.
Significance and Interpretation:
Secrecy and Deception: The coup was planned and executed in secret. Keeping both guard units on duty on the Sabbath would have appeared normal, preventing Athaliah from suspecting anything.
Divine Providence: The mention of the Sabbath might also suggest a subtle element of divine providence. Even though the coup involved some deception, it was ultimately aimed at restoring a Davidic king, which was seen as fulfilling God's promise to David's line.
Power and Authority: The use of the Temple guard highlights the importance of military force in establishing and maintaining royal power.
Restoration of Righteous Rule: The entire episode of Joash's coronation is a story of restoring righteous rule after a period of wicked leadership under Athaliah. The doubled guard represents the strength and determination to protect the rightful king and establish a just reign.
In short, 2 Kings 11:7 is a pivotal verse in a dramatic historical event, revealing the strategic planning and security measures implemented to protect Joash and secure his place on the throne, highlighting the importance of the Temple guard during this event.
2 kings 11:7 - The two companies of you, even all who go out on the Sabbath, shall keep the watch of Yahweh’s house around the king.
What does "2 kings 11:7" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 11:7 refers to a specific historical situation during a coup to overthrow the usurper Queen Athaliah and restore the rightful king, Joash, to the throne of Judah. Let's break it down:
"The two companies of you..." This refers to two specific divisions or groups within the royal guard or army.
"...even all who go out on the Sabbath..." This is a crucial detail. Normally, the Temple guard would rotate. A group would be on duty for a period, and another would be off-duty. Because the coup was planned for the Sabbath (a day of rest), the existing system needed to be manipulated. The verse states that both companies - the one that would normally be relieved on the Sabbath and the one that would normally begin its duty on the Sabbath - were to remain on duty. This doubled the number of guards present and available to support the coup.
"...shall keep the watch of Yahweh's house..." "Yahweh's house" refers to the Temple. Keeping watch meant providing security, guarding against intruders or threats. The Temple was a strategically important location because it was a holy place and often served as a place of refuge.
"...around the king." This indicates the primary purpose of the doubled guard. Their presence wasn't just about general Temple security. Their focus was to protect the newly crowned King Joash.
In essence, the verse outlines the security measures taken to protect Joash during his secret coronation within the Temple. The normally rotating guards were kept on duty together, effectively doubling the security force to ensure the success of the coup and the king's safety.
Significance and Interpretation:
Secrecy and Deception: The coup was planned and executed in secret. Keeping both guard units on duty on the Sabbath would have appeared normal, preventing Athaliah from suspecting anything.
Divine Providence: The mention of the Sabbath might also suggest a subtle element of divine providence. Even though the coup involved some deception, it was ultimately aimed at restoring a Davidic king, which was seen as fulfilling God's promise to David's line.
Power and Authority: The use of the Temple guard highlights the importance of military force in establishing and maintaining royal power.
Restoration of Righteous Rule: The entire episode of Joash's coronation is a story of restoring righteous rule after a period of wicked leadership under Athaliah. The doubled guard represents the strength and determination to protect the rightful king and establish a just reign.
In short, 2 Kings 11:7 is a pivotal verse in a dramatic historical event, revealing the strategic planning and security measures implemented to protect Joash and secure his place on the throne, highlighting the importance of the Temple guard during this event.