2 kings 11:9 - The captains over hundreds did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded; and they each took his men, those who were to come in on the Sabbath, with those who were to go out on the Sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest.
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What does "2 kings 11:9" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 11:9 describes a crucial step in a carefully orchestrated coup led by Jehoiada the priest. Let's break it down:
"The captains over hundreds did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded..." This highlights the authority and respect Jehoiada commanded. He was the high priest, and the military leaders (captains over hundreds of soldiers) were obedient to his instructions. This is key because it demonstrates that the coup had significant support within the army.
"...and they each took his men, those who were to come in on the Sabbath, with those who were to go out on the Sabbath..." This is the most important part of the verse. It refers to the temple guard, whose duty it was to protect the temple. The temple guard was divided into units that would rotate on and off duty on the Sabbath. This verse indicates that Jehoiada, rather than releasing the group that was concluding their shift, had all members of the guard report to him. This provided Jehoiada with twice the typical number of temple guards.
"...and came to Jehoiada the priest." This emphasizes that the captains and their men reported directly to Jehoiada. This was a coordinated movement under his direct control. He's gathering a significant number of armed men at the temple.
In essence, the verse is telling us that Jehoiada secured the loyalty of the temple guard captains and ensured that he had a larger-than-usual contingent of armed men at his disposal. By having both the outgoing and incoming guards report to him, he effectively doubled his security force, preventing Athaliah (the usurping queen) from learning about his plan by increasing or redeploying the guards and giving him the muscle he needed to carry out the coup and enthrone the rightful heir, Joash.
Why is this significant?
Overthrowing Athaliah: Athaliah was an illegitimate ruler who had seized the throne after murdering most of the royal family. Jehoiada was acting to restore the Davidic line, which was considered crucial for the continuation of God's covenant with Israel.
Strategic Timing: The Sabbath likely provided a measure of cover for the gathering of troops. It was a day of rest, so unusual activity might be less likely to arouse suspicion.
Power and Authority: The verse showcases the power and influence of the priesthood in Israelite society. Jehoiada was not just a religious leader but also a political and military strategist.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 11:9 details a crucial step in Jehoiada's plan to overthrow Athaliah. By gathering a large force of temple guards under his command, he ensured that he had the necessary resources to secure the temple, protect the young heir Joash, and restore the legitimate dynasty to the throne.
2 kings 11:9 - The captains over hundreds did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded; and they each took his men, those who were to come in on the Sabbath, with those who were to go out on the Sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest.
What does "2 kings 11:9" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 11:9 describes a crucial step in a carefully orchestrated coup led by Jehoiada the priest. Let's break it down:
"The captains over hundreds did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded..." This highlights the authority and respect Jehoiada commanded. He was the high priest, and the military leaders (captains over hundreds of soldiers) were obedient to his instructions. This is key because it demonstrates that the coup had significant support within the army.
"...and they each took his men, those who were to come in on the Sabbath, with those who were to go out on the Sabbath..." This is the most important part of the verse. It refers to the temple guard, whose duty it was to protect the temple. The temple guard was divided into units that would rotate on and off duty on the Sabbath. This verse indicates that Jehoiada, rather than releasing the group that was concluding their shift, had all members of the guard report to him. This provided Jehoiada with twice the typical number of temple guards.
"...and came to Jehoiada the priest." This emphasizes that the captains and their men reported directly to Jehoiada. This was a coordinated movement under his direct control. He's gathering a significant number of armed men at the temple.
In essence, the verse is telling us that Jehoiada secured the loyalty of the temple guard captains and ensured that he had a larger-than-usual contingent of armed men at his disposal. By having both the outgoing and incoming guards report to him, he effectively doubled his security force, preventing Athaliah (the usurping queen) from learning about his plan by increasing or redeploying the guards and giving him the muscle he needed to carry out the coup and enthrone the rightful heir, Joash.
Why is this significant?
Overthrowing Athaliah: Athaliah was an illegitimate ruler who had seized the throne after murdering most of the royal family. Jehoiada was acting to restore the Davidic line, which was considered crucial for the continuation of God's covenant with Israel.
Strategic Timing: The Sabbath likely provided a measure of cover for the gathering of troops. It was a day of rest, so unusual activity might be less likely to arouse suspicion.
Power and Authority: The verse showcases the power and influence of the priesthood in Israelite society. Jehoiada was not just a religious leader but also a political and military strategist.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 11:9 details a crucial step in Jehoiada's plan to overthrow Athaliah. By gathering a large force of temple guards under his command, he ensured that he had the necessary resources to secure the temple, protect the young heir Joash, and restore the legitimate dynasty to the throne.