King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 23:1 Mean?

“And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him.”

Context

1

And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him.

2

And they went about in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the chief of the fathers of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.

3

And all the congregation made a covenant with the king in the house of God. And he said unto them, Behold, the king's son shall reign, as the LORD hath said of the sons of David.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**XXIII. THE FALL OF ATHALIAH, AND SUCCESSION OF JOASH.** (Comp. 2Kings 11:4-20.) (1) **Jehoiada strengthened himself.**—*Showed himself strong* or *courageous, behaved boldly* (1Samuel 4:9). The chronicler has substituted a favourite expression (*hithchazzaq*) for the term used in Kings, “Jehoiada *sent.”* **The captains of hundreds.**—Their names, added here, are not given in 2Kings 11:4. On the other hand, Kings reads, “the captains of the hundreds *of the Carians* (or body-guard) *and the Runners* (or couriers, *i.e.,* royal messengers) “—terms which were probably obscure to the chronicler. **Azariah . . . and Azariah.**—*Heb.,’Azaryāh* . . . *and ‘Azaryāhû.* (Comp. 2Chronicles 21:2.) These names are introduced in the chronicler s well-known manner (by the prefix le*,* marking the object of the verb). His style is very visible in the additions to the narrative as compared with Kings.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 23:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 23:1

Nehemiah 9:38
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2 Chronicles 15:12
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1 Samuel 18:3
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2 Kings 11:4-20
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Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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