King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 23:11 Mean?

“Then they brought out the king's son, and put upon him the crown, and gave him the testimony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, God save the king. God: Heb. Let the king live”

Context

Moreover Jehoiada the priest delivered to the captains of hundreds spears, and bucklers, and shields, that had been king David's, which were in the house of God.

And he set all the people, every man having his weapon in his hand, from the right side of the temple to the left side of the temple, along by the altar and the temple, by the king round about. side: Heb. shoulder temple: Heb. house

Then they brought out the king's son, and put upon him the crown, and gave him the testimony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, God save the king. God: Heb. Let the king live

Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of the LORD:

And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason. Treason: Heb. Conspiracy

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Topics in This Verse

Salvation

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Then.**—*And.* So in 2Chronicles 23:14; 2Chronicles 23:17. **They brought out** **. . .** **and put.**—2Kings 11:12 : “*he* (Jehoiada) brought out . . . and put.” **Put upon him the crown, and gave him the testimony.**—Literally, *put upon him the crown* (*nēzer;* Exodus 29:6; 2Samuel 1:10) *and the law* (*ha-’êdûth*; Exodus 25:21-22; Exodus 31:18). Was a scroll of the ten words wrapped round the diadem, or laid on the king’s shoulder? (Comp. Vulg., “imposuerunt ei diadema testimonium dederuntque in manu ejus tenendam legem;” as if a copy of the law was solemnly presented to the newly-crowned king.) **Jehoiada and his** **sons.**—The chronicler *adds* this to make it clear that it was *the priests* who anointed the king. (Comp. 1Kings 1:39.)

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 23:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.