King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 23:16 Mean?

2 Chronicles 23:16 in the King James Version says “And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD'S people.”

2 Chronicles 23:16 · KJV

Context

14

Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds that were set over the host, and said unto them, Have her forth of the ranges : and whoso followeth her, let him be slain with the sword. For the priest said, Slay her not in the house of the LORD.

15

So they laid hands on her; and when she was come to the entering of the horse gate by the king's house, they slew her there.

16

And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD'S people.

17

Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and brake it down, and brake his altars and his images in pieces, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.

18

Also Jehoiada appointed the offices of the house of the LORD by the hand of the priests the Levites, whom David had distributed in the house of the LORD, to offer the burnt offerings of the LORD, as it is written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, as it was ordained by David. as it was: Heb. by the hands of David

Read 2 Chronicles 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD'S people.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Covenant restoration and righteous coup. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיִּכְרֹ֤ת1 of 12

“made”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

יְהֽוֹיָדָע֙2 of 12

“And Jehoiada”

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

בְּרִ֔ית3 of 12

“a covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

בֵּינ֕וֹ4 of 12
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

וּבֵ֥ין5 of 12
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

כָּל6 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

לְעָ֖ם7 of 12

“between him and between all the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וּבֵ֣ין8 of 12
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ9 of 12

“and between the king”

H4428

a king

לִֽהְי֥וֹת10 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְעָ֖ם11 of 12

“between him and between all the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לַֽיהוָֽה׃12 of 12

“that they should be the LORD'S”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

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 23:16 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 23:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 29:10Nehemiah 9:382 Kings 11:17Deuteronomy 5:2-32 Chronicles 15:12Deuteronomy 26:17-19

Test Your Knowledge

2 Chronicles 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Chronicles 23 with CommentaryAll 2 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 2 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes