King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 23:20 Mean?

“And he took the captains of hundreds, and the nobles, and the governors of the people, and all the people of the land, and brought down the king from the house of the LORD: and they came through the high gate into the king's house, and set the king upon the throne of the kingdom.”

Context

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

And he set the porters at the gates of the house of the LORD, that none which was unclean in any thing should enter in.

And he took the captains of hundreds, and the nobles, and the governors of the people, and all the people of the land, and brought down the king from the house of the LORD: and they came through the high gate into the king's house, and set the king upon the throne of the kingdom.

And all the people of the land rejoiced: and the city was quiet, after that they had slain Athaliah with the sword.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **And he took.**—See 2Kings 11:19. **The nobles, and the governors of the people.**—Kings has: “And the Carians and the *Couriers.”* (See Note on 2Chronicles 23:1.) **The nobles.**—Comp. Psalm 16:3. **Governors of the people.**—Comp. Isaiah 28:14. These “nobles and governors” are perhaps “the heads of the clans” of 2Chronicles 23:2, and “the princes of 2Chronicles 23:13; though the phrase certainly looks like an attempt at explaining the obscure titles of the royal guard. **And they came through the high gate.**—Kings, “And they came by the way of the Couriers’ Gate.” (See Note on 2Chronicles 23:5, *supra.*) The Couriers’ Gate may have been called the High Gate, as being the grand entrance to the palace. A gate of the Temple has the same designation in 2Chronicles 27:3. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bible Hub

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 23:20 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 23:20

Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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