King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 23:3 Mean?

“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.”

Context

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.

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.

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.

This is the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you entering on the sabbath, of the priests and of the Levites, shall be porters of the doors; doors: Heb. thresholds

And a third part shall be at the king's house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation: and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the LORD.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **And all the congregation.**—Of the assembled Levites and family chiefs, as well as the royal guard. **Made a covenant with the king.**—Comp. 2Kings 11:4 : “And he made a covenant *for* them,” *i.e.,* imposed a compact on them, made them swear fidelity to the young prince. (Comp. also 2Samuel 3:21; 2Samuel 5:3.) **The king’s son shall reign.**—Or, *Behold the* *king’s son! Let him be king.* **As the Lord hath said.**—*Spake concerning the sons of David,* in the oracle delivered by the prophet Nathan (2Samuel 7:4-17).

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 23:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.