King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 11:13 Mean?
“And when Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she came to the people into the temple of the LORD.”
Context
11
And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, round about the king, from the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, along by the altar and the temple. corner: Heb. shoulder
12
And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king. God: Heb. Let the king live
13
And when Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she came to the people into the temple of the LORD.
14
And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the manner was, and the princes and the trumpeters by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets: and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried, Treason, Treason.
15
But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her forth without the ranges: and him that followeth her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the LORD.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(13) **Of the guard and of the people.**—This is correct. The *and* has fallen out of the Hebrew text.
**The guard.**—The Aramaic form of the plural, rare in prose, occurs here. (Comp. 1Kings 11:33.) In 2Chronicles 23:11 the words are transposed. This gives a different sense—viz., “of the people* running together*” to which is added, “and acclaiming the king.” The chronicler may have found this in the work he followed, but the text before us seems preferable, as the word “runners” (Couriers) throughout the account means the royal guard.
**The people.**—See Note on 2Kings 11:14.
**She came . . . into the temple.**—Evidently, therefore, the palace was hard by the Temple. (See Note on 2Kings 11:16.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
2 Kings 11:13 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 Kings 11:13
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge