King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 11:17 Mean?

2 Kings 11:17 in the King James Version says “And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD'S people; betwee...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Kings 11:17 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And they laid hands on her; and she went by the way by the which the horses came into the king's house: and there was she slain.

17

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

18

And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD. officers: Heb. offices

19

And he took the rulers over hundreds, and the captains, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the house of the LORD, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king's house. And he sat on the throne of the kings.

Read 2 Kings 11 full chapter

Commentary

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

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 11: Preservation of Davidic line and covenant faithfulness. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 11 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Athaliah's Usurpation and Downfall) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 11 regarding preservation of davidic line and covenant faithfulness?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיִּכְרֹ֨ת1 of 17

“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

יְהֽוֹיָדָ֜ע2 of 17

“And Jehoiada”

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

אֶֽת3 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַבְּרִ֗ית4 of 17

“a covenant”

H1285

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

בֵּ֤ין5 of 17
H996

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

לַֽיהוָ֑ה6 of 17

“between the LORD”

H3068

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

וּבֵ֤ין7 of 17
H996

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

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ8 of 17

“and the king”

H4428

a king

וּבֵ֣ין9 of 17
H996

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

הָעָֽם׃10 of 17

“also and the people”

H5971

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

לִֽהְי֥וֹת11 of 17
H1961

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

הָעָֽם׃12 of 17

“also and the people”

H5971

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

לַֽיהוָ֑ה13 of 17

“between the LORD”

H3068

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

וּבֵ֥ין14 of 17
H996

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

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ15 of 17

“and the king”

H4428

a king

וּבֵ֥ין16 of 17
H996

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

הָעָֽם׃17 of 17

“also and the people”

H5971

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

Study Guide

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 11:17 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 11:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 5:32 Chronicles 15:12-14Joshua 24:252 Chronicles 34:312 Chronicles 29:101 Samuel 10:25

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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