Bible Commentaries

And. This chapter is complementary to 2 Kings 11:4-20. See App-56.

seventh. The number of spiritual perfection. App-10.

strengthened himself. Chronicles mentions the military (2 Chronicles 23:1), but enlarges on the Levites (verses: 2 Chronicles 23:2, &c.) Kings recognizes the Levites (2 Kings 11:4-12), but enlarges on the military. See the book comments for 1 Chronicles (note on the Title), and App-56.

Israel. Note this word here, and see note on 1 Kings 12:17.

congregation = assembly, or muster.

God. Hebrew. Elohim.(with Art.) = the [true] God. Figure of speech Asterismos, to emphasize the text or sermon of Jehoiada, which was the faithfulness of Jehovah to His word.

as = according as.

hath said. This is the great point. Compare 2 Chronicles 6:16; 2 Chronicles 7:18. 2 Samuel 7:12. 1 Kings 2:4; 1 Kings 9:5.

doors = thresholds. Especially that of Sur (2 Kings 11:6).

holy. See note on Exodus 3:5.

temple = house, as in preceding context.

put upon him the crown, and the testimony. Figure of speech Zeugma (App-6), by which there is an Ellipsis of the second verb, rightly supplied in Authorized Version, "gave him".

testimony: i.e. the book of the Law.

stood = standing.

Treason, Treason. Figure of speech Epizeuxis. App-6.

brought out. Syriac reads "commanded". Compare 2 Kings 11:15.

host = force.

laid hands on her: or, made way for her.

the house of Baal. All the vessels of the Temple had been removed thither by Jehoram and Athaliah (2 Chronicles 24:7).

slew Mattan. According to Deuteronomy 13:9.

the Levites. Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read "and the Levites".

of. Some codices, with six early printed editions, read "to".

by David. Hebrew "upon (or by) the hands of David".

rejoiced . . . quiet. "After" Athaliah was slain! So will it be when the great usurper shall he finally cast down.