Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Kings 11

AND when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose, and destroyed all the seed royal .

i. e. All of the Royal Family, left after those Slaughters, 2 Chron. 21. 2, 4. and 22. 1. and 2 King. 10. 13, 14. except one, as the next Verse limits and explains it. This she did, partly out of Rage at the Extirpation of her Family; resolving, that David's Family should not out-live hers; partly, from ambition and desire of Rule; for which many persons have Destroyed their nearest Relations: partly, from the zeal which she had for Idolatry, and the Worship of Baal which she intended to Establish; to which she knew the House of David were implacable Enemies. And partly, in her own Defence, that she might secure her self from Iehu's Fury, who was commanded by God, and resolved in himself, utterly to destroy all the branches of Ahab's Family, whereof she was one, Chap. 8. 18, 26. For had she not done this, she suspected, that either the King, or People of Iudah would have delivered her up to Iehu upon his Demand. Possibly those whom she slew were Ioram's Children by another Wife: Of which, see on the next Verse. And this was the fruit of Iehoshaphat's Marrying his Son to a Daughter of that Idolatrous and Wicked House of Ahab, even the Extirpation of all his Posterity, but one. And this Dreadfull Judgment God permitted, and Inflicted upon him and his, to shew how much he abhors all such sinful and unequal affinities.

Marginal references: 2 Chro. 22. 10.; Heb. seed of the Kingdom.

2 But Jehosheba the daughter of king Joram sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah , and stole him from among the kings sons which were slain ; and they hid him, even him and his nurse in the bed chamber , from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.

Called Iehoshabeath, 2 Chron. 22. 11.

To wit, by another Wife, and not by this Athaliah: for it is not likely Iehoiadah who Married her, 2 Chron 22. 11. would have Married one of that Wicked and Cursed House, except he were Married very young, and therein over-ruled by his Parents.

Either, 1. His Adopted, and Legal Son, who was to Succeed him, though he was of another House, and of Nathan's Family, as many think: such persons being sometimes called the Sons of their Predecessors, as we shall see hereafter. Or rather, 2. His proper and Natural Son; for not onely he, but the rest who were Slain, are here called the kings (i. e. Ioram's) sons.

Either, 1. From amidst of the Carcasses, where this Infant was laid, and supposed by her to be killed, though it was not quite dead; either through the compassion, or connivence of the Instruments of this Execution; or by some other Artifice which his Nurse used. Or, 2. Out of that Apartment of the Palace which was allotted for the King's Children.

Iehosheba and her Husband Iehoiadah.

Which was in the house of the Lord; as is affirmed in the next Verse. So that it was one of those Chambers adjoyning, or near to the Temple, which were for the uses of the Priests and Levites, and for them onely: which made it more proper for this purpose.

3 And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD, six years : and Athaliah did reign over the land .

Either, Athaliah thought they were all Dead; or if she suspected that this was preserved, she thought an Infant could do her no great harm; and that she could so well assure the Kingdom to her self within a few years, that she need not fear any such weak Competitor; or she was willing to smother up the business, lest if she had made a strict and diligent search for it, the people should thereby learn, that there was yet a Son of David's Family left; and so be unquiet under her Government, and desirous of a Change.

Which she had an opportunity to do, because she was not onely the late Kings Wife, but also was probably made Queen-Regent upon Ioram's going to Ramoth-Gilead.

4 And in the seventh year Jehoiada sent , and set the rulers over hundreds , with the captains and the guard , and brought them to him into the house of the LORD , and made a covenant with them , and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the kings son.

If this action of Iehoiadah's seem strange and irregular, this was no ordinary case, but there were divers peculiar things in it; as that Athaliah was a meer Usurper, having no pretence of Right to the Crown, and one of that wicked House which God had particularly, and by Name, Devoted to Destrnction; that Iehoiadah's Wife was neare[illegible: 1+ letters] Allied, and had more Right to the Crown, than Athaliah; that the Crown of Iudah was by Divine appointment appropriated to the Sons of David; and therefore the Right of the Crown was inherently in him whom Iehoiadah set up, which right her Usurpation could not Exclude: That Iehoiadah was not a meer private person, but the Husband of the Kings Aunt; and probably the High-Priest, to whom it belonged in great part to see the Laws of God Executed: That Iehoiadah did not act alone in the business, but had the consent and concurrence of the Chief Rulers both Civil and Ecclesiastical; and besides all this, that it is conceived, That he had a special Motion of God's Spirit, or the direction and encouragement of the Prophets of that time. So that this action cannot be drawn into a President for succeeding times, and for other Kingdoms.

Of whom see Exod. 18. 25. Of these there were five, which are named, 2 Chron. 23. 1. And these were either, 1. Civil, or Military Officers. But then such small Officers could not have stood him in much stead. And why did he not rather engage Captains of thousands, or greater Persons, whom doubtless he might easily have brought into this Confederacy? Or rather, Priests or Levites of eminency, as their work sheweth, ver. 5, 6, 7. and 2 Chron. 23. 1, 2. and their distinction from the Captains and Guard.

Or, Princes, or Nobles, or Commanders; such as he knew were weary of her Idolatrous and Tyrannical Government, and Faithful to their King.

Possibly those who had been the former King's Guard, who had been displaced by Athaliah, as persons whose fidelity she suspected.

i. e. Into the Courts of that House, which oft come under the name of the house, or Temple of the Lord: for into the House none but the Priests or Levites might enter.

To restore the King to his Kingdom, and Religion to its Purity.

For their Secrecy and Fidelity in the present Design.

Marginal references: 2 Chron. 23. 1.

5 And he commanded them, saying, This is the thing that ye shall do; a third part of [illegible: 1+ letters]ou that enter in on the sabbath , shall even be keepers of the watch of the kings house :

Either, 1. A third part of you, (i. e. of the whole Number, including those that come in, and those that go out on the Sabbath) even they that enter in on the Sabbath: and so the two other Third parts were to consist of those that went out on the Sabbath; as some gather from ver. 6, 7. Or rather, 2. A third part onely of those that enter in on the Sabbath, who seem to be plainly divided into Three Thirds here; and ver. 6. as those that went forth on the sabbath are expresly distributed into Two Parts, ver. 7.

i. e. That come into the Temple on the Sabbath-day. For the understanding of this matter, you must know, That the Levites were, in and from David's time, distributed into Twenty four Courses, which were to do the Work of the Temple successively, and by turns; each Course consisting of about a Thousand Men for his week: of which see 1 Chron. 23. and 24.

Either, 1. Of that Bed-chamber where the King now was. But it is unlikely, and without Example, either that one Bed-chamber, or the Temple, or any part of it, should be called the kings house. And besides, the King's Person is secured by other persons, ver. 7. Or rather, 2. Of that part which leadeth to the King's Palace, which Athaliah now Possessed, and whence they might expect Opposition.

Marginal references: 1 C[illegible: 1+ letters] [illegible: 1 word] 25.

6 And a third part shall be at the gate of Sur , and a third part at the gate behind the guard : so shall ye keep the watch of the house that it be not broken down .

The Chief gate of the Temple called the High-gate, 2 King. 15. 35. and the foundation-gate, 2 Chron. 23. 5. and the east-gate, Ier. 19. 2. and the middle-gate, Ier. 39. 3. and the gate of the entrance, Ezek. 40. 15.

Either, 1. The King's Guard. Or, 2. The Guard of the Temple; for such a Guard there was, and a Captain of the Guard, called, the Captain of th[illegible: 1+ letters] [illegible: 1+ letters]le, Act. 4. 1. and 5. 24. This Gate was in the South-[illegible: 1+ letters] [illegible: 1+ letters]d, as some think, is that which is called Sippim, or the threshold-gate; 2 Chron. 23. 4.

i. e. So you shall Guard all the Gates or Entrances into the House or Temple of God, that neither Athaliah nor any of her Soldiers may break into the Temple, and Defile it, or Destroy it; as she will doubtless indeavour to do. Or, and ye shall keep the watch of the house Massach: as the LXX and other Interpreters render it; who think this was the name of an House not far from the Temple; in which, or against which, they were to keep a Guard.

Marginal references: Or, from breaking [illegible: 1 word]

7 And two parts of all you that go forth on the sabbath , even they shall keep the watch of the house of the LORD about the king .

i. e. Who having finished their Course, and Week, should have gone home, but were detained, 2 Chron. 23. 8.

Whilest the rest guard the doors and entrances into the Temple; these shall have a special Care of the King's Person, part on his Right, and part on his Left Hand.

Marginal references: Or, Companies.; Heb. [illegible: 1 word] ▪

8 And ye shall compass the king round about , every man with his weapons in his hand: and he that cometh within the ranges , let him be slain; and be ye with the king as he goeth out, and as he cometh in .

When you have set your Watches, and Guards, all the rest of you shall draw near to the King to preserve his Royal Person from all Assaults and Dangers.

Or, Fences, i. e. the Walls wherewith the Courts of the Temple were Invironed: See ver. 15. Or, your Ranks or Order. If any of Athaliah's Guards shall attempt to break in upon you, or within your Bounds.

Whether the King shall go out of the Temple, to offend, or subdue his Enemies; or retire hither to Defend himself; do you always accompany him.

10 And to the captains over hundreds, did the priest give king Davids spears and shields that were in the Temple of the LORD.

Offensive and Defensive Weapons, which he gave to the Captains, both for themselves, and for all their Soldiers: for they all came into the Temple unarmed, to prevent suspition. These are called David's, either because they were such as he had taken from his Enemies, which he had dedicated to God, and laid up in the Temple, as Monuments of God's goodness to him. See 1 Sam. 21. 9. 2 Sam. 8. 7, 11. 1 King. 7. 51. Or, because David had made a Sacred Armory in the Temple, whence Arms might be taken upon extraordinary Occasions, for the Defence of the Temple, or City of God.

11 And the guard stood, every man with his weapon 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 .

From the South-east, to the North-east side.

The Altar of Burnt-offerings, which was by the Great and Eastern Gate of the Temple.

i. e. By, and towards the other parts of the Temple, which they defended on all sides.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 span].

12 And he brought forth the kings son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony , and they made him king, and anointed him ; and they clapt their hands, and said, God save the king.

i. e. The Book of the Law, which he put into the Kings hand, to mind him of his Duty at his entrance upon his Kingdom, which was to Read and Write out that Holy Book, Deut. 17. 18. and to Govern himself and his Kingdom by it: the Law of God being frequently and most properly called a Testimony, as Psal. 78. 5. and 132. 12. Isa. 8. 16, 20. See also Deut. 6. 17, 20. 2 King. 23 3. Because it is a Witness of God's Will, and Man's Duty.

As they used to do in doubtful cases, when there was any competition or question about the Crown, as now there was.

Marginal references: Heb. Let the [illegible: 1+ letters]ng 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 .

Who came thither upon the hearing of the noise and tidings of what was done.

To enquire into the cause of this great Noise; being hitherto kept in deep ignorance, partly, because it was managed with so much secrecy, and in the Temple; and partly, because the People Universally hated her, and wished her downfal.

i. e. Into the Courts: whither by Iehoiadah's direction she was permitted to enter, though contrary to his general Order, ver. 8. that so he might draw her into his Net.

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 rejoyced, and blew with trumpets: and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried, Treason, treason.

Possibly by one of the two famous Pillars of the Temple; of which see 1 King. 7. 21. nigh unto which the Throne was Erected. If it be said, That none but Priests might come thither: I answer, ordinarily they might not: but the King being a Sacred Person, especially upon such Extraordinary occasions might be there. Or, upon a scaffold, possibly that Brazen Scaffold which Solomon Erected, 2 Chron. 6. 13. and left there for such purposes. See 2 King. 23. 3.

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 .

Of these Companies of Levites, who are elsewhere called the Lord's Host, and now were the King's Host.

Of which, see above, ver. 8. If she will not go out of them of her own accord, force her out of them.

If any of the People come hither upon this occasion, shall stand up for her help.

i. e. In the Court of the Temple, lest it be polluted with her Blood.

16 And they laid hands on her , and she went by the way by the which the horses came into the kings house , and there was she slain .

Or, they gave her space or room, to wit, to go out of the Court of the Temple, and did not keep her within it, as they could have done. Or, they appointed bands for her: they ordered two Bands of the Levites to follow her, and kill her.

By the great and publick Road in which Horses and Chariots went to the Palace.

In an Ignominious place and manner; as her Mother Iezabel had been.

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 .

A Sacred Covenant, whereby he solemnly ingaged both the King, and People, as it here follows, that they should be the Lords people; i. e. That they should renounce, and root out all Idolatry, and set up and maintain God's True Worship. Comp. 2 King. 23. 10.

This was a Civil Covenant, whereby the King engaged himself to Rule them justly, and in the fear of God; and the People obliged themselves to Defend and Obey him. Comp. 2 Sam. 5. 3.

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 throughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altar : and the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD .

To which possibly he fled for Refuge: or rather, he was brought thither as a fit Sacrifice to his God.

Of which see more particularly, 2 Chron. 23. 18, 19.

Marginal references: 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 kings house, and he sate on the throne of the kings.

i. e. By the gate of the Royal Palace, where the Kings Guard stood.