2 Kings 11:12
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיּוֹצִ֣א
And he brought forth
H3318
וַיּוֹצִ֣א
And he brought forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
1 of 18
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶּן
son
H1121
בֶּן
son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן
and put
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן
and put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 18
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עָלָיו֙
H5921
עָלָיו֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַנֵּ֙זֶר֙
the crown
H5145
הַנֵּ֙זֶר֙
the crown
Strong's:
H5145
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיַּמְלִ֥כוּ
and they made him king
H4427
וַיַּמְלִ֥כוּ
and they made him king
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
11 of 18
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
אֹת֖וֹ
H853
אֹת֖וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיִּמְשָׁחֻ֑הוּ
and anointed
H4886
וַיִּמְשָׁחֻ֑הוּ
and anointed
Strong's:
H4886
Word #:
13 of 18
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
וַיַּכּוּ
him and they clapped
H5221
וַיַּכּוּ
him and they clapped
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
14 of 18
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
כָ֔ף
their hands
H3709
כָ֔ף
their hands
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
15 of 18
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
Cross References
Exodus 25:16And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.1 Samuel 10:24And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.Exodus 31:18And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.1 Kings 1:39And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.2 Samuel 1:10So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.Isaiah 55:12For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.Psalms 47:1O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.Psalms 98:8Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together2 Kings 11:2But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.1 Samuel 10:1Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 11 regarding preservation of davidic line and covenant faithfulness?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
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.