2 Kings 11:17
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּכְרֹ֨ת
made
H3772
וַיִּכְרֹ֨ת
made
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
1 of 17
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
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַבְּרִ֗ית
a covenant
H1285
הַבְּרִ֗ית
a covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
4 of 17
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
בֵּ֤ין
H996
בֵּ֤ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
5 of 17
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
between the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
between the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּבֵ֤ין
H996
וּבֵ֤ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
7 of 17
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
וּבֵ֣ין
H996
וּבֵ֣ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
9 of 17
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
הָעָֽם׃
also and the people
H5971
הָעָֽם׃
also and the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 17
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לִֽהְי֥וֹת
H1961
לִֽהְי֥וֹת
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
11 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הָעָֽם׃
also and the people
H5971
הָעָֽם׃
also and the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
12 of 17
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
between the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֑ה
between the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּבֵ֥ין
H996
וּבֵ֥ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
14 of 17
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
Cross References
2 Samuel 5:3So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.Joshua 24:25So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.2 Chronicles 34:31And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book.2 Chronicles 29:10Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us.1 Samuel 10:25Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.Ezra 10:3Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.
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 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.