2 Kings 11:4
And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched 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 king's son.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁלַ֨ח
sent
H7971
שָׁלַ֨ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
3 of 27
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וַיִּקַּ֣ח׀
and fetched
H3947
וַיִּקַּ֣ח׀
and fetched
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
5 of 27
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמֵּא֗יוֹת
over hundreds
H3967
הַמֵּא֗יוֹת
over hundreds
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
8 of 27
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
וְלָ֣רָצִ֔ים
and the guard
H7323
וְלָ֣רָצִ֔ים
and the guard
Strong's:
H7323
Word #:
10 of 27
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
וַיָּבֵ֥א
and brought
H935
וַיָּבֵ֥א
and brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
11 of 27
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֹתָ֛ם
H853
אֹתָ֛ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּבֵ֣ית
of them in the house
H1004
בְּבֵ֣ית
of them in the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
14 of 27
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 27
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיִּכְרֹת֩
and made
H3772
וַיִּכְרֹת֩
and made
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
16 of 27
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
בְּרִ֜ית
a covenant
H1285
בְּרִ֜ית
a covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
18 of 27
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
וַיַּשְׁבַּ֤ע
with them and took an oath
H7650
וַיַּשְׁבַּ֤ע
with them and took an oath
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
19 of 27
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
אֹתָם֙
H854
אֹתָם֙
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
20 of 27
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
בְּבֵ֣ית
of them in the house
H1004
בְּבֵ֣ית
of them in the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
21 of 27
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
22 of 27
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיַּ֥רְא
and shewed
H7200
וַיַּ֥רְא
and shewed
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
23 of 27
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֹתָ֖ם
H853
אֹתָ֖ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
24 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
25 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
2 Kings 11:19And 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.2 Kings 11:9And the captains over the hundreds did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest commanded: and they took every man his men that were to come in on the sabbath, with them that should go out on the sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest.2 Kings 11:17And 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 Chronicles 15:12And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;
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 the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched 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 king's son.
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.