Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 23 - Verse 14

In this verse from 2 Kings, Jehoiada the priest orders the captains of hundreds to bring out a woman who has committed a crime worthy of death. He instructs them to take her outside of the temple premises before carrying out the execution to maintain the sanctity of the House of the LORD. This act of carrying out justice outside of the holy place is significant as it reflects the importance of reverence and respect for sacred spaces in the eyes of God. By not allowing the woman to be killed within the temple grounds, Jehoiada is upholding the purity and sanctity of the place of worship. This verse serves as a reminder of the need to uphold the reverence of religious spaces and to ensure that justice is served in a manner that is respectful of the divine presence.

In this particular verse from 2 Kings 11, we witness a political and religious dilemma. Jehoiada the priest, a key figure in this chapter, is intent on protecting Joash, the rightful heir to the throne. Jehoiada orders the captains of hundreds to remove Athaliah, the wicked queen who has taken the throne by force. Notably, the priest insists that Athaliah should not be killed within the house of the Lord, indicating his reverence for the sanctity of the temple. This act of removing Athaliah signifies a significant turning point in the history of Judah, as it paves the way for the restoration of the rightful line of kings and the revival of true worship of God. The use of the phrase "Let him be slain with the sword" underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need to act swiftly to ensure the safety of the young Joash.