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Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 23 - Verse 20

23:20
And he took the captains of hundreds, and the nobles, and the governors of the people, and all the people of the land, and brought down the king from the house of the LORD: and they came through the high gate into the king's house, and set the king upon the throne of the kingdom.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of 2 Chronicles, we see the scene where King Joash of Judah is restored to the throne after being hidden away and protected from his wicked grandmother Athaliah, who had killed his royal relatives in an attempt to seize power. The captains of hundreds, nobles, governors, and all the people of the land play a crucial role in this event, as they gather to support and protect the young king. They unite to bring Joash from the temple of the Lord to the king's house, passing through the high gate, symbolizing the rightful entrance of the king to the throne. This moment signifies the restoration of order and justice in the kingdom of Judah after a period of chaos and tyranny. It serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rightful authority and protecting the innocent from those who seek to harm them. This verse showcases the power of unity and loyalty in preserving the line of kings and maintaining the stability of the kingdom.

Theological Overview

In this verse, we see a significant event in the history of ancient Israel. The mention of the house of the Lord indicates that this event took place in the temple, which was a sacred and central place for worship and political assembly. The reference to the king being brought down from the house of the Lord and set upon the throne highlights the religious and political significance of the moment. The act of setting the king on the throne symbolizes the transfer of power and authority from God to the earthly ruler, emphasizing the divine right of kings. The use of terms like captains of hundreds, nobles, and governors of the people suggests a hierarchical structure within society, where different individuals had specific roles and responsibilities. This verse serves as a reminder of the intertwining of religious and political power in ancient times, and the importance of divine sanction in the exercise of earthly authority.

American Standard Version

And he took the captains of hundreds, and the nobles, and the governors of the people, and all the people of the land, and brought down the king from the house of Jehovah: and they came through the upper gate unto the king's house, and set the king upon the throne of the kingdom.
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