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Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 11 - Verse 11

11:11
And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, round about the king, from the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, along by the altar and the temple.

Meaning

This verse from the book of 2 Kings describes a scene of heightened security and protection for the king. The guards are stationed around the king, with their weapons drawn and ready to defend him. The image of the guards standing from the right corner to the left corner of the temple, along with the altar and the temple itself, conveys the extent to which the king is protected. This level of security signifies the importance and power of the king, as well as the reverence and fear with which he is regarded. The verse illustrates the lengths to which the king’s loyal subjects are willing to go to ensure his safety and well-being. It serves as a reminder of the duty and commitment of those in positions of authority to protect and care for those under their charge.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the image of the king surrounded by guards with weapons in hand symbolizes protection and security. The positioning of the guards from the right corner of the temple to the left corner, along with the altar and temple itself, suggests a sense of completeness and thoroughness in the protection provided. The temple was considered a sacred place, and the presence of the guards emphasizes the importance of keeping it safe. The symbolism of the guards standing ready reflects the idea of spiritual guardianship and the need to be vigilant in defending what is sacred and pure. Additionally, the idea of the king being protected in this manner can also be seen as a representation of divine protection over God's chosen leaders and those who serve Him faithfully.

American Standard Version

And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, from the right side of the house to the left side of the house, along by the altar and the house, by the king round about.
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