2 Chronicles 23:14
Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds that were set over the host, and said unto them, Have her forth of the ranges: and whoso followeth her, let him be slain with the sword. For the priest said, Slay her not in the house of the LORD.
2 Chronicles 23:14 · King James Version
Meaning
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.
Theological Overview
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.
2 Chronicles 23:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds that were set over the host, and said unto them, Have her forth between the ranks; and whoso followeth her, let him be slain with the sword: for the priest said, Slay her not in the house of Jehovah.
World English Bible
Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds who were set over the army, and said to them, “Bring her out between the ranks; and whoever follows her, let him be slain with the sword.” For the priest said, “Don’t kill her in the Yahweh’s house.”
Douay-Rheims
And Joiada the high priest going out to the captains, and the chiefs of the army, said to them: Take her forth without the precinct of the temple, and when she is without let her be killed with the sword. For the priest commanded that she should not be killed in the house of the Lord.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Iehoiada the Priest brought out the captaines of hundreths that were gouernours of the hoste, and said vnto them, Haue her foorth of the ranges, and he that followeth her, let him dye by the sword: for the Priest had said, Slay her not in the house of the Lord.