2 Kings 11:15
But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her forth without the ranges: and him that followeth her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the LORD.
2 Kings 11:15 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from 2 Chronicles 23:14, Jehoiada the priest is issuing a command to the captains of the hundreds and the officers of the host. He instructs them to bring the woman out of the temple precincts and to kill anyone who tries to follow her with a sword. The reason for this drastic action is that the priest wants to ensure that the woman is not killed within the house of the Lord. This command is significant because it shows the importance of maintaining the sanctity and reverence of the temple as a holy place. Killing within the temple would defile the sacred space and go against the laws and traditions of the Israelites. By carrying out Jehoiada's command, the captains and officers are upholding the sanctity of the temple and following the priest's decree to protect the woman from harm. This verse serves as a reminder of the reverence and respect that should be shown towards places of worship and the rituals and practices associated with them.
Theological Overview
Here, in 2 Chronicles 23:14, we see an intriguing account of Jehoiada the priest shrewdly giving orders to the military leaders to have Queen Athaliah removed from the temple and killed outside its precincts. This action was necessary to prevent the defilement of the house of the Lord, as Athaliah had seized the throne illegitimately and introduced pagan worship practices in Judah. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the importance of maintaining the purity of the house of the Lord and the integrity of worship. By executing judgment on Athaliah outside the temple, Jehoiada ensured that the sanctuary remained a place dedicated to the worship of the one true God. Additionally, word studies on the phrase "Let her not be slain in the house of the Lord" shed light on the significance of reverence for sacred spaces in the Bible and the need to uphold holiness in all aspects of life.
2 Kings 11:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of hundreds that were set over the host, and said unto them, Have her forth between the ranks; and him that followeth her slay with the sword. For the priest said, Let her not be slain in the house of Jehovah.
World English Bible
Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of hundreds who were set over the army, and said to them, “Bring her out between the ranks. Kill him who follows her with the sword.” For the priest said, “Don’t let her be slain in Yahweh’s house.”
Douay-Rheims
But Joiada commanded the centurions that were over the army, and said to them: Have her forth without the precinct of the temple, and whosoever shall follow her, let him be slain with the sword. For the priest had said: Let her not be slain in the temple of the Lord.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But Iehoiada the Priest commanded the captaines of the hundreths that had the rule of the hoste, and sayde vnto them, Haue her forth of the ranges, and he that followeth her, let him die by the sworde: for the Priest had sayd, Let her not be slaine in the house of the Lord.