2 Kings 11

2 Kings 11:1

THe mother] see 2 Kings 8, 26.

2 Kings 11:2

Iehosheba] called also Iehoshabeath, which was wife to Iehoiada the high Priest, 2 Chronicles 22:11 [in the] the Italian, in one of the, even in one of them which were in the great porticoes which encompassed the Temple; where there were bed-chambers for the Priests which served in their weekly turnes, Ezec. 40. 45. 46.

2 Kings 11:4

Rulers over hundreds] they were Levites, valiant men; heads of hundreds in their own tribe; according to the order Exodus 18:25. which were to come to Ierusalem with their hundreds extraordinarily, and armed, to be of the Kings guard, v. 11. now by their meanes hee beforehand did win the Levites which were to come into service, 2 Chro. 23. 2.

2 Kings 11:5

That enter] for even from David time, the Priests and Levites, divided into certaine reliefe, 1 Chronicles 24:1-31. entred upon the actuall service of the tabernacle for a week by turnes 1 Chronicles 9:25 [shall even be] besides their holy function, they shall also be in arms about the Temple where Ioash their lawfull King is hidden, to make a guard for his person.

2 Kings 11:6

Shall be] those which goe off from their weekly service, shall bee divided into two squadrons, and the one halfe shall stand in armea at one of these gates, and the other, at the other:[the gale of] hereby must bee meant the south gate of the Temple, called the gate of Sur, that is of the places about it: for comming from the Kings house to it, they made a great compasse about to the left hand: [behind the] the Kings ordinary guard lay by the Kings pallace, in a house which had a gate, through which one came to the bridge which was over the great hallow or valley and went to the Temple: and at the end of this bridge there was another gate, which to them that came from the Kings pallace, was behind the guards lodging: and was also called the gate of the foundation 2 Chronicles 23:5. because it stood upon the broad wall, which was fortified with great counter-forts, and did beare up the whole fabrick of the Temple [of the house] the Italian, of the body of the Temple, the Hebrew word signifieth a building thrust out, and it should seeme hereby is meant the Basilick or body of the Church, properly called the Temple, separated from the Porticoes, by voide spaces round about; see the same word in the same signification, Ezech. 41. 12. 13.

2 Kings 11:7

Of the House] namely at the two foresaid gates, from whence might come the greatest danger from the Kings Pallace, where Athaliah lay with her Guard.

2 Kings 11:8

And yee] the third part of you which come upon your weekly duty after you have, done watching, yee shall also accompany the King when hee commeth sorth [hee that commeth]any of Athaliahs people that shall strive to break the ranks of the guard, or to come into the Temple which is environed with ranges of pilasters.

2 Kings 11:10

King Davids] it is likely that they were some enemies consecrated by David, and hanged up in the Temple for a remembance, and in signe of thanksgiving like Goliahs sword, 1 Samuel 21:9. and the Syrians shields, 2 Sam. 8. 7. 11.

2 Kings 11:11

The guard] namely those Levites which stood here for the Kings guard: [by the] in the Priests Court, over against which was the Chamber where the King was hidden.

2 Kings 11:14

By a Pillar] on a place which was like a scaffold, or tribunall of brasse, square, made by Solomon in the middest of the peoples Court, 2 Chronicles 6:13. upon which the Kings did present themselves before the Lord in certaine solemne actions, 2 Kings 23:3. 2 Chronicles 34:31.

2 Kings 11:15

Of the host] namely of those bands of armed Levites, [the ranges] as verse. 8 [that solloweth her] to hold on her side, to helpe or assist her.

2 Kings 11:16

Came into] some hold it to bee the City gate called the horse gate, Nehemiah 3:28 Ier. 31. 40. But it is likelier that it was the great horse and cart way which led to the Kings Pallace, opposite or contrary to the little foot way: [There] in that great high way.

2 Kings 11:17

Made a] hee made meanes to have the King and people to renew their covenant with the Lord, promising him obedience and faithfull service as 2 Kings 23:3. and also for the people to sweare to bee faithfull to their King.

2 Kings 11:18

Appointed] or did set the watches.