Bible Strands
2 Chronicles 23:14
And Jehoiada the priest sent out the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, saying, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jehoiada the priest commands the army commanders of hundreds to remove Athaliah from the temple courtyard and execute her followers. He issues this order immediately after she screams "Treason" upon seeing the newly crowned king and the rejoicing crowd.
The words — וַ/יּוֹצֵא֩ (va/i.yo.Tze') translates literally as "and he sent out," denoting the authoritative dispatch of military officers to carry out the execution outside the sacred precincts.
The thread — The command to execute without mercy outside the temple aligns with the military orders in 2 Kings 11:8 to kill anyone approaching the king's ranks and 2 Kings 10:25 to ensure no one escapes the purge. The restriction against killing inside the temple contrasts with Exodus 21:14, which removes sanctuary protection for those who willfully murder.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that sacred space does not grant immunity from judgment, and that civil or religious authority must enforce justice beyond temple boundaries.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Exodus 21:14 But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death.
- 2 Kings 10:25 When he had finished making the burnt offering, Jehu said to the guards and officers, “Go in and kill them. Do not let anyone out.” So the guards and officers put them to the sword, threw the bodies out, and went into the inner room of the temple of Baal.
- 2 Kings 11:8 You must surround the king with weapons in hand, and anyone who approaches the ranks must be put to death. You must stay close to the king wherever he goes.”
- 2 Kings 11:15 And Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.”
- Ezekiel 9:7 Then He told them, “Defile the temple and fill the courts with the slain. Go forth!” So they went out and began killing throughout the city.