2 Kings 11:10 - Joash Anointed King in Judah

Then the priest gave to the commanders of hundreds
In this context, the priest refers to Jehoiada, a key figure in the preservation of the Davidic line. The "commanders of hundreds" were military leaders responsible for a hundred soldiers each, indicating a structured and organized military force. This action signifies a strategic preparation for a coup to protect the rightful heir to the throne, Joash, from Queen Athaliah's usurpation. The involvement of the priest highlights the intertwining of religious and political leadership in Israel.

the spears and shields of King David
These weapons symbolize the continuity of the Davidic dynasty and the divine covenant with David. By using King David's weapons, Jehoiada invokes the legacy and authority of David, reminding the people of God's promises to David's lineage. This act also serves as a rallying point for those loyal to the Davidic line, emphasizing the legitimacy of Joash's claim to the throne. The reference to David connects this event to the broader biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant.

from the house of the LORD
The house of the LORD refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was not only a place of worship but also a repository for sacred and historical artifacts. The presence of King David's weapons in the temple underscores their sacred status and the temple's role as a symbol of God's presence and covenant with Israel. This setting highlights the religious significance of the actions taken by Jehoiada, as they are not merely political but deeply rooted in the spiritual heritage of Israel. The temple's involvement in this event underscores the theme of divine intervention and protection over the Davidic line.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoiada the Priest
A key figure in this passage, Jehoiada orchestrates the protection and coronation of Joash, ensuring the continuation of David's lineage.

2. Commanders of Hundreds
Military leaders who are entrusted with the weapons of King David to protect the young king, Joash.

3. King David's Weapons
The spears and shields symbolize the legacy and divine covenant with David, stored in the temple as sacred relics.

4. The House of the LORD
The temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people.

5. Joash
The young king who is being protected and prepared to assume the throne, representing the continuation of the Davidic line.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Godly Leadership
Jehoiada's role highlights the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding and protecting God's people. Leaders today should seek wisdom and courage from God to fulfill their roles faithfully.

Preservation of God's Promises
The use of David's weapons symbolizes the enduring nature of God's promises. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises, even when circumstances seem dire.

The Role of the Community in God's Plan
The involvement of the commanders and the community in protecting Joash shows the importance of collective action in fulfilling God's purposes. Christians are called to work together to support and uphold God's work.

Symbolism of Sacred Relics
The spears and shields of David serve as a reminder of God's past faithfulness and victories. Believers can find strength in remembering how God has worked in their lives and in history.

(10) King David's spears and shields.--The Hebrew has spear, but Chronicles has the plural, which appears correct. "Shields" should perhaps be arms. (Comp. 2Samuel 8:7; 2Chronicles 23:9.) The arms which David had laid up in the Temple as spoils of war were now to be used, appropriately enough, for the restoration of David's heir to the throne. Possibly, as Bahr suggests, the guards who came off duty at the palace had left their weapons there.

Verse 10. - And to the captains over hundreds did the priest give King David's spears and shields, that were in the temple of the Lord. We hear of David carrying with him to Jerusalem the "shields of gold," i.e. shields ornamented with gold, which he took from the servants of Hadadezer (2 Samuel 8:7); but otherwise we are not told of his establishing an armory. Solomon made six hundred shields of solid gold, and laid them up in the house of the forest of Lebanon (1 Kings 10:17); but these were carried off by Sheshonk, when he invaded Judaea in the reign of Rehoboam (1 Kings 14:26). Rehoboam, in their place, made three hundred brazen shields (1 Kings 14:27), which, however, were deposited in the guard-chamber of the royal palace. Of spears collected by David, and laid up in the temple, we know nothing beyond the present passage. There can be little doubt that the weapons were brought forth from their receptacle with the view (as Ewald says) of "consecrating the work of the restoration of the Davidic house with the sacred arms of the great founder himself" (see 'History of Israel,' vol. 4. p. 136) - not, however, with arms that he had worn, but with some which he had collected and laid up. Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Then the priest
הַכֹּהֵ֜ן (hak·kō·hên)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

gave
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן (way·yit·tên)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

to the commanders
לְשָׂרֵ֣י (lə·śā·rê)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of hundreds
הַמֵּא֗וֹת (ham·mê·’ō·wṯ)
Article | Number - feminine plural
Strong's 3967: A hundred

the spears
הַחֲנִית֙ (ha·ḥă·nîṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2595: A lance

and
וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

shields
הַשְּׁלָטִ֔ים (haš·šə·lā·ṭîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7982: Perhaps shield

of King
לַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (lam·me·leḵ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

David
דָּוִ֑ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

from
אֲשֶׁ֖ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the house
בְּבֵ֥ית (bə·ḇêṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

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2 Kings 11:10 Catholic BibleOT History: 2 Kings 11:10 The priest delivered to the captains over (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)