Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Kings 11:15

Charles Ellicott Commentary

2 Kings 11:15

1819–1905
Anglican
Charles Ellicott
Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott Commentary

2 Kings 11:15

1819–1905
Anglican
SCRIPTURE

"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." — 2 Kings 11:15 (ASV)

The captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host. —The centurions of the royal guard are called “the officers of the host” to signify that it was they who gave effect to the high priest’s orders by communicating them to their troops.

Have her forth without the ranges. —Rather, Cause her to go out between the ranks—i.e., escort her out of the sacred precincts with a guard on both sides.

Him that follows heri.e., whoever shows any sympathy with her, or attempts to take her part. There might have been some of her partisans in the large gathering in the Temple court.

For the priest had said. —This is a parenthetic statement accounting for the order just given; and “had said” may mean “thought.”