2 Chronicles 23:1-7 ▼

1 Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada (YHWH knows) strengthened himself and made a covenant with the commanders of hundreds—with Azariah (YHWH has helped) son of Jeroham (showing pity), Ishmael (God hears) son of Jehohanan (YHWH has graced), Azariah son of Obed (serving), Maaseiah (work of YHWH) son of Adaiah (YHWH has adorned Himself), and Elishaphat (my God has judged) son of Zichri (memorable).

2 So they went throughout Judah (praised) and gathered the Levites from all the cities of Judah and the heads of the families of Israel (he wrestles with God). And when they came to Jerusalem (city of peace),

3 the whole assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God {Elohim}. “Behold, the king’s son!” said Jehoiada. “He must reign, just as the LORD {YHWH} promised concerning the descendants of David (beloved).

4 This is what you⁺ are to do: A third of you⁺ priests and Levites who come on duty on the Sabbath shall keep watch at the doors,

5 a third shall be at the royal palace, and a third at the Foundation Gate, while all the others are to be in the courtyards of the house of the LORD {YHWH}.

6 No one is to enter the house of the LORD {YHWH} except the priests and those Levites who serve; they may enter because they are consecrated, but all the people are to obey the requirement of the LORD.

7 The Levites must surround the king with weapons in hand, and anyone who enters the temple must be put to death. You must stay close to the king wherever he goes.”