2 Kings 11:1-9 ▼

1 Now Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son had died. So she rose and caused all the royal seed to perish.

2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah and stole him from among the king’s sons who were being put to death, and put him and his nurse in the bedroom. So they hid him from Athaliah, and he was not put to death.

3 So he was hidden away with her in the house of Yahweh six years, while Athaliah was reigning over the land.

4 Now in the seventh year Jehoiada sent for and took the commanders of hundreds of the Carites and of the guard, and brought them to him in the house of Yahweh. Then he cut a covenant with them and had them swear in the house of Yahweh, and showed them the king’s son.

5 And he commanded them, saying, “This is the thing that you shall do: one-third of you, who come in on the sabbath and keep watch over the king’s house

6 (one-third also shall be at the gate Sur, and one-third at the gate behind the guards), shall keep watch over the house for defense.

7 And two parts of you, even all who go out on the sabbath, shall also keep watch over the house of Yahweh for the king.

8 And you shall surround the king, each with his weapons in his hand; and whoever comes within the ranks shall be put to death. And be with the king when he goes out and when he comes in.”

9 So the commanders of hundreds did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded. And each one of them took his men who were to come in on the sabbath, with those who were to go out on the sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest.