2 Kings 11:4-8 ▼

4 Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada (YHWH knows) sent for the commanders of hundreds, the Carites (the mercenaries), and the guards, and had them brought into the house of the LORD {YHWH}. There he made a covenant with them and put them under oath. He showed them the king’s son

5 and commanded them, “This is what you⁺ are to do: A third of you⁺ who come on duty on the Sabbath shall guard the royal palace,

6 a third shall be at the gate of Sur (turning aside), and a third at the gate behind the guards. You⁺ are to take turns guarding the temple—

7 the two divisions that would go off duty on the Sabbath are to guard the house of the LORD {YHWH} for the king.

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.”