Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version a third at the Sur Gate, and a third at the gate behind the guard, who take turns guarding the temple— New Living Translation Another third of you are to stand guard at the Sur Gate. And the final third must stand guard behind the palace guard. These three groups will all guard the palace. English Standard Version (another third being at the gate Sur and a third at the gate behind the guards) shall guard the palace. Berean Standard Bible a third shall be at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the guards. You are to take turns guarding the temple— Berean Literal Bible and a third at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the runners. And you⁺ shall keep the watch of the house pulled down. King James Bible And a third part shall be at the gate of Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard: so shall ye keep the watch of the house, that it be not broken down. New King James Version one-third shall be at the gate of Sur, and one-third at the gate behind the escorts. You shall keep the watch of the house, lest it be broken down. New American Standard Bible (a third also shall be at the gate Sur, and a third at the gate behind the guards), shall keep watch over the house for defense. NASB 1995 (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. NASB 1977 (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. Legacy Standard Bible (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. Amplified Bible (a third shall also be at the [city] gate Sur, and a third at the gate behind the guards); so you shall keep watch over the palace [from three posts] for defense. Berean Annotated Bible 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— Christian Standard Bible A third are to be at the Foundation Gate and a third at the gate behind the guards. You are to take turns providing protection for the palace. Holman Christian Standard Bible A third are to be at the Sur gate and a third at the gate behind the guards. You are to take turns providing protection for the palace.” American Standard Version and a third part shall be at the gate Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard: so shall ye keep the watch of the house, and be a barrier. Contemporary English Version Another unit will guard Sur Gate, and the third unit will guard the palace gate and relieve the palace guards. English Revised Version And a third part shall be at the gate Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard: so shall ye keep the watch of the house, and be a barrier. GOD'S WORD® Translation Another third must be at Sur Gate. And another third must be at the gate behind the guards. You will guard the king's residence. Good News Translation another third are to stand guard at the Sur Gate, and the other third are to stand guard at the gate behind the other guards. International Standard Version with a third of you at the Sur gate, and a third at the gate behind the guards. Keep watch over the palace and defend it. NET Bible Another third of you will be stationed at the Foundation Gate. Still another third of you will be stationed at the gate behind the royal guard. You will take turns guarding the palace. New Heart English Bible A third part shall be at the gate Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard. So you shall keep the watch of the house, and be a barrier. Webster's Bible Translation And a third part shall be at the gate of Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard: so shall ye keep the watch of the house, that it be not broken down. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblea third shall be at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the guards. You are to take turns guarding the temple— World English Bible a third of you shall be at the gate Sur; and a third of you at the gate behind the guard. So you shall keep the watch of the house, and be a barrier. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the third [is] at the Gate of Sur, and the third at the gate behind the runners, and you have kept the charge of the house pulled down; Berean Literal Bible and a third at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the runners. And you⁺ shall keep the watch of the house pulled down. Young's Literal Translation and the third is at the gate of Sur, and the third at the gate behind the runners, and ye have kept the charge of the house pulled down; Smith's Literal Translation And the third in the gate of Sur; and a third in the gate behind the runners: and watch the watches of the house from being swept away. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleLet a third part of you go in on the sabbath, and keep the watch of the king's house. And let a third part be at the gate of Sur: and let a third part be at the gate behind the dwelling of the shieldbearers: and you shall keep the watch of the house of Messa. Catholic Public Domain Version Let one third part of you enter on the Sabbath, and keep watch on the house of the king. And let one third part be at the gate of Sur. And let one third part be at the gate behind the dwelling place of the shield bearers. And you shall keep the watch on the house of Mesha. New American Bible another third shall be at the gate Sur; and the last third shall be at the gate behind the guards. You shall guard the palace on all sides, New Revised Standard Version (another third being at the gate Sur and a third at the gate behind the guards), shall guard the palace; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd a third part shall be at the gate of Kersa; and a third part at the gate of the house of the guards; so shall you keep the watch of the house, that it be in perfect order. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And a third in the gate of Qarsa, and a third in the gate of the house of Couriers, and keep guard of the house from harm. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917now another third part was at the gate Sur, and another third part at the gate behind the guard--shall keep the watch of the house, and be a barrier. Brenton Septuagint Translation Let a third part of you go in on the sabbath-day, and keep ye the watch of the king's house in the porch; and another third in the gate of the high way, and a third at the gate behind the footmen; and keep ye the guard of the house. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Joash Anointed King in Judah…5and 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, 6a third shall be at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the guards. You are to take turns guarding the temple— 7the two divisions that would go off duty on the Sabbath are to guard the house of the LORD for the king.… Cross References a third shall be at the gate of Sur, 2 Chronicles 23:5 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. 2 Chronicles 23:4 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, 1 Chronicles 26:12-19 These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their relatives did. / They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. / The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. … and a third at the gate behind the guards. 2 Chronicles 23:6 No one is to enter the house of the LORD 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. 2 Chronicles 23:7 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.” Ezekiel 44:11-14 Yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple and ministering there. They shall slaughter the burnt offerings and other sacrifices for the people and stand before them to minister to them. / Because they ministered before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I swore with an uplifted hand concerning them that they would bear the consequences of their iniquity, declares the Lord GOD. / They must not approach Me to serve Me as priests or come near any of My holy things or the most holy things. They will bear the shame of the abominations they have committed. … You are to take turns guarding the temple— 1 Chronicles 9:22-27 The number of those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds was 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their positions of trust. / So they and their descendants were assigned to guard the gates of the house of the LORD—the house called the Tent. / The gatekeepers were stationed on the four sides: east, west, north, and south. … 2 Chronicles 31:2 Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling. Psalm 134:1 A song of ascents. Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who serve by night in the house of the LORD! 2 Chronicles 23:8 So the Levites and all Judah did everything that Jehoiada the priest had ordered. Each of them took his men—those coming on duty on the Sabbath and those going off duty—for Jehoiada the priest had not released any of the divisions. 2 Chronicles 23:10 He stationed all the troops, with their weapons in hand, surrounding the king by the altar and the temple, from the south side to the north side of the temple. 1 Kings 1:38-40 Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, went down and set Solomon on King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon. / Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!” / All the people followed him, playing flutes and rejoicing with such a great joy that the earth was split by the sound. 1 Kings 1:50-53 But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to Solomon: “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, and he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon first swear to me not to put his servant to the sword.’” / And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.” … 1 Kings 2:28-30 When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” 1 Samuel 22:17-18 Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD. / So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. 1 Samuel 2:22 Now Eli was very old, and he heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Treasury of Scripture And a third part shall be at the gate of Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard: so shall you keep the watch of the house, that it be not broken down. the gate of Sur 1 Chronicles 26:13-19 And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate… 2 Chronicles 23:4,5 This is the thing that ye shall do; A third part of you entering on the sabbath, of the priests and of the Levites, shall be porters of the doors; … that it be not broken down. Jump to Previous Barrier Broken Charge Couriers Defence Defense Gate Guard Guarding Guards House Kept Palace Part Runners Temple Third Turns WatchJump to Next Barrier Broken Charge Couriers Defence Defense Gate Guard Guarding Guards House Kept Palace Part Runners Temple Third Turns Watch2 Kings 11 1. Jehoash, being saved by Jehosheba his aunt from Athaliah's massacre,3. is hidden six years in the house of God 13. Jehoiada, giving order to the captains, in the seventh year anoints him king 17. Jehoiada restores the worship of God a third shall be at the gate of Sur The "gate of Sur" is a location within the temple complex or palace area in Jerusalem. This gate is significant as it represents a strategic point of defense. The division of the guards into thirds indicates a well-organized plan to protect the young king Joash from any threats, particularly from Queen Athaliah, who had usurped the throne. The gate of Sur may have been a lesser-known entrance, emphasizing the need for vigilance at all access points. This strategic placement of guards reflects the importance of protecting the Davidic line, which is central to the biblical narrative and God's covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). and a third at the gate behind the guards You are to take turns guarding the temple— Persons / Places / Events 1. Jehoiada the PriestA key figure in this chapter, Jehoiada orchestrates the protection and eventual crowning of Joash as king. His leadership is crucial in the preservation of the Davidic line. 2. Athaliah The queen mother who usurped the throne of Judah and sought to destroy the royal family. Her reign represents a period of apostasy and idolatry in Judah. 3. Joash (Jehoash) The young king who was hidden in the temple for six years. His survival and eventual reign are central to the account of God's faithfulness to His covenant with David. 4. The Temple of the LORD The central place of worship in Jerusalem, where Joash was hidden and later crowned. It symbolizes God's presence and the rightful place of worship. 5. The Sur Gate and the Gate Behind the Guards Strategic locations within the temple complex where guards were stationed to protect Joash and ensure the success of Jehoiada's plan. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and FaithfulnessDespite human attempts to thwart His plans, God remains sovereign and faithful to His promises. The preservation of Joash is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David. The Role of Godly Leadership Jehoiada's courage and wisdom demonstrate the impact of godly leadership. His actions remind us of the importance of standing firm in faith and righteousness, even in times of moral and spiritual decline. The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance The strategic placement of guards around the temple underscores the need for vigilance in protecting what is sacred. As believers, we are called to guard our hearts and maintain spiritual alertness. The Power of Community and Unity The successful overthrow of Athaliah was a collective effort, highlighting the strength found in unity among God's people. This encourages us to work together in fulfilling God's purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 11:6?2. How does 2 Kings 11:6 demonstrate God's protection over His chosen leaders? 3. What role does obedience play in the actions described in 2 Kings 11:6? 4. How does 2 Kings 11:6 connect to God's covenant with David's lineage? 5. How can we apply the vigilance shown in 2 Kings 11:6 to our lives? 6. What does 2 Kings 11:6 teach about God's sovereignty in leadership transitions? 7. What is the significance of the "gate behind the guards" in 2 Kings 11:6? 8. How does 2 Kings 11:6 reflect the political climate of ancient Judah? 9. Why is the division of guards important in 2 Kings 11:6? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 11? 11. 2 Kings 11:3: Is there any historical or archaeological evidence that supports a child being hidden in the Temple for six years? 12. In 2 Corinthians 6:16, how can the believers be the temple of God without any tangible, verifiable sign beyond personal conviction? 13. How do we reconcile the role of Joab in 1 Chronicles 11:6 with other biblical narratives that present different leadership structures and timelines? 14. Are the religious reforms in 2 Chronicles 23:16-21 historically credible, or do they reflect an idealized narrative from a later period? What Does 2 Kings 11:6 Mean A third at the gate of Sur• “A third shall be at the gate of Sur” (2 Kings 11:6). • Jehoiada splits the incoming Sabbath watch into three equal contingents. The first detachment stations itself at the Sur Gate, a passageway on the southern or southwestern side of the complex. • The literal placement matters. Athaliah’s palace lay nearby, so this gate had to be sealed off to prevent a surprise counter-attack. Similar strategic positioning of Levites appears in 2 Chronicles 23:5, the parallel account. • The idea of standing guard at specific gates echoes earlier temple organization (1 Chronicles 26:13-19) and Nehemiah’s later reforms (Nehemiah 12:39). God’s house is protected by ordered, designated service—not haphazard zeal. • By assigning a full third of the force here, Jehoiada shows that faithful obedience includes practical prudence. Spiritual warfare never ignores common-sense defense (compare Nehemiah 4:9). A third at the gate behind the guards • “And a third at the gate behind the guards” (2 Kings 11:6). • The “guards” (the Carites and royal bodyguard; see 2 Kings 11:4, 11) already watched the king’s residence. Jehoiada posts another third directly behind them, forming a second line. • This layered defense recalls David’s practice of surrounding himself with loyal warriors (2 Samuel 15:18) and anticipates the escort that will accompany young Joash to the throne room (2 Kings 11:19). • Spiritually, the picture is one of reinforcement. God often doubles the hedge around His anointed (Job 1:10), and the church is urged to “strengthen what remains” (Revelation 3:2). • Practical lesson: guarding the heart or the fellowship means building more than one safeguard—accountability on top of vigilance. You are to take turns guarding the temple • “You are to take turns guarding the temple—” (2 Kings 11:6). • Temple duty ran on a weekly rota (1 Chronicles 9:25). The men coming on duty replaced those going off duty at the Sabbath. Jehoiada keeps that God-given rhythm intact even while mounting a coup. • Two principles surface: – Regular worship does not pause for political crisis (Psalm 27:4; Hebrews 10:25). – Shared responsibility prevents burnout and ensures continuous coverage (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). • Jehoiada marries faithfulness to God’s order with decisive action. The result is both security for the boy-king and uninterrupted praise in the sanctuary (2 Chronicles 23:6-7; Psalm 84:10). summary 2 Kings 11:6 portrays a deliberate, three-pronged guard plan: one third at the Sur Gate, one third at the inner gate behind the existing guards, and one third rotating at their appointed posts. Literally, this protects young Joash and the temple from Athaliah; devotionally, it models prudent vigilance, layered protection, and orderly service in God’s house—all carried out in trusting obedience to the Lord who preserves His chosen line. (6) And a third part shall be at the gate of Sur.--Or, and the third (shall be on guard) at the gate of Sur, Instead of S-r ("turning aside") Chronicles has Jesod ("foundation"). The gate Sur was apparently a side exit from the court of the palace, such as may be seen in the old Egyptian palaces at Medinat-Ab- and Karnak. "Jesod" is another name for the same side-door, or, as is far more likely, a textual corruption of "Sur."And a third part at the gate behind the guard.--Literally, and the third at the gate behind the Couriers. In 2Kings 11:19 "the gate of the Couriers" is mentioned, apparently as the principal entrance to the palace enclosure. That gate and this one are probably the same. It is here called "the gate behind the Couriers" because a guard was usually stationed in front of it. Perhaps the word "behind" has originated in a mere echo of the word "gate" ('ahar, sha'ar), and should be omitted as an error of transcription. So shall ye keep the watch of the house.--Thus shall ye--the three divisions of the guards, entering on duty on the Sabbath--guard the entrances and exits of the royal palace. That it be not broken down.--The Hebrew is only the one word mass?h, which occurs nowhere else. It appears to mean "repulse," "warding off," and is probably a marginal gloss on "watch" (mishmereth), explaining its nature--viz., that the guards were to keep back any one who tried to enter the palace buildings. Gesenius paraphrases, "ad depellendum populum" (zum Abwehren). Thenius suggests the reading "and repel"! scil., "all comers" (-nes?ah for mass?h). He should have written wen?soah. Verse 6. - And a third part shall be at the gate of Sur. The "gate of Sur" is not elsewhere mentioned. It seems to be called in Chronicles (2 Chronicles 23:5) "the gate of the foundation" (שַׂעַר יְסוד) instead of "the gate of Sur" (שַׁעַר סוּר), as here - the one reading having evidently arisen out of the other by a corruption. We must understand one of the palace gates, but which of them is uncertain. And a third part at the gate behind the guard; called in ver. 19 "the gate of the guard," and shown there to have been on the cast side of the palace, where it faced the temple, and abutted on the Tyropoeon. So shall ye keep the watch of the house - i.e., of the "king's house," or palace, which is contrasted with the "house of the Lord" of the next verse - that it be not broken down. This rendering is scarcely accepted at the present time by any writers. Ewald renders, "according to custom;" Keil, "for defense;" Furst, "alternately;" our Revisers, "and be a barrier." The Hebrew word used occurs nowhere else, and it seems impossible to determine its sense. The LXX. simply omit it.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew a third [shall be]וְהַשְּׁלִשִׁית֙ (wə·haš·šə·li·šîṯ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Number - ordinal feminine singular Strong's 7992: Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell) at the gate בְּשַׁ֣עַר (bə·ša·‘ar) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate of Sur, ס֔וּר (sūr) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5495: Sur -- 'a turning aside', a gate of the temple and a third וְהַשְּׁלִשִׁ֥ית (wə·haš·šə·li·šîṯ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Number - ordinal feminine singular Strong's 7992: Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell) at the gate בַּשַּׁ֖עַר (baš·ša·‘ar) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate behind אַחַ֣ר (’a·ḥar) Adverb Strong's 310: The hind or following part the guards. הָרָצִ֑ים (hā·rā·ṣîm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7323: To run You are to take turns מַסָּֽח׃ (mas·sāḥ) Adverb Strong's 4535: A cordon, military barrier guarding וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֛ם (ū·šə·mar·tem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to the temple— הַבַּ֖יִת (hab·ba·yiṯ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1004: A house Links 2 Kings 11:6 NIV2 Kings 11:6 NLT 2 Kings 11:6 ESV 2 Kings 11:6 NASB 2 Kings 11:6 KJV 2 Kings 11:6 BibleApps.com 2 Kings 11:6 Biblia Paralela 2 Kings 11:6 Chinese Bible 2 Kings 11:6 French Bible 2 Kings 11:6 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Kings 11:6 A third part shall be at (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
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