Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 23

Verses 1-21

Reign of Joash

This chapter repeats 2 Kings 11:4-20, but brings into prominence the ecclesiastical officials in place of the soldiers of the royal guard.

4. This is the thing, etc.] The arrangements differ from those desoribed in 2 Kings 11 (see note there). Here there are three divisions which are posted (a) at the doors of the Temple, (b) at the palace, (c) at the gate of the foundation (which in 2 Ki is called the ’gate Sur’ and connected with the palace). Here too only priests or Levites are allowed to enter the Temple, whilst the rest take up their position outside; but in Kings the distinction is not observed.

16. Between him, etc.] RV ’between himself, and all the people, and the king.’

18. Appointed the offices, etc.] better, ’put the offices.. into the hand of.’ The priests the Levites] LXX has (preferably) ’the priests and the Levites,’ the priests alone being authorised to offer sacrifice (according to Numbers 18:7).