2 Kings 11:1-10

1When Ahaziah’s mother, Athaliah, saw that her son was dead, she began to destroy the entire royal family.

2But Jehosheba, daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Ahaziah’s son Joash. She saved him from being killed with the king’s other sons, and in a bedroom she hid him and his nurse from Athaliah. So Joash wasn’t killed

3but was hidden with her in the Lord’s temple for six years while Athaliah ruled the country.

4In the seventh year of Athaliah’s reign, Jehoiada sent for the company commanders of the Carites and the guards and had them come to him in the Lord’s temple. He made an agreement with them, put them under oath in the Lord’s temple, and showed them the king’s son.

5He ordered them, “This is what you must do: One third of you, those who are on duty on the day of rest—a holy day, must guard the royal palace.

6Another third must be at Sur Gate. And another third must be at the gate behind the guards. You will guard the king’s residence.

7Then your two groups who ⌞normally⌟ go off duty on the day of rest—a holy day, must guard the king at the Lord’s temple.

8Surround the king. Each man should have his weapons in his hand. Kill anyone who tries to break through your ranks. Stay with the king wherever he goes.”

9The company commanders did as the priest Jehoiada had ordered them. Each commander took his men who were coming on duty on the day of rest—a holy day, as well as those who were about to go off duty and came to the priest Jehoiada.

10He gave the commanders the spears and the shields that had belonged to King David but were now in the Lord’s temple.