2 Chronicles 23

2 Chronicles 23:2 . And gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah — Because he knew them to be well affected to the cause of God and the king, to which they were bound by the two strongest ties, conscience and interest: and because he could collect them without any suspicion, it being their duty to attend at Jerusalem at the solemn feasts, the time of one which was probably chosen for this purpose. And the chief of the fathers Israel — Judah is here called Israel, as in several other places. They came to Jerusalem — To settle their resolutions with Jehoiada.

Ch. 2 Chronicles 23:1-11 (= 2 Kings 11:4-12 ). The Conspiracy against Athaliah 1. strengthened himself ] Cp. 2 Chronicles 1:1 (note); the phrase does not occur in the parallel passage of Kings. Azariah , etc.] These names do not occur in Kings. captains of hundreds ] In 2 Kin. “captains over hundreds of the Carites (i.e. Cherethites) and of the guard.” The Chronicler takes the captains to be captains of Levites .

2 . gathered the Levites ] This statement is not found in Kings, nor is it there stated as here ( 2 Chronicles 23:6 ) that only Levites were allowed inside the Temple to guard the king. the chief of the fathers ] R.V. the heads of fathers’ houses . Israel ] See 2 Chronicles 11:3 (note).