What does 2 Kings 11:12 mean?
"And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king." - 2 Kings 11:12

2 Kings 11:12 (KJV) states: "And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king."
This verse is part of the larger biblical narrative of the reign of King Joash of Judah. In this particular verse, we see the young Joash being crowned and anointed as a king. The context of this verse is crucial for understanding its significance. At this time, the kingdom of Judah was in a state of upheaval, with the previous queen, Athaliah, being overthrown and killed. Her son, Joash, was rescued and hidden in the temple by the priest Jehoiada, who played a significant role in restoring Joash to the throne.
The themes present in this verse include the restoration of rightful rule, the anointing of a king, and the divine authority of God. The act of crowning and anointing Joash as king symbolizes the reestablishment of the rightful lineage and the divine endorsement of his rule. The significance of this moment cannot be overstated, as it marks the end of a period of corruption and tyranny and the beginning of a new era of righteousness and justice under the rightful king.
The placing of the crown upon Joash's head not only symbolizes his authority and sovereignty but also serves as a physical representation of the divine mandate for his rule. The act of anointing, a common practice in the biblical world, signifies the empowering and consecration of Joash as king. This anointing is a visible mark of God's favor upon him and a sign of his divine calling to lead and govern God's people.
The giving of the testimony to Joash is another important element of this verse. The testimony likely refers to the law of God, which serves as a guide for the king in his rule. By receiving the testimony, Joash is acknowledging his responsibility to govern according to the divine principles outlined in the law. This act aligns Joash with the will of God and underscores the religious and moral dimensions of his kingship.
The response of the people, as they clap their hands and proclaim, "God save the king," reflects the collective recognition of Joash's authority and the acknowledgment of God's role in his ascension to the throne. The people's enthusiastic support for Joash as their king further underscores the legitimacy of his rule and the hope for a better future under his leadership.
This verse can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate anointed king, Jesus Christ. As Joash is anointed and crowned as king, he becomes a type or shadow of Christ, who would come as the ultimate King of Kings. The Old Testament often serves as a prelude and preparation for the coming of Christ, and this verse can be read in that light, as it points forward to the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom through the Messiah.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 11:12 depicts a pivotal moment in the history of Judah, as Joash is anointed and crowned as king, marking the restoration of rightful rule and the divine endorsement of his authority. This verse carries themes of divine sovereignty, the establishment of righteous leadership, and the acknowledgment of God's ultimate authority over earthly kingdoms. It also serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate anointed king, Jesus Christ, who would come to establish God's eternal kingdom.
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2 Kings 11:12 - "And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king."
"And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king." - 2 Kings 11:12
2 Kings 2:11-12 (11) ... behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
1 Kings 12:11
1 Kings 12:11
1 Kings 12:11
1 Kings 12:11
1 Kings 12:11
2 Kings 12:11 - "And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD,"
2 Kings 2:11
2 Kings 2:11
2 Kings 2:11
2 Kings 2:11-12 KJVA (11) And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. (12) And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
2 Kings 2:11-12 (11) And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. (12) And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
2 Kings 2:11-12 (11) And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. (12) And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
2 Kings 2:11-12 (11) And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. (12) And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
2 Kings 2:11-12 KJVA (11) And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. (12) And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
2 Kings 2:11-12 (11) And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. (12) And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
2 Kings 15:11 - "And the rest of the acts of Zachariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 12:19 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
Joshua 11:12 - "And all the cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did Joshua take, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded."
Joshua 12:11 - "The king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one;"
2 Kings 7:11 - "And he called the porters; and they told it to the king's house within."
2 Kings 12:14 - "But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 2:11 – "As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared."
1 Kings 11:12 - "Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son."
2 Kings 11:21 - "Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign."
2 Kings 25:12 - "But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen."
1 Kings 19:11-12 – "The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.'"
1 Kings 19:11-12 – "The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.'"