Translations
Modern
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,
Traditional
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;
Literal
This is the thing that you shall do: A third of you entering on the Sabbath of the priests and the Levites shall be gatekeepers of the thresholds,
Latin
Iste est ergo sermo quem facietis:
Original
Hebrew
English
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,
Notes
The best time for the coup was during the temple guard change. This was when many people moved around. One-third of the guards started their shifts. They were stationed in three places to do their usual tasks and to watch for any palace activity. The rest of the armed force stayed in the Lord’s temple courtyards, forming a human wall to protect the king.
Parallels
People
Levi: Son of Jacob; progenitor of the Levites Sabbath: The seventh day of the week, set apart for rest and worship
Glossary
Athaliah Chronicles, Books of First and Second Genealogy Jehoiada
Topics
Gates of the Temple: Levites the Porters of Porters: One-Third Were Porters of the Temple Prophecies Concerning Israel: Athaliah, his Mother, Succeeds Him Religious Zeal: Jehoiada