Translations
Modern
The Levites must surround the king with weapons in hand, and anyone who enters the temple must be put to death. You must stay close to the king wherever he goes.”
Traditional
And the Levites shall compass the king round about, every man with his weapons in his hand; and whosoever else cometh into the house, he shall be put to death: but be ye with the king when he cometh in, and when he goeth out.
Literal
And the Levites shall surround the king on all sides, each man with his weapon in his hand. And whoever comes into the house must be put to death. And You are to be with the king in his coming in and in his going out.”
Latin
Levitæ autem circumdent regem, habentes singuli arma sua (et siquis alius ingressus fuerit templum, interficiatur), sintque cum rege et intrante et egrediente.
Original
Hebrew
English
The Levites must surround the king with weapons in hand, and anyone who enters the temple must be put to death. You must stay close to the king wherever he goes.”
Notes
Only the priests and Levites on duty could enter the temple, so the Levites had to stop others from entering.
Parallels
People
Levi: Son of Jacob; progenitor of the Levites
Glossary
Athaliah Chronicles, Books of First and Second Genealogy Jehoiada
Topics
Levites: Loyal to the Ruler Prophecies Concerning Israel: Athaliah, his Mother, Succeeds Him Religious Zeal: Jehoiada The Levites: Guarded King's Person and House in Times of Danger