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 11:12KJV
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2 Kings 11:12 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 11:12 mean?

2 Kings 11:12 describes the public presentation of the rightful king’s son, where he is crowned, given the testimony (likely a scroll of God’s law), anointed, and proclaimed king with joyful support from the people. This verse marks the formal beginning of the young king’s reign, celebrated with clapping and the shout, “God save the king.”

This event takes place during a tense time in Judah’s history, as Jehoiada the priest brings out Joash, the hidden heir to the throne, to counter the rule of the usurper queen Athaliah. The ceremony is both a legal and religious act, showing that Joash is being made king according to the traditions and laws of Israel, with the people and leaders publicly affirming his rule.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 11:12

  • “Testimony” (תְּעוּדָה, te‘udah): This word refers to a written document, often understood as a copy of God’s law given to the king. Giving the testimony to Joash highlights that the king is to rule under God’s law, not just by royal power.
  • “Anointed” (מָשַׁח, mashach): Anointing with oil was a symbolic act marking someone as chosen by God for leadership. This act set Joash apart as God’s appointed king, not just a political figure.
  • “Clapped” (נָכָה, nakah): While often meaning “to strike,” here it carries the sense of clapping hands in celebration. This shows the people’s active, joyful participation in recognizing the new king.

Why 2 Kings 11:12 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Joash’s kingship was established publicly and in line with both legal and religious tradition, not by secret or forceful means.
  • The giving of the testimony emphasizes that the king’s authority is meant to be guided by God’s law, not personal ambition.
  • The public celebration and acclamation show the unity and relief of the people in restoring the rightful king after a period of turmoil and illegitimate rule.

Where else these words appear

“crown” Hebrew H5145 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 29:6 And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.
  • Numbers 6:8 All the days of his separation he is holy unto the LORD.
  • 2 Samuel 1:10 So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.

“testimony” Hebrew H5715 · used in 57 verses

  • Exodus 16:34 As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.
  • Exodus 40:20 And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:
  • 1 Chronicles 29:19 And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.

“anointed” Hebrew H4886 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
  • Numbers 6:15 And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.
  • 1 Kings 1:34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.