KJV ORIGINAL
And a third part shall be at the gate of Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard: so shall ye keep the watch of the house, that it be not broken down.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
One third of you will guard the Sur gate, and one third will guard the gate behind the guard station. This way you will protect the temple so that no one can break in and destroy it.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is describing how the temple guards should be positioned strategically to protect God's house from being attacked or destroyed.
📚 Historical Context
This verse occurs during the dramatic coup led by Jehoiada the priest to overthrow the evil queen Athaliah and restore rightful worship in Judah. Jehoiada was carefully organizing the Levite guards and soldiers to protect the young prince Joash and secure the temple during this dangerous political transition.
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