Then he brought out the king’s son, and put the crown on him, and gave him the covenant; and they made him king and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, “Long live the king!”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 12. The testimony. The book of the law. Challoner.—So Job (31:35, 36) wished to have the sentence pronounced by God as a crown upon his head. The Orientals still lift to their heads the letters which they have received from people whom they wish to honour. Thevenot, 46.—Some think that the diadem was adorned with phylacteries, or scrolls, containing parts of the law, (Grot.) particularly what related to the king; ( Bible.) or that Joas held in his hand a roll of vellum, containing those instructions, (Deuteronomy 17:18. 2 Chronicles 23:11) instead of a sceptre.—Anointed him, by the hands of Joiada; as this ceremony was requisite on account of the usurpation of Athalia. In peaceable times the unction was not given, ( Calmet.) according to the Jews, ( Bible.) whose sentiment is elsewhere shewn to be unsatisfactory. Calmet.