2 Chronicles 23:8

“Jehoiada . . . dismissed not the courses--As it was necessary to have as large a disposable force as he could command on such a crisis, the high priest detained those who, in other circumstances, would have returned home on the expiry of their week of service.”

“And took every man his men ... - i. e. the relief, already organized by Jehoiada into three bodies 2 Chronicles 23:4-5, was further strengthened by the members of the outgoing “course,” who were associated in the work to be done. return to 'Top of Page'”

“the Levites: Kg2 11:9 the courses: 1Chr. 24:1-26:32 2 Chronicles 23:9”

“The account of the occupation of the temple thus arranged agrees with Kg2 11:9-11. Instead of המּאות שׂרי (Kings), in Ch2 23:8 are very fittingly named "the Levites (as in Ch2 23:5) and all Judah," viz., in its chiefs, since the high priest had assured himself of the support of the heads of the fathers'-houses of Israel ( Ch2 23:2). Further, to the statement that those who were departing from the service also took part in the affair, it is added, "for Jehoiada had not dismissed the courses." המּחלקות are the divisions which, according to the arrangement made by David (1 Chron 24-26), had charge of the temple service at that time. To the captains Jehoiada gave the spears and shields which had…”