2 Kings 11:12

And he brought forth the king's son i.e. Jehoiada did so, who had charge of him. The name -king's son" is perhaps given to him here rather than his personal name, to mark that the struggle was for the true successor.

andgave him the Testimony The word so rendered occurs first in Exodus 16:34, where it is directed that the pot of manna is to be laid up before the Testimony. That by this is meant some portion of the Law which was given to Moses is made clear in a later passage. In Exodus 25:16; Exodus 25:21 it is described as -the Testimonywhich I shall give thee". We need not suppose that in these passages the whole law of Moses is intended, but the name given to the first portion of the Law would no doubt be continued in after times for all that was considered to be the divine revelation. Hence we must here understand the Law, as the people then possessed it. Express direction is given in Deuteronomy 17:18-19, that when a king shall be chosen he shall have a copy of the Law, which he shall study -that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes to do them". So the delivery of the Law would naturally form a most solemn portion of the coronation ceremony.

and anointed him This was not done as far as we know with all kings, but the present was a special occasion, and no part of the ordinance would be omitted which could help to mark in a religious manner the restoration of the true scion of David's house.

and they clapt their hands A natural expression of approval and applause, though not frequently spoken of in the O. Test. It is found in the Psalms 47:1 of exultation before God, and the figure is used Psalms 98:8 -Let the floods clap their hands". But it is quite as frequently used where rejoicing over a fallen enemy is the cause (cf. Job 27:23; Lamentations 2:15; Nahum 3:19).

God save the king Literally -Let the king live". So they cried when Saul was made king, 1 Samuel 10:24, and at the feast of Adonijah when he sought to be king, 1 Kings 1:25.