Then they brought out the king's son, and put upon him the crown, and gave him the testimony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, God save the king.
Put upon him the crown, and gave him the testimony х haneezer (H5145)] - the diadem, (2 Samuel 1:10; 2 Kings 11:12, etc.) A crown was worn by Jewish kings, even in battle, and by Joash at his coronation; though of what form and of what materials is unknown. But this was not the state crown, which in all probability was kept in the temple. Some think that the original word rendered "testimony," as its derivation warrants, may signify here the regalia, especially the bracelet (2 Samuel 1:10); and this view they support on the ground that "gave him" being supplemented, the text properly runs thus, 'put upon him the crown and testimony.' Accordingly, Montanus, while he translated the Hebrew by testimonium, has ornamentum in the margin. At the same time, it seems equally pertinent to take "the testimony" in the usual acceptation of that term; and, accordingly, many are of opinion that a roll containing a copy, of the law (Deuteronomy 17:18) was placed in king's hands, which he held as a sceptre or truncheon, or it was held over his diademed head in a symbolical manner (Thenius, in loco); while others, referring to the custom of Oriental people, when receiving a letter or document from a highly respected quarter, lifting it up to their heads before opening it, consider that Joash, besides the crown, had the book of the law laid upon his head (see Job 31:35-36).
God save the king. - literally, Long live the king!