Sur

Sur is the name of one of the gates set as a watch-station during Jehoiada's coup against Athaliah. It appears once: "And a third part will be at the gate Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard: so you⁺ will keep the watch of the house, and be a barrier" (2Ki 11:6).

A Watch-Station in Jehoiada's Coup

In the seventh year of Athaliah's reign Jehoiada the priest brings the captains of the Carites and of the guard into the house of Yahweh, swears them to a covenant, and shows them the king's son (2Ki 11:4). The plan he gives them is a three-part watch: one third on duty at the king's house, one third at the gate Sur, and one third at the gate behind the guard (2Ki 11:5-6). The three companies together will "keep the watch of the house, and be a barrier" (2Ki 11:6) — sealing Joash inside while the coup unfolds. The gate is named only here, in this single verse of operational instruction.