1 Now Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And Jehoram his son reigned in his stead.
2 And he had brethren the sons of Jehoshaphat, Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and Azariah, and Michael, and Shephatiah: all these [were] the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel.
3 And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he [was] the firstborn.
4 Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and [divers] also of the princes of Israel.
5 Jehoram [was] thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.
6 And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought [that which was] evil in the eyes of the LORD.
7 Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever.
8 In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king.
9 Then Jehoram went forth with his princes, and all his chariots with him: and he rose up by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed him in, and the captains of the chariots.
10 So the Edomites revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. The same time [also] did Libnah revolt from under his hand; because he had forsaken the LORD God of his fathers.
11 Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah [thereto].
12 And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of David thy father, Because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah,
13 But hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring, like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab, and also hast slain thy brethren of thy father’s house, [which were] better than thyself:
14 Behold, with a great plague will the LORD smite thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods:
15 And thou [shalt have] great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day.
16 Moreover the LORD stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that [were] near the Ethiopians:
17 And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king’s house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons.
18 And after all this the LORD smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease.
19 And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers.
20 Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings.
Summary of 2 Chronicles Chapter 21
2 Chronicles 21 details the reign of Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, as king of Judah. The chapter outlines his ascension to the throne, his actions during his reign, and the consequences of his choices, particularly his departure from the ways of the Lord.
Key Themes
- Leadership and Influence: The chapter illustrates how Jehoram’s leadership was significantly influenced by his marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab, which led him to adopt practices contrary to the worship of Yahweh.
- Idolatry and Apostasy: Jehoram’s reign is marked by idolatry, as he encouraged the worship of Baal and led Judah away from the covenant with God.
- Divine Judgment: The consequences of Jehoram’s actions are depicted through prophetic messages and the eventual punishment that befalls him and his kingdom.
- Legacy and Consequences: The chapter reflects on how Jehoram’s choices affected not only his reign but also the future of his lineage and the nation of Judah.
Detailed Analysis
1. Jehoram’s Ascension to the Throne
Jehoram becomes king after the death of his father, Jehoshaphat. He is the firstborn son and is noted for having been established as king over Judah.
- He kills all his brothers and some of the princes to secure his position, demonstrating a ruthless approach to leadership.
- His actions reflect a departure from the righteous path set by his father, who had established a strong foundation of faith in God.
2. Influence of Athaliah
Jehoram’s marriage to Athaliah plays a pivotal role in his reign. Athaliah, being the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, brings with her the worship of Baal and other pagan practices.
- Her influence leads Jehoram to promote idolatry in Judah, turning the people away from the worship of Yahweh.
- This shift is significant as it marks a period of spiritual decline for the nation.
3. Idolatry and its Consequences
Under Jehoram’s rule, the kingdom of Judah experiences a decline in spiritual integrity and a rise in idolatry.
- Jehoram builds high places and encourages the people to engage in idol worship, directly violating the commandments of God.
- The chapter notes that this led to a great sin against the Lord, indicating the severity of his actions.
4. Divine Judgment and Prophecy
As a result of Jehoram’s actions, God sends a prophet, Elijah, to deliver a message of judgment.
- The prophecy foretells calamity for Jehoram and his household, indicating that his reign will not be blessed due to his unfaithfulness.
- This highlights the biblical theme of divine retribution for sin and the importance of fidelity to God.
5. The Downfall of Jehoram
Jehoram’s reign is marked by turmoil and suffering, both personally and for the kingdom.
- He faces invasions from the Philistines and Arabians, who plunder Judah, further illustrating the consequences of his unfaithfulness.
- His eventual illness and death are portrayed as a judgment from God, leading to a legacy of shame rather than honor.
Conclusion
2 Chronicles 21 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning away from God and the impact of leadership on a nation. Jehoram’s reign is characterized by idolatry, violence, and divine judgment, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God in leadership and governance.
