2 Chronicles 21 KJV: The Consequences of Compromise: The Wickedness of Jehoram
2 Chronicles 21 documents the disastrous reign of Jehoram, who solidified his power through fratricide and led Judah into deep idolatry. This chapter highlights the long-term damage of Jehoshaphat's earlier alliance with Ahab, as Jehoram followed the ways of his father-in-law.
v1-7: Fratricide and the Influence of the House of Ahab
v8-11: The Revolt of Edom and Libnah
v12-15: The Posthumous Letter from Elijah the Prophet
v16-20: Divine Judgment, Fatal Disease, and a Regretless Death
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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:
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.
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.
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.
Witness the tragic end of a man who traded his family and faith for a throne, only to lose everything to judgment. Begin your study with 2 chronicles 21 summary.
This chapter is unique for containing a written letter from Elijah, who usually spoke in person, signaling that even the northern prophets saw the corruption in Judah. The 'Word Secret' is Chemdah, meaning 'desire' or 'delight,' used here ironically to say he died 'without being desired.' Discover the riches with 2 chronicles 21 commentary, containing expert led word study (original greek/hebrew) and passage level analysis.
Unlock the hidden 2 chronicles 21 1 meaning and summary by exploring context, analyzing original greek and hebrew words, and studying cross references of each verse.
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