2 Chronicles 21
BSB1 And Jehoshaphat rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the City of David. And his son Jehoram reigned in his place. 2 Jehoram’s brothers, the sons of Jehoshaphat, were Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariah, Michael, and Shephatiah; these were all sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel. 3 Their father had given them many gifts of silver and gold and precious things, as well as the fortified cities in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn. 4 When Jehoram had established himself over his father’s kingdom, he strengthened himself by putting to the sword all his brothers along with some of the princes of Israel. 5 Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. 6 And Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done. For he married a daughter of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD. 7 Yet the LORD was unwilling to destroy the house of David, because of the covenant He had made with David, and since He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever. 8 In the days of Jehoram, Edom rebelled against the hand of Judah and appointed their own king. 9 So Jehoram crossed into Edom with his officers and all his chariots. When the Edomites surrounded him and his chariot commanders, he rose up and attacked by night. 10 So to this day Edom has been in rebellion against the hand of Judah. Likewise, Libnah rebelled against his rule at the same time, because Jehoram had forsaken the LORD, the God of his fathers. 11 Jehoram had also built high places on the hills of Judah; he had caused the people of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves and had led Judah astray. 12 Then a letter came to Jehoram from Elijah the prophet, which stated: “This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘You have not walked in the ways of your father Jehoshaphat or of Asa king of Judah, 13 but you have walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and have caused Judah and the people of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves, just as the house of Ahab prostituted itself. You have also killed your brothers, your father’s family, who were better than you. 14 So behold, the LORD is about to strike your people, your sons, your wives, and all your possessions with a serious blow. 15 And day after day you yourself will suffer from a severe illness, a disease of your bowels, until it causes your bowels to come out.’" 16 Then the LORD stirred against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines and Arabs who lived near the Cushites. 17 So they went to war against Judah, invaded it, and carried off all the possessions found in the king’s palace, along with his sons and wives; not a son was left to him except Jehoahaz, his youngest. 18 After all this, the LORD afflicted Jehoram with an incurable disease of the bowels. 19 This continued day after day until two full years had passed. Finally, his intestines came out because of his disease, and he died in severe pain. And his people did not make a fire in his honor as they had done for his fathers. 20 Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. He died, to no one’s regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 21
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Chronicles 21
- Themes from 2 Chronicles 21
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 21
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, became king of Judah and married a daughter of Ahab, leading the nation into idolatry. God sent the prophet Elijah to condemn Jehoram's actions and pronounce judgment upon him. Despite this, Jehoram continued in his sin and was afflicted with a severe intestinal disease. The chapter concludes with the death of Jehoram and the accession of his son Ahaziah to the throne. Key verses include 2 Chronicles 21:12-15, where Elijah's prophecy is recorded, and 2 Chronicles 21:18-19, which describe Jehoram's painful death.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 2 Chronicles, which describes the history of the kingdom of Judah. The chapter follows the reign of Jehoshaphat, who was a faithful king, and serves as a contrast to the unfaithfulness of his son Jehoram. The chapter also looks forward to the rest of the book, which will describe the continued struggle between faithfulness and unfaithfulness in the kingdom of Judah.
Heart Application
The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of sin. As believers, we are called to walk in obedience to God's ways and to avoid the dangers of idolatry. We must also be mindful of the role of prophecy and the importance of listening to God's voice in our lives.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter tells the story of Jehoram, a king of Judah who led the nation into idolatry. As a result, God brought judgment upon him and the nation. The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of sin. In 2 Chronicles 21:12-15, we see the prophecy of Elijah, which serves as a warning to Jehoram and the nation. The chapter serves as a reminder to us today to walk in obedience to God's ways and to avoid the dangers of idolatry.
Voices from the Church
“The judgment of God is a terrible thing, and it is a wonder that we do not see more of it in this world. But we must not think that God is slack in His judgments, for He is not.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The prophet Elijah was a faithful servant of God, and his prophecy serves as a warning to us all to avoid the dangers of idolatry and to walk in obedience to God's ways.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Jehoram's Reign (21:1-4) — The chapter introduces Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, who became king of Judah. It describes his marriage to a daughter of Ahab and his subsequent idolatry.
- The Prophecy of Elijah (21:12-15) — The prophet Elijah appears to Jehoram with a message from God, condemning his actions and announcing judgment upon him and the nation.
- The Judgment of God (21:16-20) — The chapter describes the judgment of God upon Jehoram and the nation, including the invasion of the Philistines and the Arabians, and Jehoram's painful death.
- The Accession of Ahaziah (21:20) — The chapter concludes with the accession of Ahaziah, Jehoram's son, to the throne of Judah.
- Conclusion (21:20) — The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of sin.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God, who is the righteous judge of all the earth. He brings judgment upon Jehoram and the nation for their sin, demonstrating His power and authority.
- The Importance of Faithfulness
- The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness to God, emphasizing the contrast between Jehoram's unfaithfulness and the faithfulness of his father Jehoshaphat.
- The Role of Prophecy
- The prophecy of Elijah serves as a warning to Jehoram and the nation, emphasizing the importance of listening to God's voice and responding in obedience.
- The Consequences of Sin
- The chapter describes the severe consequences of sin, particularly idolatry. Jehoram's actions lead to judgment upon himself and the nation, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's ways.
Lessons from 2 Chronicles 21
- The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter serves as a warning about the dangers of idolatry, emphasizing the importance of worshiping the one true God.
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness to God, emphasizing the contrast between Jehoram's unfaithfulness and the faithfulness of his father Jehoshaphat.
- The Role of Prophecy — The prophecy of Elijah serves as a warning to Jehoram and the nation, emphasizing the importance of listening to God's voice and responding in obedience.
- The Consequences of Sin — The chapter describes the severe consequences of sin, particularly idolatry. Jehoram's actions lead to judgment upon himself and the nation, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's ways.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God, who is the righteous judge of all the earth. He brings judgment upon Jehoram and the nation for their sin, demonstrating His power and authority.
Themes from 2 Chronicles 21
- Idolatry and Its Consequences — The chapter highlights the dangers of idolatry and its consequences, emphasizing the importance of worshiping the one true God.
- Faithfulness and Unfaithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God, highlighting the contrast between Jehoram's unfaithfulness and the faithfulness of his father Jehoshaphat.
- Prophecy and Obedience — The prophecy of Elijah serves as a warning to Jehoram and the nation, emphasizing the importance of listening to God's voice and responding in obedience.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God, who is the righteous judge of all the earth. He brings judgment upon Jehoram and the nation for their sin, demonstrating His power and authority.
- The Importance of Repentance — The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance, emphasizing the need to turn away from sin and toward God in faith and obedience.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Jehoram's example about the dangers of idolatry?
- How does the prophecy of Elijah serve as a warning to us today?
- What is the significance of the judgment of God upon Jehoram and the nation?
- How can we apply the lessons of this chapter to our own lives, avoiding the dangers of idolatry and walking in obedience to God's ways?
- What role does faithfulness play in our relationship with God, and how can we cultivate faithfulness in our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Jehoram's Reign (21:1-4)
| 21:1 | The chapter introduces Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, who became king of Judah. |
| 21:2 | Jehoram's brothers are listed, and it is noted that Jehoshaphat gave them many gifts. |
| 21:3 | Jehoshaphat also gave Jehoram control over all the fortified cities of Judah. |
| 21:4 | When Jehoram had established himself over his father's kingdom, he strengthened himself and put all his brothers to the sword, and some of the princes of Israel. |
2. The Prophecy of Elijah (21:12-15)
| 21:12 | Then Elijah the prophet appeared to him with a message from God: 'This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: Because you have not followed the ways of your father David and have instead walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and have led Judah and the people of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves to other gods, as the house of Ahab did, therefore the Lord is going to strike down your people, your children, your wives, and all your possessions with a heavy blow.' |
| 21:13 | Moreover, the Lord says, 'You will have a severe illness, a disease of your bowels, until your bowels come out because of the disease day by day.' |
| 21:14 | Then the Lord stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines and the Arabians, who were near the Ethiopians. |
| 21:15 | And they came up against Judah, invaded it, and carried away all the possessions they found in the king's house, along with his sons and his wives; so that no son was left to him except Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons. |
3. The Judgment of God (21:16-20)
| 21:16 | After this, the Philistines and the Arabians invaded the land of Judah and ravaged it. |
| 21:17 | They invaded Judah, broke into the king's house, and carried off all the king's sons and wives, except Jehoahaz, the youngest son. |
| 21:18 | After all this, the Lord afflicted Jehoram with an incurable disease of the bowels. |
| 21:19 | It continued day after day, until two years later his bowels came out because of the disease, and he died in great pain. And his people made no fire in his honor, like the fires made for his fathers. |
| 21:20 | He was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. And he departed with no one's regret; they buried him in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 2 Chronicles 21?
The main theme of 2 Chronicles 21 is the consequences of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to God. As seen in 2 Chronicles 21:12-15, the prophecy of Elijah serves as a warning to Jehoram and the nation, emphasizing the importance of listening to God's voice and responding in obedience.
Who is the prophet Elijah in 2 Chronicles 21?
The prophet Elijah is a faithful servant of God who appears to Jehoram with a message from God, condemning his actions and announcing judgment upon him and the nation. As seen in 2 Chronicles 21:12-15, Elijah's prophecy serves as a warning to Jehoram and the nation.
What is the significance of Jehoram's death in 2 Chronicles 21?
Jehoram's death serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of faithfulness to God. As seen in 2 Chronicles 21:18-19, Jehoram's death is a result of God's judgment upon him for his sin.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 21:12 → Deuteronomy 28:15 | The prophecy of Elijah in 2 Chronicles 21:12 is similar to the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28:15, which describes the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 21:13 → Psalm 107:17 | The description of Jehoram's illness in 2 Chronicles 21:13 is similar to the description of the afflictions of the wicked in Psalm 107:17. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 21:14 → Isaiah 13:1 | The invasion of the Philistines and the Arabians in 2 Chronicles 21:14 is similar to the prophecies of judgment against the nations in Isaiah 13:1. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 21:15 → Jeremiah 25:9 | The carrying away of the king's sons and wives in 2 Chronicles 21:15 is similar to the prophecies of judgment against Judah in Jeremiah 25:9. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 21:16 → Ezekiel 25:15 | The invasion of the Philistines and the Arabians in 2 Chronicles 21:16 is similar to the prophecies of judgment against the Philistines in Ezekiel 25:15. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 21:17 → Joel 3:2 | The invasion of Judah in 2 Chronicles 21:17 is similar to the prophecies of judgment against the nations in Joel 3:2. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 21:18 → Matthew 1:8 | The death of Jehoram in 2 Chronicles 21:18 is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:8. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 21:20 → Acts 13:22 | The description of Jehoram's reign in 2 Chronicles 21:20 is similar to the description of the reign of King Saul in Acts 13:22. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 21:12 → Romans 6:23 | The prophecy of Elijah in 2 Chronicles 21:12 serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin, which is also described in Romans 6:23 as the wages of sin. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 21:15 → John 1:1 | The carrying away of the king's sons and wives in 2 Chronicles 21:15 serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God, which is also emphasized in John 1:1 as the Word of God. |
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Same Time Also Did Libnah Rebuild by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the connection between faithfulness to God and the authority one holds over others, illustrating that when the kings of Judah remained loyal to God, they main |
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He Put Garrisons in Edom; and All the Edomites by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the relationship between Edom and Israel, symbolizing the ongoing struggle between the flesh and the spirit. He emphasizes that, like Edom's repeated attempts t |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 21
In this chapter, we see the sad example of Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, who was given to idolatry and led the nation into sin. The prophecy of Elijah serves as a warning to Jehoram and the nation, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of sin. As Matthew Henry notes, 'those who will not be ruled by the fear of God will certainly be ruled by the fear of man.' The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. As seen in 2 Chronicles 21:12-15, the prophecy of Elijah is a call to repentance, emphasizing the need to turn away from sin and toward God in faith and obedience. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Consequences of Sin
The chapter highlights the severe consequences of sin, particularly idolatry. Jehoram's actions lead to judgment upon himself and the nation, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's ways.
The Importance of Faithfulness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God, highlighting the contrast between Jehoram's unfaithfulness and the faithfulness of his father Jehoshaphat.
The Role of Prophecy
The prophecy of Elijah serves as a warning to Jehoram and the nation, emphasizing the importance of listening to God's voice and responding in obedience.