2 Chronicles 21:3
2 Chronicles 21:3 in Multiple Translations
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.
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.
And their father gave them great gifts, of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fortified cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram, because he was the first-born.
And their father gave them much silver and gold and things of great value, as well as walled towns in Judah; but the kingdom he gave to Jehoram, because he was the oldest.
Their father had given them many gifts of silver and gold and valuable items, as well as the fortified towns in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.
And their father gaue them great giftes of siluer and of golde, and of precious things, with strong cities in Iudah, but the kingdome gaue he to Iehoram: for he was the eldest.
and their father giveth to them many gifts of silver and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah, and the kingdom he hath given to Jehoram, for He [is] the first-born.
Their father gave them great gifts of silver, of gold, and of precious things, with fortified cities in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn.
And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fortified cities in Judah: but the kingdom he gave to Jehoram; because he was the first-born.
And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and pensions, with strong cities in Juda: but the kingdom he gave to Joram, because he was the eldest.
Before Jehoshaphat died, he gave them gifts of silver and gold and other valuable things. He also appointed them to rule various cities in Judah that had walls around them. But he appointed Jehoram to be the king of Judah, because Jehoram was his oldest son.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 21:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Chronicles 21:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּתֵּ֣ן
לָ/הֶ֣ם
אֲ֠בִי/הֶם
מַתָּנ֨וֹת
רַבּ֜וֹת
לְ/כֶ֤סֶף
וּ/לְ/זָהָב֙
וּ/לְ/מִגְדָּנ֔וֹת
עִם
עָרֵ֥י
מְצֻר֖וֹת
בִּֽ/יהוּדָ֑ה
וְ/אֶת
הַ/מַּמְלָכָ֛ה
נָתַ֥ן
לִֽ/יהוֹרָ֖ם
כִּי
ה֥וּא
הַ/בְּכֽוֹר
וַ/יִּתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֣ם
Prep | Suff
אֲ֠בִי/הֶם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
מַתָּנ֨וֹת
mattânâh
H4979
gift
N-fp
רַבּ֜וֹת
rab
H7227
many
Adj
לְ/כֶ֤סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
Prep | N-ms
וּ/לְ/זָהָב֙
zâhâb
H2091
gold
Conj | Prep | N-ms
וּ/לְ/מִגְדָּנ֔וֹת
migdânâh
H4030
precious thing
Conj | Prep | N-fp
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
עָרֵ֥י
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fp
מְצֻר֖וֹת
mᵉtsûwrâh
H4694
fortress
N-fp
בִּֽ/יהוּדָ֑ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
Prep | N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/מַּמְלָכָ֛ה
mamlâkâh
H4467
kingdom
Art | N-fs
נָתַ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִֽ/יהוֹרָ֖ם
Yᵉhôwrâm
H3088
Joram
Prep | N-proper
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
הַ/בְּכֽוֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 21:3
וַ/יִּתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לָ/הֶ֣ם
""
Prep | Suff
אֲ֠בִי/הֶם
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
מַתָּנ֨וֹת
mattânâh
H4979
"gift"
N-fp
Refers to a gift or present, including sacrificial offerings or bribes, with the word being the Aramaic equivalent of mattᵉnâʼ.
Definition: gift Aramaic equivalent: mat.t.na (מַתְּנָא "gift" H4978)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: gift. See also: Genesis 25:6; Esther 9:22; Psalms 68:19.
רַבּ֜וֹת
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
לְ/כֶ֤סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
Prep | N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
וּ/לְ/זָהָב֙
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
וּ/לְ/מִגְדָּנ֔וֹת
migdânâh
H4030
"precious thing"
Conj | Prep | N-fp
Migdânâh refers to something precious or a choice gift. In the Bible, it is used to describe valuable things, such as the precious things given to Solomon in 1 Kings 10:25.
Definition: choice thing, excellent thing
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: precious thing, present. See also: Genesis 24:53; 2 Chronicles 32:23; Ezra 1:6.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
עָרֵ֥י
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
מְצֻר֖וֹת
mᵉtsûwrâh
H4694
"fortress"
N-fp
This word means a fortress or stronghold, like a protected city or rampart. It's used in the Bible to describe a fortified place, such as in Psalm 31:21. It's about a safe and secure location.
Definition: 1) siege-works, stronghold, rampart 1a) siege-works 1b) rampart
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: fenced (city, fort, munition, strong hold. See also: 2 Chronicles 11:10; 2 Chronicles 14:5; Isaiah 29:3.
בִּֽ/יהוּדָ֑ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
Prep | N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מַּמְלָכָ֛ה
mamlâkâh
H4467
"kingdom"
Art | N-fs
This word refers to a kingdom or dominion, describing a ruler's power or territory. In the Bible, it is used to describe the kingdoms of Israel and other nations, as well as God's sovereignty. It emphasizes a ruler's authority and control.
Definition: 1) kingdom, dominion, reign, sovereignty 1a) kingdom, realm 1b) sovereignty, dominion 1c) reign
Usage: Occurs in 113 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, king's, reign, royal. See also: Genesis 10:10; 2 Chronicles 22:9; Psalms 46:7.
נָתַ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לִֽ/יהוֹרָ֖ם
Yᵉhôwrâm
H3088
"Joram"
Prep | N-proper
Jehoram was a king of Israel, and his story is told in 2 Kings 1:17. He was the son of Ahab and Jezebel, and his name means 'Jehovah is exalted'. Jehoram was also known as Joram, and he had several brothers and sisters, including Joash and Athaliah.
Definition: A king of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.1.17; son of: Ahab (H0256) and Jezebel (H0348); brother of: Joash (H3101H), Ahaziah (H0274) and Athaliah (H6271); also called Jehoram at 2Ki.1.17a; 3.1,6; 1x,6,7; Another spelling of yo.ram (יוֹרָם "Joram" H3141H) § Jehoram or Joram = "Jehovah is exalted" 1) son of king Jehoshaphat of Judah and himself king of Judah for 8 years; his wife was the wicked Athaliah who was probably the instigator for his returning the nation of Judah to the worship of Baal 2) son of king Ahab of the northern kingdom of Israel and king of Israel himself for 12 years; he was murdered by Jehu on the plot of land for which his father had murdered Naboth thus fulfilling the prophecy of Elijah to the very letter 3) a priest in the reign of Jehoshaphat
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Jehoram, Joram. Compare H3141 (יוֹרָם). See also: 1 Kings 22:51; 2 Kings 12:19; 2 Chronicles 22:11.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
הַ/בְּכֽוֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 21:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 21:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 21:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 21:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 21:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 21:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 21:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 21:3
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 21:3
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 21:3
Context — Jehoram Reigns in Judah
1And Jehoshaphat rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the City of David. And his son Jehoram reigned in his place.
2Jehoram’s brothers, the sons of Jehoshaphat, were Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariah, Michael, and Shephatiah; these were all sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel.
3Their 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.
4When 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. 5Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 11:23 | Rehoboam also acted wisely by dispersing some of his sons throughout the districts of Judah and Benjamin, and to all the fortified cities. He gave them abundant provisions and sought many wives for them. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 21:15–17 | If a man has two wives, one beloved and the other unloved, and both bear him sons, but the unloved wife has the firstborn son, when that man assigns his inheritance to his sons he must not appoint the son of the beloved wife as the firstborn over the son of the unloved wife. Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 11:5 | Rehoboam continued to live in Jerusalem, and he built up cities for defense in Judah. |
| 4 | Genesis 25:6 | But while he was still alive, Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east. |
2 Chronicles 21:3 Summary
This verse is saying that Jehoshaphat, the king, gave his firstborn son, Jehoram, the kingdom to rule, while giving his other sons gifts and cities to care for. This was a common practice in those days, where the firstborn son would inherit the most important role (as seen in Deuteronomy 21:15-17). However, as we see in the rest of the chapter, being the firstborn doesn't automatically make someone a good leader, and we should consider the character and qualifications of the person who will inherit or succeed us. We can learn from Jehoshaphat's example by considering how our choices may impact our loved ones and by seeking to provide for their well-being, while also making wise decisions about who should lead or inherit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jehoshaphat give the kingdom to Jehoram, his firstborn son?
According to 2 Chronicles 21:3, Jehoshaphat gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn, following the traditional practice of primogeniture, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:15-17, where the firstborn son typically received the largest inheritance and the right to succeed his father as leader.
What kind of gifts did Jehoshaphat give to his other sons?
Jehoshaphat gave his other sons many gifts of silver and gold and precious things, as well as the fortified cities in Judah, as stated in 2 Chronicles 21:3, indicating that he provided for their well-being and security, even if they did not inherit the throne.
Is this verse suggesting that being the firstborn automatically makes someone a good leader?
No, 2 Chronicles 21:3 is simply stating the fact that Jehoshaphat gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn, without commenting on whether this was the right decision or not; in fact, the rest of the chapter shows that Jehoram's leadership was marked by violence and idolatry, as seen in 2 Chronicles 21:4-5, and 1 Kings 12:1-14 provides another example of a firstborn son who became a leader, but not necessarily a good one.
How does this verse relate to the concept of inheritance in the Bible?
This verse illustrates the biblical concept of inheritance, where the firstborn son typically received the largest share of the inheritance, as seen in Genesis 25:31 and Genesis 48:18, but also highlights the importance of considering the character and qualifications of the person who will inherit, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:6-13, where God chose David to be king instead of his older brothers.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which we, like Jehoshaphat, may unintentionally set our children or loved ones up for failure or success by the choices we make for them?
- How can we, as leaders or parents, balance the need to provide for our loved ones with the need to make wise decisions about who should inherit or succeed us?
- What are some potential dangers of simply following tradition or cultural expectations, like primogeniture, without considering the unique circumstances and qualifications of each individual?
- In what ways can we, like Jehoshaphat, demonstrate our love and care for our family members by providing for their physical and spiritual needs, even if they do not inherit the most prominent position or role?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 21:3
And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things,.... As jewels and precious stones; or precious garments, as the Targum, in like manner as Abraham gave to his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 21:3
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. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 21:3
Whom he conceived that he ought to prefer by virtue of that law of God, , though otherwise he would not have done it, having probably ere this time perceived his perverse and wicked inclinations, and how much he was swayed by his idolatrous wife. Now he saw his error when it was too late.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 21:3
2 Chronicles 21:3 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.Ver. 3. With fenced cities.] Herein he dealt wisely; as it is said of Rehoboam for the like. But "the race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor yet bread to the wise," &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 21:3
REIGN OF JEHORAM (2 Chronicles 21:2-18). THE NEW KING MURDERS HIS SIX (2 Chronicles 21:2-4). (2) Azariah . . . and Azariah.—Heb. ‘Azaryâh . . . and Azaryâhû, different forms of the same name. All the versions give one form only. An old error of transcription may be involved (comp. 1 Chronicles 3:6; 1 Chronicles 3:8); but it is also possible that Jehoshaphat named two of his sons Azariah, “Iah helpeth,” in pious recognition of two several mercies. Shephatiah, “Iah judgeth,” repeats his own name in inverted shape. The other names are—“God liveth,” “Iah remem-bereth,” “Who is like God? “—all significant of the king’s faith. Jehoshaphat king of Israel.—The southern kingdom is called “Israel” in 2 Chronicles 12:1; 2 Chronicles 12:6; 2 Chronicles 21:4; 2 Chronicles 28:19; 2 Chronicles 28:27, and elsewhere, as enjoying the legitimate monarchy, and maintaining the orthodox ritual and priesthood. Here, however, some Hebrew MSS., the LXX., Syriac, Vulg., and Arabic, read “Judah.” (3) And their father gave them great gifts.—Jehoshaphat before his death had provided for his sons, as Rehoboam before him had done for his, by appointing them resident governors of the national fortresses, and sending them away with valuable presents (2 Chronicles 11:23). Of silver, and of gold.—The preposition (le) belongs to the chronicler’s style.
Precious things (migdônôth; Genesis 24:53).—Such as jewels, robes, and spices. Because he was the firstborn.—This was the rule. (Comp. Deuteronomy 21:15-17.) For exceptions, see 1 Chronicles 28:5; 2 Chronicles 11:22; 2 Chronicles 36:1. (4) Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father.—Literally, And Jehoram arose over the kingdom, &c., a peculiar expression, only found here. It seems to mean, established himself on the throne. (See Exodus 1:8 for a similar phrase, and comp. the use of the same verb, 1 Samuel 24:20.) He strengthened himself.—Secured his hold of power (2 Chronicles 1:1; 2 Chronicles 1:12, &c). And slew all his brethren.—In order to prevent intrigues against himself. Such ruthless crimes have been customary at Oriental accessions, and are one of the natural results of polygamy. (Comp. the conduct of Abimelech (Judges 9:5) and of Athaliah (2 Chronicles 22:10).
It was thus that Jehoram “strengthened himself.” And divers also of the princes of Israel.—Some of the great chiefs of the clans, whose power or sympathy with his murdered brothers Jehoram may have dreaded. Or, like other Oriental despots, Jehoram may have acted from no other motive than a rapacious desire to confiscate their wealth. Some suppose that both his brethren and these “princes” had given signs of dissatisfaction at Jehoram and Athalian’s heathen policy. (Comp. 2 Chronicles 21:13, “thy brethren . . . which were better than thyself.”)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 21:3
Verse 3. The kingdom gave he to Jehoram] He made him co-partner with himself in the kingdom about three years before his death; so that he reigned only five years after the death of his father Jehoshaphat. See the notes on 2Kg 8:16, c. and on the same, 2 Chronicles 1:17, where an attempt is made to settle this disturbed chronology.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 21:3
3. their father gave them] Rehoboam did the same; 2 Chronicles 11:23. precious things] Heb. migdânôth; cp. 2 Chronicles 32:23 (“presents,” A.V.; “precious things,” R.V.).
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 21:3
Jehoshaphat departed from Rehoboam’s policy (2 Chronicles 11:23 note), actually making over to his sons the “fenced cities” in which they dwelt.