Analysis of 2 Chronicles Chapter 21
2 Chronicles Chapter 21 provides a historical narrative that chronicles the reign of Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, as king over Judah. This chapter, steeped in themes of legacy, judgment, and divine retribution, offers a deep insight into the consequences of idolatry and moral decay within the context of Judaic leadership. It also serves as a stark contrast to the preceding reigns, emphasizing the significance of righteous rulership in maintaining God’s favor.
Verses 1-2: The Transition of Power
The chapter begins with a transition of power: “And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And Jehoram his son reigned in his stead.” This introductory statement sets the stage for Jehoram’s reign. Jehoshaphat, a known pious and effective ruler, leaves behind a lineage that includes several sons, suggesting a prosperous and secure reign.
Jehoram’s brothers are listed: Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariah, Michael, and Shephatiah, sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel (verse 2). This enumeration of Jehoram’s brothers serves to highlight the complexity of the royal family and the potential for internal conflict. It also sets a tragic tone as these brothers will soon face dire consequences due to Jehoram’s actions.
Verses 3-4: Establishing Authority
Jehoshaphat, during his lifetime, had given his sons many gifts of silver, gold, and treasures, along with fortified cities in Judah. To Jehoram, the eldest, he gave the kingdom itself (verse 3). This generous distribution of wealth and power reflects Jehoshaphat’s intention to maintain familial harmony and reward his sons.
However, Jehoram’s subsequent actions starkly contrast with his father’s intentions. Verse 4 states, “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.” This fratricide reveals a different side of Jehoram’s character—one driven by paranoia and a ruthless desire to secure his position. The phrase “strengthened himself” indicates his determination to eliminate any threats to his reign, marking the beginning of a tumultuous era.
Verses 5-7: The Reign of Jehoram
Jehoram’s reign is succinctly summarized: “Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem” (verse 5). His relatively short reign, compared to his predecessors, suggests instability and possible dissatisfaction among his subjects.
Verse 6 provides insight into the nature of his rule: “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.” By emulating the corrupt practices of Ahab’s house and promoting idolatry, Jehoram disgraces the spiritual heritage of Judah. His marriage alliance with Ahab’s house, known for leading Israel into idolatry, further emphasizes his departure from the righteous path.
Despite Jehoram’s evil deeds, verse 7 highlights God’s enduring covenant with David: “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.” This divine grace underscores God’s faithfulness to His promises, even amid human failure. The term “light” symbolizes hope and continuity, ensuring that David’s lineage—and by extension, the messianic promise—remains intact.
Verses 8-11: Rebellion and Apostasy
During Jehoram’s reign, Edom revolts against Judah’s rule and establishes their own king (verse 8). This rebellion signifies the waning influence of Judah under Jehoram’s leadership and foreshadows further challenges to his authority.
Jehoram’s attempt to quell the rebellion is described in verses 9-10, where he leads his chariots by night to strike down the Edomites and their leadership. Though initially successful, the verse notes, “So the Edomites revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day.” This persisted independence underscores the fragility and eventual decline of Jehoram’s reign.
Moreover, the city of Libnah also revolts due to Jehoram’s abandonment of the Lord God of his fathers (verse 10). This apostasy not only erodes his political power but also alienates his subjects. Verse 11 encapsulates his moral failure: “Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah thereto.” Jehoram’s promotion of idolatry and immoral behavior among his people highlights his complete disregard for divine commandments and sets the stage for divine retribution.
Verses 12-15: Elijah’s Prophecy
At this point, the narrative introduces a letter from the prophet Elijah to Jehoram. Elijah, a significant prophet known for his fierce opposition to Ahab’s idolatry, issues a dire warning. The letter states, “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” (verse 12). This indictment emphasizes Jehoram’s betrayal of his righteous heritage.
Elijah condemns Jehoram for killing his own brothers and leading Judah into sin through idolatry (verse 13). The prophet’s words reflect God’s righteous anger and serve as a formal declaration of judgment. Elijah’s letter predicts severe consequences: “Behold, with a great plague will the Lord smite thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods: And thou shalt have great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day” (verses 14-15). This vivid and terrifying prophecy underscores the seriousness of Jehoram’s sins and foreshadows the impending divine judgment.
Verses 16-20: Divine Judgment and Death
True to Elijah’s prophecy, God stirs up external adversaries against Jehoram. Verse 16 states, “Moreover the Lord stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that were near the Ethiopians.” These adversaries launch a devastating invasion against Judah, reflecting the nation’s weakened state and God’s judgment through external forces.
The invaders plunder Judah and seize all the royal possessions, including Jehoram’s sons and wives, leaving only Jehoahaz (Ahaziah), his youngest son (verse 17). This loss signifies the destruction of Jehoram’s legacy and illustrates the futility of his violent attempts to secure his throne.
The fulfillment of Elijah’s prophecy culminates in verse 18: “And after all this the Lord smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease.” Jehoram’s suffering is described in graphic detail, emphasizing the severity of the divine punishment for his sins. Verses 19-20 describe the agonizing two-year period during which Jehoram’s health deteriorates until his “bowels fell out by reason of his sickness,” leading to his death in great pain.
Jehoram’s death is unceremonious, reflecting his dishonorable reign: “And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers” (verse 19). The absence of traditional royal honors signifies a lack of respect and mourning from his subjects. Verse 20 reiterates his age and length of reign, emphasizing that he “departed without being desired.” Jehoram’s burial in the city of David is contrasted with the absence of a place “among the sepulchres of the kings,” highlighting his ignominious end.
Conclusion
2 Chronicles Chapter 21 offers a powerful narrative of the consequences of abandoning divine commandments and embracing idolatry and moral corruption. Jehoram’s reign, marred by fratricide, idolatry, and ruthless ambition, stands in stark contrast to the righteous reigns of his forebears. The chapter underscores the importance of adherence to God’s laws and the perils of deviating from the path of righteousness.
Elijah’s prophecy and its fulfillment highlight the unwavering nature of divine justice and the significance of prophetic warnings. Despite Jehoram’s efforts to secure his throne through violence and alliances, his reign ends in suffering and dishonor, demonstrating the futility of human machinations against divine will.
Ultimately, 2 Chronicles Chapter 21 serves as a somber reminder of the enduring covenant between God and David, showcasing God’s faithfulness even amidst human failings. It calls readers to reflect on the importance of righteous leadership and the dire consequences of moral and spiritual compromise. This chapter, with its rich tapestry of historical events and divine pronouncements, remains a poignant lesson in the complexities of leadership, faith, and the unwavering nature of divine justice.