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.
Chapter 21 of the book of 2 Chronicles in the KJV Holy Bible continues the story of the kings of Judah, specifically focusing on the reign of Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat. The chapter begins with Jehoram becoming king at the age of 32 after the death of his father. It goes on to describe his actions and reign, as well as the consequences of his choices. The main themes of this chapter include the consequences of disobedience to God, the importance of righteous leadership, and the fulfillment of prophecies.
Jehoram was the oldest son of Jehoshaphat, who was a righteous king and followed the ways of the Lord. However, Jehoram did not follow in his father's footsteps and instead chose to marry a daughter of King Ahab of Israel, the wicked king who introduced Baal worship to the northern kingdom. This marriage alliance with the house of Ahab was seen as a sign of Jehoram's disobedience to God.
As soon as Jehoram became king, he killed all his brothers and some of the princes of Israel. This was a common practice in ancient times to eliminate any potential rivals to the throne. However, this act was also a clear violation of God's commandments and showed Jehoram's lack of regard for human life.
Under Jehoram's rule, the people of Judah began to turn away from God and engage in idolatry. The chapter mentions that Jehoram built high places and made the inhabitants of Jerusalem commit fornication and led Judah astray. This further demonstrates his disregard for the laws and commandments of God.
As a result of Jehoram's disobedience, God sent a letter to him through the prophet Elijah, warning him of the consequences of his actions. The letter stated that God would strike Jehoram with a severe sickness, causing his bowels to fall out, and he would die a slow and painful death. This prophecy was fulfilled, and Jehoram suffered greatly before his eventual death.
In addition to this, God also allowed the Edomites, who were the descendants of Esau and traditional enemies of Israel, to rebel against Judah during Jehoram's reign. This was a direct consequence of Jehoram's wickedness and disobedience to God. The Edomites were successful in their rebellion, and they raided the land and took control of it.
Furthermore, the chapter also mentions that the Philistines and the Arabians also attacked Judah and took away all of Jehoram's possessions, including his wives and children. This was a humiliating defeat for Judah and a direct result of Jehoram's disobedience to God.
One of the key themes of this chapter is the importance of righteous leadership. Jehoram's reign serves as a warning to future kings and leaders of the consequences of disobeying God. His actions and choices not only affected his own life but also had a significant impact on the people of Judah and their relationship with God.
Jehoram's disobedience led to the people of Judah turning away from God and engaging in idolatry. As a result, they suffered the consequences of God's judgment through attacks from neighboring nations. This highlights the important role that leaders play in influencing the spiritual well-being of their people.
On the other hand, the chapter also mentions the righteous acts of the Levites and priests who remained faithful to God during Jehoram's reign. They continued to carry out their duties and uphold the laws and commandments of God, even in the face of wicked leadership. This serves as a reminder that even in times of turmoil and disobedience, there are still those who remain faithful to God and His teachings.
Another significant theme in this chapter is the fulfillment of prophecies. The letter sent by God through the prophet Elijah to Jehoram serves as a reminder that God's word will always come to pass. The specific details mentioned in the prophecy, such as the nature of Jehoram's death, were fulfilled exactly as they were foretold.
This chapter also mentions the fulfillment of a prophecy given by the prophet Edom during the reign of King Jehoshaphat. The prophecy stated that because of Jehoram's wickedness, God would bring a great calamity upon Judah. This prophecy was also fulfilled through the attacks of the neighboring nations and the suffering that the people of Judah endured.
Chapter 21 of the book of 2 Chronicles serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience to God. Jehoram's reign is a stark contrast to that of his father, Jehoshaphat, who was a righteous king. It highlights the importance of righteous leadership and the impact it has on the spiritual well-being of a nation.
The chapter also serves as a reminder that God's word will always come to pass and that His judgment will be carried out against those who disobey Him. The fulfillment of prophecies in this chapter further emphasizes the importance of heeding God's warnings and obeying His commandments.
In conclusion, chapter 21 of the book of 2 Chronicles in the KJV Holy Bible is a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God and the importance of righteous leadership. It also showcases the fulfillment of prophecies and serves as a warning to future generations to remain faithful to God and His teachings.
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