Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Chronicles 21
Albert Barnes Commentary
2 Chronicles 21
Albert Barnes Commentary
2 Chronicles 21
"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." — 2 Chronicles 21:1 (ASV)
Jehoram’s sole reign now began (see the note on 2 Kings 8:16). His eight-year reign (2 Chronicles 21:5) must be counted from the time of his association with his father, which began in his father’s 23rd year.
"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." — 2 Chronicles 21:3 (ASV)
Jehoshaphat departed from Rehoboam’s policy (2 Chronicles 11:23), actually giving his sons the fortified cities where they lived. It is probable that this provoked Jehoram’s jealousy and led him to put them to death (2 Chronicles 21:4).
Because he was the firstborn — compare Deuteronomy 21:15-17. Exceptions to this rule in the northern and southern kingdoms include Solomon, where divine appointment superseded the natural order; Abijah (2 Chronicles 11:22); and Jehoahaz (2 Kings 23:30).
"Now when Jehoram was risen up over the kingdom of his father, and had strengthened himself, he slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel." — 2 Chronicles 21:4 (ASV)
The execution of several “princes of Israel” (that is, of Judah; see the note on 2 Chronicles 20:34) implies that Jehoram’s brothers found supporters among the chief men of the country, and that Jehoram’s sole sovereignty was not established without a struggle.
"Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and made the inhabitants of Jerusalem to play the harlot, and led Judah astray." — 2 Chronicles 21:11 (ASV)
See 2 Kings 8:18. The writer of Kings only tells us in general terms that Jehoram did evil in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of the house of Ahab.
Here, in 2 Chronicles 21:11, 13, we have the particulars of his idolatry. Jehoram, it seems, was seduced by the evil influence of his wife—Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab—and permitted the introduction of Baal-worship, with its idolatrous altars in various high places, groves (Asherahs), images, and pillars. The people were not only allowed but were compelled to take part in these new rites. The phrase to commit fornication is a common metaphor for idolatry or spiritual unfaithfulness (compare 2 Kings 9:22).
"And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus saith Jehovah, the 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," — 2 Chronicles 21:12 (ASV)
This is the only mention of Elijah in Chronicles. As a prophet of the northern kingdom, he received little attention from the historian of the southern one. This reference shows that Elijah did not limit his attention to the affairs of his own state but also worked to stop the spread of idolatry in Judah. Furthermore, it proves that he was alive after the death of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 21:13). This is a significant fact, for it:
- Bears on the chronological order of 2 Kings 2:1 (see the note).
- Shows that Elisha, who prophesied in the time of Jehoshaphat (2 Kings 3:11–19), began his public ministry before his master’s translation.
Jump to: