2 Chronicles 21
Meaning of 2 Chronicles 21
2 Chronicles 21 is a chapter from the Bible that primarily deals with the reign of Jehoram, who was the king of Judah.
Jehoram becomes king after his father Jehoshaphat dies. As per his father’s will, he was supposed to share the kingdom with his brothers, however, upon ascension to the throne, Jehoram kills all of his brothers and some of the princes of Israel, to solidify his rule.
King Jehoram did not follow the righteous ways of his father and predecessor, instead he chose to lead like the wicked kings of Israel, which included worshiping the idols of Baal. The prophet Elijah sends him a letter predicting great tribulations for his kingdom because of such actions. This prophecy comes true as the Philistines and the Arabs attacked Judah and carried off all his wealth, along with his wives and sons; only his youngest son Ahaziah was left.
Jehoram himself is afflicted with an incurable intestinal disease and he suffers for two years before he dies in agony. His reign is marked by treachery and ungodliness. When he dies, he is not honored like the kings who came before him and are not buried in the same tomb.
Lastly, his youngest son Ahaziah succeeds him, whose mother, Athaliah, counsels him to act wickedly, marking a continuation of the sinful ways from the reign of Jehoram.
2 Chronicles 21 kjv
2 Chronicles 21 is part of the Old Testament in the Bible. This chapter tells the story of Jehoram’s reign as king of Judah, which begins after his father, King Jehoshaphat, passes away. Jehoram is described as not walking in the ways of his predecessors, as he forcefully established his rule by killing his brothers and other princes of Israel so they wouldn’t threaten his reign. He also led Judah and the people of Jerusalem into pagan practices, provoking the anger of God.
Jehoram was confronted by Elijah, a prophet, who delivered God’s message; a severe punishment will befall him because of his wickedness. As punishment, God stirred up the Philistines and Arabians against Jehoram. They attacked Jerusalem, raided the king’s house, and took away all his wives and children with only his youngest son, Ahaziah, left.
Jehoram also suffered a dreadful disease (an incurable intestinal disease) for two years, resulting in his awful death, and the people did not mourn him when he died. The chapter concludes by noting that Jehoram was buried in the City of David but not in the tombs of the kings.
2 Chronicles 21 nkjv
Second Chronicles 21 is a chapter within the Christian Bible’s Old Testament which details the reign of King Jehoram.
At the beginning of 2 Chronicles 21, Jehoram takes the throne after his father Jehoshaphat dies. Jehoram establishes his rule by killing all his brothers to ensure there is no contest to his power.
However, Jehoram’s reign is far from ideal. Unlike his father who was known for his piety and wisdom, Jehoram introduces idolatry to Judah, leading God’s people away from Him. This route into idolatry and sin was due to his marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Israel’s corrupt King Ahab.
Elijah, a prophet of God, warns Jehoram in a letter that due to his unfaithfulness, his people will suffer from plagues and his own family will be killed. Shortly after, these prophesies began to unfold. Philistines and the Arabians invade Judah and carry away all Jehoram’s property, and his sons, except for Ahaziah (the youngest one). Moreover, Jehoram himself suffers a painful and incurable disease in his intestines and dies after two years of severe pain.
The chapter then concludes by noting that Jehoram’s reign was unremarkable. He dies with little mourning and is not honored like his predecessors. His reign is deemed a failure as he leads the people of Judah away from God and into great suffering.
This chapter provides a stark contrast between King Jehoshaphat and his son Jehoram, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God and making poor leadership decisions.
2 Chronicles 21 niv
The 21st chapter of 2 Chronicles in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible tells the story of Jehoram’s reign over Judah.
Jehoram became king because he was the firstborn son of Jehoshaphat and he was given the kingdom by his father. Unlike his father, however, Jehoram doesn’t follow God’s commands. He instead walks in the ways of the wicked kings of Israel because he is married to a daughter of Ahab.
Jehoram acted violently and killed all his brothers and some other leaders of Israel. This action did not please the Lord. Jehoram led the people of Jerusalem and Judah astray. They didn’t follow the commands of the Lord but instead were involved in idolatrous practices and ungodliness.
As a consequence, God stirred the Philistines and the Arabs who lived near the Cushites to go to war against Jehoram. They invaded his kingdom, carried away his possessions, his sons, and his wives, leaving him only his youngest son, Ahaziah.
Furthermore, Jehoram was struck with an incurable disease in his bowels because of his unfaithfulness to the Lord. After ruling for eight years, Jehoram died unloved and unlamented. He was not honored with the typical burial in the tombs of the kings.
Finally, the chapter concludes by introducing his youngest son Ahaziah as his successor, who also unfortunately did not walk in the ways of the Lord.
This chapter emphasizes the consequences of turning away from God and abusing one’s God-given power and authority.
What is 2 Chronicles 21 all about?
The book of 2 Chronicles 21 is part of the Old Testament in the Bible. It tells the story of Jehoram, who was King Jehoshaphat’s son. After Jehoshaphat’s death, Jehoram comes to power and rules Judah. During his reign, Jehoram took severe and morally corrupt actions, including murdering his brothers to consolidate his power.
His rule is characterized by widespread idolatry and immorality as he leads Judah away from God, earning the admonition of the prophet Elijah who prophesies his punishment. Elijah sends him a letter predicting that he will be afflicted with a severe intestinal disease for his evil ways.
Edom and Libnah revolt against Judah during his reign. Then the Philistines and Arabians attack Jerusalem, taking away all of Jehoram’s sons except for the youngest, Ahaziah.
Despite these trials, Jehoram does not turn away from his evil practices. After a period of two years suffering the prophesied intestinal disease, Jehoram dies in great pain, to no regret of his people. His death is not marked by the usual honors given to a king, and he is not buried in the tombs of the kings. The chapter ends with Ahaziah, Jehoram’s youngest son, succeeding him.
2 Chronicles 21 demonstrates the consequences of abandoning God’s commandments and pursuing a path of wickedness and cruelty.
What does 2 Chronicles 21 teaches?
2 Chronicles 21 is a book in the Old Testament of the Bible. This chapter primarily focuses on the reign of Jehoram, who was the son of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. The chapter gives a rather grim account of Jehoram’s rule, highlighting his evil deeds and his departure from God’s ways.
Jehoram comes to power after the death of his father. Despite Jehoshaphat’s righteous reign and his efforts to guide his kingdom in accordance to God’s will, Jehoram chooses a different path. He kills all his brothers and some of the princes of Israel to secure his throne. He influences his kingdom into idolatry and wickedness, leading the people of Judah and Jerusalem away from the path of God.
The major teaching from this chapter centers around the consequences of turning away from God’s commands. Jehoram’s rule is marked by constant strife, culminating in a gruesome illness as prophesied by the prophet Elijah, which eventually takes his life. Even his death is met with indifference by his own people, showing the lack of love and respect for a king who did not follow God’s ways.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 21 teaches that disobedience and rebellion against God leads to dire consequences. It shows the importance of repentance, obedience, and faithfulness to God. We learn that leadership comes with responsibility and one’s actions can influence many people, either preparing them for blessings or setting them up for negative consequences.
A Sermon on 2 Chronicles 21
2 Chronicles 21:1-20 chronicles the reign of Jehoram, who was a king that did evil in the sight of the Lord. This text can serve as a basis for a sermon to convey messages about the consequences of unrighteousness, the importance of godly leadership, and God’s judgment.
The first point of the sermon could focus on Jehoram’s actions after ascending to the throne. Although he was the son of the righteous king Jehoshaphat, Jehoram did not follow his father’s example. Instead, he killed all his brothers to secure his throne and married Ahab’s daughter, who influenced him to do evil in the Lord’s sight (2 Chronicles 21:4, 6). The sermon could draw a lesson on how power can corrupt, the importance of choosing right companions, and staying vigilant against sin, no matter our lineage or upbringing.
The second point can highlight the punishment that came upon Jehoram. Prophet Elijah sent him a letter, prophesying that he would be severely punished by God with a great plague because of his sins(2 Chronicles 21:12-15). This part of the text underscores God’s judgment on unrighteousness and the inevitability of facing consequences for one’s actions.
The third point could delve into the consequences of Jehoram’s ungodly leadership. His subjects revolted (2 Chronicles 21:10) and his family was captured by invaders (2 Chronicles 21:16). Jehoram’s wicked reign weakened the kingdom and brought suffering upon the people, showing that ungodly leadership can have far-reaching negative impacts.
Finally, the sermon could reflect on the tragic end of Jehoram’s life as described in 2 Chronicles 21:18-20. He died without the lament of his subjects and his reign was not appreciated. These verses invite introspection on the vain pursuits of worldly power and the ultimate importance of striving to be remembered as a godly person.
Throughout the sermon, one could emphasize the importance of humility, righteous leadership, the reality of God’s judgement, and the long-term consequences of sin, using Jehoram’s life as an illustration of these points.
Key people in 2 Chronicles 21
1. Jehoram: Jehoram, also known as Joram, is one of the key people in 2 Chronicles 21. He is the son of Jehoshaphat and becomes the king of Judah after his father’s death. He kills his brothers to ensure his reign and leads Judah into a period of sin and idolatry. The actions of Jehoram result in divine judgement against the kingdom.
2. Ahaziah: He is the youngest son of Jehoram, who is elevated to the throne upon his father’s death. Ahaziah’s rule in 2 Chronicles, also characterised by idolatry and wickedness, is short-lived.
3. Athaliah: She is the mother of Ahaziah and the wife of Jehoram. Being a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, who were the king and queen of Israel known for their wickedness, she is a strong influencer in leading her son and husband towards evil practices.
4. The Prophet Elijah: Elijah is a significant prophet in the Old Testament who has an essential role in 2 Chronicles 21. He writes a letter to Jehoram predicting the divine judgement that would come upon him and his family because of his evil practices.
5. Edomites and Philistines: These are not individuals but represent the people of Edom and Philistine. They play a significant part in the chapter as they rise against Jehoram’s rule, symbolizing God’s judgement against Jehoram’s reign of idolatry and his murderous act against his own brothers.
6. Jehu: He was the son of Hanani the seer. Jehu condemned Jehoshaphat for helping the wicked King Ahab of Israel. He also proclaimed God’s curse on Jehoram.
These individuals play essential roles within the narrative, each playing a part in the unfolding story of kingship, divine judgement, and the consequences of leading a life against the precepts of God.
Real world examples on 2 Chronicles 21
2 Chronicles 21 covers the life of Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, who became king of Judah. This chapter covers important aspects such as the misuse of power, the results of disobedience and God’s intervention, all of which can find parallels in the real world. Here are a few examples:
1. Misuse of Power: 2 Chronicles 21 explains how Jehoram became king and, out of fear for his throne, killed his brothers – a brutal misuse of power. As sadly notable in many historical and present-day political situations, leaders sometimes misuse their authority out of insecurity or fear, leading to violence and harm to their people.
2. Immorality and Disobedience: Jehoram followed the ways of the kings of Israel and did evil in the sight of God, provoking Him with his immorality and disobedience. This disobedience is often mirrored in real world by individuals who knowingly choose to engage in unethical behavior, disregarding laws or moral constructs, which often leads to negative consequences.
3. Neglecting Wise Counsel: Jehoram also ignored the counsel of the prophets, including a letter from Elijah. In real life, this is comparable to situations where people neglect advice from those who are wise or experienced, sometimes leading to disastrous outcomes.
4. Consequences and Divine Intervention: As a result of his actions, Jehoram’s kingdom was invaded, his wives and children were taken captive, and he suffered a severe illness. This can be seen as divine intervention. Similarly, in life, individuals may face consequences for their actions in various ways that could be interpreted as a form of karma or divine intervention.
5. Impact on Future Generations: Ultimately, Jehoram’s actions also had negative impacts on his future generations. This is a phenomenon we often see in the real world. The decisions of present generations often have lasting effects on future generations.
6. Ugly Legacy: Jehoram’s actions left him with a legacy described as having “departed with no one’s regret.” This can remind us that our actions and behaviors in this life can significantly impact how we are remembered and the legacy we leave behind.
These examples are not exhaustive but they demonstrate that despite its ancient context, the lessons from 2 Chronicles 21 can provide relevant insights to modern-day situations.
Brief Explanation of 2 Chronicles 21
2 Chronicles 21 pertains to the Biblical Old Testament. This chapter predominantly focuses on the reign of Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat and king of Judah. Jehoram is described as a wicked king who disobeyed God’s commands, following in the footsteps of Ahab’s house rather than the righteousness of his father Jehoshaphat. His brothers and many princes of Judah were killed under his reign, leading to his land revolting.
During his rule of eight years, Judah was invaded by several enemies due to his disobedience. One of them was Elijah’s prophecy, which predicted a severe punishment for Jehoram’s sins, including a dreadful disease. This prophecy came to pass as he was stricken with a severe intestinal disease, suffered horribly, and eventually died. Upon his death, he was not given the honor of being buried in the tombs of the kings.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 21 juxtaposes good king Jehoshaphat’s legacy against his son Jehoram’s wicked rule, reinforcing the teaching that sin invariably leads to downfall and disaster.
Frequently asked questions for 2 Chronicles 21
1. Who was Jehoram and why is he significant in 2 Chronicles 21?
– Jehoram was the king of Judah and the son of Jehoshaphat. He became significant in 2 Chronicles 21 because, despite his father’s righteous example, he chose to walk in the evil ways of the kings of Israel. His reign is characterized by idolatry and unfaithfulness.
2. What did Jehoram do that was evil in the sight of the Lord?
– Jehoram, after securing his throne by killing his brothers, instituted the worship of pagan gods in Judah. He led his people into idolatry and unfaithfulness to God, following the footsteps of the infamous Ahab rather than his father Jehoshaphat.
3. What is the significance of the letter from Elijah to Jehoram?
– The letter signifies Elijah’s prophecy about Jehoram’s inevitable punishment due to his unfaithfulness. In the letter, Elijah outlined the severe consequences that Jehoram and his people would face, including plague, loss of his family, and a painful death for Jehoram himself.
4. How did Jehoram die?
– Jehoram died from a severe intestinal disease that lasted for two years, just as prophesied by Elijah. His death was painful, and he was not mourned by his subjects. He was not even buried in the tombs of the kings.
5. What lessons do we learn from 2 Chronicles 21?
– This chapter teaches us about the consequences of unfaithfulness and idolatry. Jehoram turned away from God, disregarding the faith of his father, and brought severe consequences upon himself and his kingdom. It serves as a lesson about the importance of embracing righteousness and the dire results of deviating from God’s ways.
6. Who succeeded Jehoram as king?
– Jehoram’s youngest son, Ahaziah, succeeded him since all his other sons had been killed by the Philistines and the Arabians. However, Ahaziah continued in the evil ways of his father and did not turn to God.
Possible References for 2 Chronicles 21
2 Chronicles 21 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in the book of 2 Chronicles, which is a history book that tells about the reigns of various kings of Judah.
There are several significant events and figures alluded to in this chapter:
1. Jehoram: He is the main character in this chapter. Jehoram, or Joram, was a king of Judah who does evil in the sight of the Lord by committing idolatry and leading the people of Judah to do the same.
2. Elijah the Prophet: This chapter includes one of the few mentions of Elijah interacting with a king of Judah. In this case, he sends a letter to Jehoram predicting that he will suffer a dreadful disease because of his wickedness.
3. Edom and Libnah: These are locations where revolts against Jehoram’s rule take place, showing the political turmoil during his reign.
4. The disease of Jehoram: As prophesied by Elijah, Jehoram suffers an agonizing disease of the bowels, which leads to his death.
5. Jehoram’s death: The chapter tells of Jehoram’s painful death and the lack of mourning for him. He isn’t given the typical burnings of sweet savour bestowed upon righteous kings.
6. The writings of Jehu: It is mentioned that the acts of Jehoram, from first to last, are written in the book of Jehu, son of Hanani, which is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel. This could be a reference to an ancient text that is no longer in existence or it could mean that Jehu is the one who documents those acts.
These are just a few references in 2 Chronicles 21. Each of these points could be studied in greater detail for their historical, cultural, or spiritual significance. As with any scriptural text, interpretations can vary based on different beliefs, traditions, or scholarly perspectives.
Conclusion on 2 Chronicles 21
2 Chronicles 21 is a passage in the Bible that tells the story of Jehoram, a king of Judah who did evil in the eyes of the Lord. The chapter details his sins and their consequences – bringing devastation to his kingdom, culminating in Jehoram’s own painful and ignoble death.
The conclusion of this chapter, in Verses 18-20, focuses on the punishment Jehoram received for his sins. After turning away from God and leading his people into idol worship, Jehoram was written a prophetic letter by the prophet Elijah that enumerated the calamities that would befall him and his house.
Jehoram then suffered from an incurable disease in his bowels for two years, which led to his painful death. His reign, which lasted eight years, was ill-famed and he was not mourned at his death. Despite being a king, he was not buried in the tombs of the kings.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 21 serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God’s commandments and doing evil in His sight. This chapter reflects the larger Biblical theme that obedience to God leads to blessings, while disobedience or turning away causes suffering and destruction.