Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary2 Chronicles 21

Jehoram's Wicked ReignThis section begins the story of Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat. Although Jehoshaphat had been a good and wise king, Jehoram’s rule was marked by violence, idolatry, and unfaithfulness to God. The results of his wickedness brought trouble to himself and to his kingdom, but God still kept His promise to the family of David.v. 1-3: Jehoshaphat was a caring father. He had many sons, and he gave them gifts and positions to keep them content. But Jehoram, as the oldest, received the kingdom (2 Chronicles 21:2-3 ). The other sons were better men, but Jehoshaphat followed the tradition of giving the throne to the firstborn. Sometimes, giving power to someone just because of their birth is not wise, especially if they are not fit to rule (Deuteronomy 21:17 ).

v. 4: When Jehoram became king, he killed all his brothers and some of the leaders of Israel. He was afraid they might challenge his power. Jehoram acted out of jealousy and fear, like Cain did to Abel. He used his authority for evil instead of good (Habakkuk 2:12 ).

v. 5-7, 11: Jehoram was a wicked king. He followed the evil ways of Ahab’s family, built high places for idol worship, and led the people away from God (2 Chronicles 21:6, 11 ). He encouraged the people of Jerusalem to worship idols and forced the people of Judah to do the same. He used his power to harm God’s people instead of helping them (Revelation 2:20 ). But God did not destroy the royal family because of His covenant with David (2 Chronicles 21:7; Psalm 89:30-37 ).

v. 8-10: Because Jehoram turned away from God, his kingdom suffered. The Edomites, who had been under Judah’s control, rebelled. Jehoram tried to fight them but failed. Even the city of Libnah in Judah rebelled against him because he had forsaken the Lord

Jehoram's Miserable EndThis section tells how Jehoram’s evil choices led to his downfall. God sent him a warning through a letter from the prophet Elijah, but Jehoram ignored it. As a result, he suffered great losses, painful sickness, and died without honor. His story is a warning that turning away from God brings misery, but God’s promises to David’s family still remained.v. 12-13: Jehoram received a letter from Elijah the prophet. Elijah reminded him that he was a descendant of David, which made his wickedness even worse. The letter listed Jehoram’s sins: he turned away from the good example of his father and grandfather, followed the evil ways of Ahab’s family, led the people into idolatry, and killed his own brothers because they were better than him (2 Chronicles 21:12-13 ). Elijah warned that these sins would bring God’s judgment.

v. 14-15: The letter said that God would punish Jehoram by bringing disaster on his kingdom, his family, and his own health. Jehoram would suffer a painful and deadly disease in his bowels (2 Chronicles 21:14-15 ). God gave this warning so Jehoram could repent, but he did not listen.

v. 16-17: God allowed Jehoram’s enemies to attack. The Philistines and Arabians invaded, took away all the treasures from his house, and carried off his wives and sons (2 Chronicles 21:16-17 ). Only his youngest son was left alive. This was a direct result of Jehoram’s violence against his own brothers. God’s judgment was clear and personal.

v. 18-19: Jehoram was struck with a terrible disease in his bowels. The sickness lasted two years and was very painful. In the end, his bowels fell out and he died in great suffering (2 Chronicles 21:18-19 ). This fulfilled the warning Elijah had given him. His pain was made worse because he had lost his family and wealth.

v. 19-20: When Jehoram died, no one mourned for him. The people did not honor him with a royal funeral or burn spices for him as they did for other kings. He was not buried in the tombs of the kings (2 Chronicles 21:19-20 ). His memory was not respected, and his life ended in disgrace. This shows that those who despise God will be lightly esteemed, even by people who are not very religious themselves.