2 Chronicles 21
-The oldest son of Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, takes control in
Judah after his father’s passing with ruthless and ungodly manner. Jehoshaphat
had left wealth and power to each of his sons, but King Jehoram actually killed
his brothers with the sword along with some of the rulers of Israel that he
must have found threatening to his dominion (2 Chronicles 21:1-4). His reign
was cut short because of his evil nature as he walked in the ways of the kings
of Israel. This was no doubt influenced, as we see in the text, by his wife
Athaliah, a wicked woman who was a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel (2 Chronicles
21:6; 22:2-3). “Yet the LORD was not willing to destroy the house of David
because of the covenant which He had made with David, and since He had promised
to give a lamp to him and his sons forever (2 Chronicles 21:7).”
-Revolts and unrest succeeded Jehoram’s insubordination to
the ways of God in the form of the Edomites from the southeast. Also, Libnah to
the southwest revolted at the same time, “because he had forsaken the LORD God
of his fathers (2 Chronicles 21:8-10).” Further, Jehoram made idolatrous high
places on the mountains of Judah and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to
play the harlot. This led Judah astray in their faith to Yahweh, the true and
living God (2 Chronicles 21:11).
-A letter was sent from the Northern Kingdom, where the
prophet Elijah ministered. Elijah pronounced the word of the LORD pertaining to
the situation (2 Chronicles 21:12-15). Because of Jehoram’s disobedience and
waywardness in killing his own family, who was better than him, and causing
Judah to fall into idolatry, God would strike the king with great calamity in
his physical body in the bowels. The people would also suffer at the word of
the LORD along with the king’s sons and wives in regard to their possessions
and wellbeing. Not only that, but more invasions would occur. The LORD stirred
up the warring spirit of the Philistines and the Arabs who bordered the
Ethiopians to come against Jerusalem and take away the possessions of the
king’s house together with his wives and sons. No son was left except the
youngest, Jehoahaz (or Ahaziah) who would become the next king after the
short-lived and tumultuous life of Jehoram. Just as the prophet predicted,
Jehoram died with an incurable sickness of the bowels in great pain. His people
made no fire for him in honor and respect like they had done for his fathers.
He departed to no one’s regret, buried in the city of David, but NOT in the tombs
of the kings (2 Chronicles 21:16-20).
-*Application* What a sad commentary of a life we see in
this Judean king. When we see material like this, it should motivate us to live
in a worthy manner before the LORD and acknowledge Him in all our ways. If we
are wise, we will see the disastrous consequences of corruption, jealousy,
intrigue, and idolatry. Be fully devoted in heart to the Lord Jesus Christ and
you will escape the corruption that is in the world by lust (2 Peter 1:4).
Verses to Memorize: 2
Chronicles 21:6-7
No comments:
Post a Comment