Jehoram’s Reign: A Coptic Orthodox Examination of 2 Chronicles 21
Executive Summary ✨
2 Chronicles 21 details the tragically wicked reign of Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. Departing drastically from his father’s righteous example, Jehoram embraced idolatry, murdered his brothers, and plunged Judah into moral decay. This chapter serves as a stark warning against the dangers of compromise and the devastating consequences of turning away from God. The land suffers under his rule with invasions, pestilence, and internal strife, all culminating in a gruesome and premature death. This passage underscores the importance of unwavering faithfulness and serves as a powerful lesson applicable to our lives today: choosing righteousness over worldly power and fleeting pleasure. We can learn from Jehoram’s failures and strive to live a life pleasing to God, avoiding the pitfalls of idolatry and unrepentant sin. Reflecting on Jehoram’s Reign compels us towards introspection, repentance, and a renewed commitment to our faith, drawing strength from the sacraments and traditions of the Coptic Orthodox Church. This passage is a potent reminder of the enduring consequences of our choices.
Jehoram’s Reign is a cautionary tale woven into the fabric of 2 Chronicles 21. This chapter reveals the depth of his depravity and the breadth of God’s judgment. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we can examine his actions to learn invaluable lessons about faithfulness, obedience, and the consequences of straying from God’s path.
Commentary Sections 📖
2 Chronicles 21:1-3 – Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat
(KJV) 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. And he had brethren the sons of Jehoshaphat, Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and Azariahu, and Michael, and Shephatiah: all these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel. 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.
Jehoshaphat’s death marks a transition, but also a tragic turning point. Jehoshaphat, despite some flaws, sought God. His son, Jehoram, immediately demonstrates a different spirit. The mention of gifts and fenced cities given to Jehoram’s brothers highlights the political stability Jehoshaphat maintained, yet also foreshadows the imminent fratricide. It’s vital to understand that earthly inheritance means nothing without spiritual inheritance. We see the early seeds of conflict sown within the royal family. We can apply this to our own lives by recognizing the potential for conflict arising from material possessions and the importance of seeking reconciliation and brotherly love. May we be mindful of the temptations that can arise from worldly possessions, and strive for spiritual growth. When facing these challenges in our communities, we can seek assistance through religious directory listings to find trusted leaders and resources.
2 Chronicles 21:4 – Jehoram Murders His Brothers
(KJV) 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.
This verse is a horrifying testament to Jehoram’s wickedness. To secure his reign, he murders his brothers and other princes, demonstrating ruthless ambition. This act is a direct violation of God’s commandments and a complete departure from the godly example of his father. St. Basil the Great writes, “τὸ γὰρ μὴ ἔχειν ἔλεον, ἀγριότης ἐστὶ καὶ θηριωδία” (to gar mē echein eleon, agriotēs esti kai thēriōdia – For to have no mercy is savagery and brutality) (Basil, Homilia in Ps. 44, PG 29:409). This act foreshadows the judgment that will fall upon him. Spiritually, this reminds us of the ever-present temptation to prioritize worldly power over righteousness. In our lives, we must guard against the temptation to compromise our values for personal gain. We are called to brotherly love, not fratricide, both literally and figuratively. We must be mindful of our intentions and actions, always striving to act with compassion and justice, reflecting Christ’s love in all we do.
2 Chronicles 21:5-7 – Jehoram’s Idolatry and God’s Covenant
(KJV) Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. 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. 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.
Jehoram’s reign, though short, was marked by profound apostasy. His marriage to Ahab’s daughter, Athaliah, proves disastrous, leading him to embrace the idolatrous practices of the Northern Kingdom. He “wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord,” actively promoting the worship of Baal. God’s mercy, however, is evident in His restraint. Despite Jehoram’s wickedness, God remembers His covenant with David, delaying judgment. This verse highlights the enduring nature of God’s promises, even in the face of human failure. We must always strive to remain faithful to God’s covenant, repenting when we fall short. This speaks to God’s persistent grace, even when we are undeserving. St. Athanasius notes, “Οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστρεψεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ἀλλὰ ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ.” (Ou gar apestrepsen ho Theos to prosōpon autou apo tōn anthrōpōn, alla edōken autois ton huion autou. – For God did not turn his face away from humanity, but gave them His Son.) (Athanasius, *De Incarnatione*, PG 25:104). Despite our failings, God’s love and provision endure. Consider this when struggling to stay on God’s path.
2 Chronicles 21:8-11 – Edom and Libnah Revolt; Jehoram’s Influence
(KJV) In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king. 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. 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. Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah thereto.
The revolts of Edom and Libnah are direct consequences of Jehoram’s apostasy. His weakness emboldens these nations to break free from Judah’s control. He makes “high places in the mountains of Judah” and “compelled Judah thereto,” actively leading his people astray. The environmental setting—mountains dedicated to pagan worship—highlights the pervasive nature of his idolatry. This symbolizes the corruption of both the land and the people. We must be wary of those who would lead us away from the true faith and recognize the interconnectedness of our spiritual state and the world around us. Jehoram’s actions created a domino effect of rebellion and moral decay. We too have the ability to influence those around us for good or for ill.
2 Chronicles 21:12-15 – Elijah’s Prophecy and the Plague
(KJV) 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, 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: Behold, with a great plague will the Lord smite thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods: And thou shalt have great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day.
The arrival of a letter from Elijah, even though Elijah’s ministry was primarily in the Northern Kingdom, serves as a powerful rebuke to Jehoram. This letter lists his sins, emphasizing the contrast between his wickedness and the righteousness of his predecessors. It also foretells the specific judgments that will come upon him and his people: a great plague, the loss of his family, and a gruesome disease. This prophecy underscores the certainty of God’s judgment upon unrepentant sin. This calls to mind the concept of divine retribution. We must heed the warnings of Scripture and the Church Fathers, turning away from sin and embracing repentance. Let us reflect on the words of St. Cyril of Alexandria: “οὐ γὰρ παρ’ ἄλλην τινὰ αἰτίαν ἡμῖν τὰ δεινὰ ἐπάγεται, ἀλλ’ ἢ παρὰ τὴν τῶν πεπλημμελημένων ῥᾳθυμίαν.” (ou gar par’ allēn tina aitian hēmin ta deina epagetai, all’ ē para tēn tōn peplēmmelēmenōn rhaithymian. – For no other cause brings evils upon us except the carelessness concerning our sins.) (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Isaiah* 3.8, PG 70:633). God’s judgment, though severe, is always just and righteous. This serves as a profound warning to us all.
2 Chronicles 21:16-19 – The Philistines and Arabians Invade; Jehoram’s Disease
(KJV) Moreover the Lord stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that were near the Ethiopians: 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. And after all this the Lord smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease. 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.
The fulfillment of Elijah’s prophecy begins to unfold. God uses the Philistines and Arabians to plunder Judah and carry away Jehoram’s family. This invasion highlights the vulnerability of a nation that has forsaken God. The text describes the devastating nature of the disease, culminating in his gruesome death. The fact that “his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers” speaks to the lack of respect and honor he commanded in his final days. There is no mention of mourning and funeral pyre, highlighting the complete rejection of his reign by the people. This underscores the importance of living a life worthy of honor and respect. We must strive to leave a legacy of righteousness, not one of wickedness and destruction. The physical ailment mirrors the spiritual illness afflicting Jehoram and the land.
2 Chronicles 21:20 – Jehoram’s Death and Lack of Honor
(KJV) 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.
Jehoram’s reign ends with ignominy. He “departed without being desired,” indicating that his death was met with indifference, if not relief. The fact that he was buried in the city of David, “but not in the sepulchres of the kings,” further underscores his disgrace. His life serves as a cautionary tale about the futility of seeking worldly power at the expense of spiritual integrity. The finality of death is a sobering reminder that only our relationship with God truly matters. Let us be reminded of St. Macarius the Great’s words: “Οὐδὲν οὕτως ἀναπαύει τὸν Θεὸν ὡς τὸ ἑαυτὸν ταπεινοφρονεῖν.” (Ouden houtōs anapauuei ton Theon hōs to heauton tapeinophronin. – Nothing so pleases God as humility.) (Macarius the Great, *Homily* 11.4, PG 34:545). Humility and faithfulness are the keys to a life pleasing to God. This life of faithfulness is how we can depart this world in peace, with the hope of eternal life.
Subtopic Sections
Here are some key reflections and teachings from 2 Chronicles 21:
- The Consequences of Apostasy: Jehoram’s reign demonstrates the devastating consequences of turning away from God and embracing idolatry. This leads to both personal and national disaster.
- The Importance of Righteous Leadership: The contrast between Jehoshaphat and Jehoram highlights the importance of righteous leadership in guiding a nation. A leader’s choices can have a profound impact on the spiritual and moral well-being of the people.
- The Enduring Nature of God’s Covenant: Despite Jehoram’s wickedness, God remembers His covenant with David, demonstrating His faithfulness even in the face of human failure.
- The Certainty of Divine Judgment: Elijah’s prophecy and its fulfillment underscore the certainty of God’s judgment upon unrepentant sin.
- The Significance of Legacy: Jehoram’s ignominious death serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life worthy of honor and respect, leaving a legacy of righteousness rather than wickedness.
- The Power of Influence: Jehoram influenced his people towards idol worship, demonstrating the powerful ripple effects of our decisions. We should use our influence to lead others toward Christ.
FAQ ❓
Here are some frequently asked questions about 2 Chronicles 21:
Q: Why did God allow Jehoram to reign even though he was wicked?
A: God, in His sovereignty, sometimes allows wicked rulers to reign, either as a judgment upon the people or as a test of their faith. In Jehoram’s case, God also remembered His covenant with David, delaying the full extent of His judgment. Ultimately, even through wicked rulers, God’s purposes will prevail.
Q: What is the significance of Elijah’s letter to Jehoram?
A: The letter from Elijah served as a direct prophetic rebuke to Jehoram, highlighting his sins and foretelling the judgments that would come upon him and his people. It was a clear warning and call to repentance, demonstrating God’s mercy even in the face of impending judgment.
Q: How does 2 Chronicles 21 apply to Christians today?
A: 2 Chronicles 21 serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of compromise and the importance of unwavering faithfulness to God. It calls us to examine our own lives, repent of any sin, and strive to live a life pleasing to God, resisting the temptations of worldly power and fleeting pleasure. The lesson here is always stand firm in faith.
Q: What can we learn from Jehoram’s death?
A: Jehoram’s death highlights the importance of living a life worthy of honor and respect, both in the eyes of God and man. His ignominious end serves as a stark warning against the futility of seeking worldly power and pleasure at the expense of spiritual integrity. A positive relationship with God will always supersede any material wealth.
Conclusion
Jehoram’s Reign, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 21, is a sobering narrative of apostasy, judgment, and the enduring consequences of unrighteous leadership. Jehoram’s Reign serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of unwavering faithfulness to God and the devastating effects of turning away from His commandments. His choices, marked by idolatry and violence, led to personal suffering and national turmoil. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we can draw profound spiritual lessons from this passage, recognizing the dangers of compromise, the certainty of divine justice, and the need for constant vigilance in our spiritual lives. Let us be inspired to emulate the righteousness of those who came before us, and to avoid the pitfalls of pride, ambition, and disobedience. This story reminds us to seek God’s wisdom and guidance in all our decisions, striving to live a life pleasing to Him, and leaving a legacy of righteousness for future generations. May we remember the lessons of 2 Chronicles 21, and remain steadfast in our faith, guided by the teachings of the Church and the example of the saints.