Bible Commentaries

-. slept with his fathers. See note on Deuteronomy 31:16; and contrast his ally's end (2 Chronicles 18:34).

-1 Jehoram. He was designated to be king in the seventeenth year of his father, but crowned in his father's twenty-third year. He reigned eight years in Jerusalem: two with his father, and six after his father's death (compare 2 Kings 1:17; 2 Kings 8:16).

Israel. This word was originally represented by the abbreviation (i or y), which was read for "Israel" as well as Judah. The reading in the Severus Codex (see App-34) is "Judah", and this is supported by the first edition of the Hagiographa (Naples, 1486-1487), the Complutensian Polyglot, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate. This same note applies to 2 Chronicles 28:19, where the same phenomena occur.

slew all his brethren. The mischief of his marriage (2 Chronicles 18:1) was thus soon seen. The enemy's design in breaking into the royal line so as to destroy the promises of Genesis 3:15 and 2 Samuel 7:16 is seen. See App-23. Jehoshaphat made the beginning (2 Chronicles 18:1); Jehoram follows it up (2 Chronicles 21:4); the Arabians continue the assault (2 Chronicles 21:17; 2 Chronicles 22:1); Athaliah nearly succeeds in accomplishing the design of Satan (2 Chronicles 22:10).

the daughter of Ahab: i.e. Athaliah. See App-23and App-55.

evil. Hebrew. ra"a". App-44.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

the covenant. Compare 2 Samuel 7:12-17.

as = according as.

a light = a lamp. Compare 1 Kings 15:4; 1 Kings 11:36. The word always refers to this promise to David.

the Edomites revolted. Thus fulfilling Genesis 27:40. Compare 2 Kings 8:20. 2 Kings 8:9 went forth with his princes. Compare 2 Kings 8:21. They went to Zair.

unto this day. Compare 2 Kings 8:22.

did Libnah revolt. Libnah was a city of the priests (Joshua 21:13). The Temple was broken up (2 Chronicles 24:4, 2 Chronicles 24:7), and the priests combined to dethrone Athaliah, and to restore the worship of Jehovah (2 Chronicles 23:14-17; 2 Chronicles 24:4-11).

mountains. A special various reading called Sevir (App-34), some codices, with one early printed edition, Septuagint, and Vulgate, read "cities".

fornication. Literal as well as spiritual, connected with the worship of the "Asherah (App-42).

compelled. Compare Deuteronomy 4:19.

there came = was brought. Why assume that Elijah then sent it? It might have "come" as Holy Scripture comes to us to-day, though written in the past. It does not say a "letter" (which would be "iggereth, or sepher, a book), but michetab, any writing, written at any time; probably a prophetic writing to be delivered at this particular time.

Elijah. Long since raptured (2Ki 2; Compare 2 Chronicles 3:11). This is the only mention of Elijah in Chronicles.

Behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. .

and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton (App-6) in verses: 2 Chronicles 21:14-15.

children = sons.

spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), for life in its manifestations.

the Philistines. These were tributaries before this (2 Chronicles 17:11).

were near: or were under the direction of.

into Judah. And as far as Jerusalem, which also they took.

his wives. Except Athaliah.

never a son left him. This shows how nearly the plot of the great enemy succeeded in breaking up the royal line. See App-23, and compare note on 2 Chronicles 21:4 above.

Jehoahaz, or Ahaziah (2 Chronicles 22:1), or Azariah (2 Chronicles 22:6). All the same meaning = Jehovah taketh hold. On the various spelling of proper names, sea note on 1 Chronicles 25:11.

no burning: i.e. of spices.

without being desired = unregretted.

slain all the eldest. See note on 2 Chronicles 21:17.