2 Chronicles 21 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

2 Chronicles 21 Short Summary:

Wicked King Jehoram ascends to the throne of Judah in 2 Chronicles 21. He did not follow in the righteous footsteps of his father Jehoshaphat but introduced all kings of wickedness to God’s people. During his reign God permitted the Arabians and the Philistines to plunder Jerusalem. God punished Jehoram with a bowel disease that eventually killed him.

2 Chronicles 21 Extended Summary

WHEN:

• Jehoram reigned over Judah for 8 years. His reign fits within the years of 895-885 B.C.

KEY CHARACTERS:

• Jehoshaphat – King of Judah for 25 years.

• Jehoram (Joram) of Judah – Son of Jehoshaphat. He took the throne of Judah after his father’s death.

• Elijah – God’s prophet who was sent to rebuke Jehoram.

• Jehoahaz (Amaziah) – The only surviving son of Jehoram. He is called Amaziah in 2 Chronicles 22.

WHERE:

• Jerusalem – Jehoram reigned over Judah from Jerusalem for 8 years.

• Edom – The land of Edom was south of Judah and south of the Dead Sea.

OUTLINE:

• JEHORAM’S REIGN IN JUDAH (21:1-11):

  • Jehoshaphat died and left the throne of Judah to his oldest son, Jehoram.

  • When Jehoram became king at 32 years old, he killed all his other brothers, probably to eliminate any potential competition for the throne.

  • Jehoram was evil like the kings of Israel. He was married to a daughter of Ahab, one of Israel’s most wicked kings. He “did what was evil in the sight of the Lord” (21:6).

  • On account of his evil, God caused the people of Edom to rebel against Judah.

  • Jehoram set up “high places” (unauthorized places of worship) and led his people into “whoredom.” This may refer to physical sexual immorality or perhaps to worship of idols, which was considered spiritual whoredom (see Lev 20:5; and Eze 6:9). Probably both!

• GOD’S JUDGEMENT ON JEHORAM (21:12-20):

  • The prophet Elijah sent a letter to Jehoram which included a rebuke and a prophecy.

  • The letter contained a list Jehoram’s evil deeds.

  • Elijah said Jehoram’s brothers, who he had murdered, were all better men than him.

  • Elijah compared Jehoram to Ahab.

  • The letter foretold God’s punishment on Jehoram for his evil. Elijah prophesied that God would send a plague on the people, and Jehoram would contract a disease of the bowels, which would eventually kill him.  

  • God stirred up the Philistines and Arabians and they invaded Judah. They pillaged Jerusalem and took all of Jehoram’s wives and children, all except one, his youngest son, Jehoahaz (Amaziah; 2 Chronicles 22:1).  

  • As had been prophesied, Jehoram became sick with a bowel disease. In his eighth year as king, “his bowels came out because of the disease, and he died in great agony” (21:19).

  • “He departed with no one’s regret” (21:20).
    

APPLICATION:

• There’s a reason leaders in the Church are never to be appointed based on birthright, family relationships, or the popular vote.

• Jehoshaphat made a terrible mistake in giving Jehoram the throne just because he was the firstborn.

• Chapters like 2 Chronicles 21 reveal the wisdom of God’s qualifications for elders (see the books of Timothy and Titus in the New Testament).

• Nepotism and birthright have no vote when it comes to selecting elders. An elder is selected based on his character, godliness, and life of service.

• God sets a very high bar for His leaders because it is absolutely necessary to protect the Church.