Because the wicked live ever in fear, and also are ambitious, they become cruel, and spare not to murder them, whom by nature they ought most to cherish and defend. Meaning, of Judah and Benjamin. Cross references: : 2 Kings 8:16
Historical and theological verse study from Second Book of Chronicles, Chapter 21.
Apply the spiritual lesson of 2 Chronicles 21:4 through prayerful reflection and faithful obedience.
“Gracious Father, write the truth of 2 Chronicles 21:4 upon my heart by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.”
“Surrexit ergo Joram super regnum patris sui : cumque se confirmasset, occidit omnes fratres suos gladio, et quosdam de principibus Israël.”
“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.”
“When Jehoram had established himself over his father’s kingdom, he strengthened himself by putting to the sword all his brothers along with some of the princes of Israel.”
“Now when Jehoram had risen up over the kingdom of his father, and had strengthened himself, he killed all his brothers with the sword, and also some of the princes of Israel.”
“Now when Jehoram was risen up over the kingdom of his father, and had strengthened himself, he slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.”
Because the wicked live ever in fear, and also are ambitious, they become cruel, and spare not to murder them, whom by nature they ought most to cherish and defend. Meaning, of Judah and Benjamin. Cross references: : 2 Kings 8:16
Sword. This cruel policy (Haydock) has been very common in the East. (Calmet) — Israel. They had perhaps opposed his impious plans, animated by his brethren. God presently chastised him with the rebellion of Idumea; and though Joram gained a victory over Seir, (4 Kings viii. 21.) he was not able to reduce the nation, being called off by other wars, ver. 16. His own subjects at Lobna, a Levitical city in Juda, also abandoned him. Dreadful evils were denounced in a letter from the prophet Elias, who had been translated to paradise nine years before, and at last the honours of sepulture were denied to the wicked king. (Tirinus)
Verses 1-11 Jehoram hated his brethren, and slew them, for the same reason that Cain hated Abel, and slew him, because their piety condemned his impiety. In the mystery of Providence such men sometimes prosper for a time; but the Lord has righteous purposes in permitting such events, part of which may now be made out, and the rest will be seen hereafter.
“And Cain said to Abel his brother: Let us go forth abroad. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and slew him.”