FocusReform and rebellion
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The sequence of reigns repeatedly connects the kings' choices with the condition of the people and temple worship.
interpretation 2 Chronicles 21:7
KJVHowbeit 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.
Read it in context
Jehoram Reigns in Judah
Start reading at 2 Chronicles 21:1 (2 Chronicles 21:1 to 2 Chronicles 21:7).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The sequence of reigns repeatedly connects the kings' choices with the condition of the people and temple worship.
- 21:1 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.
- 21:2 And he had brethren the sons of Jehoshaphat, Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and Azariah, and Michael, and Shephatiah: all these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel.
- 21:3 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.
- 21:4 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.
- 21:5 Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.
- 21:6 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.
- 21:7 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Ezra is the traditional Jewish attribution, while the final compiler is not known with certainty. First and Second Chronicles are parts of the same historical work. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Chronicles 21:1–23:21): Judah's royal households, Athaliah, Jehoshabeath, Jehoiada, the guards, and the covenant assembly are involved in the crises of succession and Joash's enthronement. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Jewish community after exile, especially those concerned with the temple, worship, the Davidic kings, and the call to return and rebuild. Biblical references: 2 Chronicles 36:20; 2 Chronicles 36:22; 2 Chronicles 36:23. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Jehoram Reigns in Judah. Read 2 Chronicles 21:1 through 2 Chronicles 21:7 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The sequence of reigns repeatedly connects the kings' choices with the condition of the people and temple worship. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account moves from Solomon's reign through the kings of Judah, Jerusalem's fall, and Cyrus' proclamation. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Jerusalem and its temple are central, with episodes in other parts of Judah and neighboring kingdoms and a closing reference to Persia. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jehoram Reigns in Judah (2 Chronicles 21:1 to 2 Chronicles 21:7). Start reading at 2 Chronicles 21:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The Davidic kingship and temple history form part of the setting for the New Testament's account of Jesus. Matthew's genealogy places several of these kings in that line. See 2 Chronicles 7:18, Matthew 1:6, Matthew 1:7, Matthew 1:16. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to the connection between worship and conduct. Promises given to Solomon concerning this temple and people should retain their stated setting and conditions when used in later exhortation. interpretation
Cited: 2 Chronicles 21:1, 2 Chronicles 21:7, 2 Chronicles 7:18, Matthew 1:6, Matthew 1:7, Matthew 1:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Ezra (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. It closes with the decree of Cyrus.
2 Chronicles 36:22
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) names Ezra.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated.
Related passages
- Howbeit 2 Chr 22:11 Isa 7:6-7
- because 2 Sam 23:5 Ps 89:28-34,39 Jer 33:20-26
- as he promised 2 Sam 7:12-17 1 Kgs 11:13,36 2 Kgs 8:19 Ps 132:11,17-18 Luke 1:69,79
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 2 Chronicles 21
Second Chronicles follows Solomon and the kings of Judah, emphasizing the temple, worship, and responses to prophetic warning. The closing proclamation of Cyrus points beyond exile toward return. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
2 Chronicles 7:12 2 Chronicles 36:15 2 Chronicles 36:22
Edom and Libnah Rebel
2 Chronicles 21:8–11FocusReform and rebellion
Connection to the wholeThe sequence of reigns repeatedly connects the kings' choices with the condition of the people and temple worship.
interpretation Elijah’s Letter to Jehoram
2 Chronicles 21:12–15FocusReform and rebellion
Connection to the wholeThe sequence of reigns repeatedly connects the kings' choices with the condition of the people and temple worship.
interpretation Jehoram’s Disease and Death
2 Chronicles 21:16–20FocusReform and rebellion
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The sequence of reigns repeatedly connects the kings' choices with the condition of the people and temple worship.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 2 Chronicles
Second Chronicles follows Solomon and the kings of Judah, emphasizing the temple, worship, and responses to prophetic warning. The closing proclamation of Cyrus points beyond exile toward return.
2 Chronicles 7:12 2 Chronicles 36:15 2 Chronicles 36:22
Solomon and the temple
2 Chronicles 1:1–9:31FocusWisdom, dedication, and royal glory
Connection to the wholeThe temple's construction and dedication stand at the center of the account of Solomon's reign.
interpretation Judah after the division
2 Chronicles 10:1–20:37FocusFaithfulness tested in leadership
Connection to the wholeThe early kings of Judah are portrayed through worship, conflict, reform, and responses to the LORD.
interpretation FocusReform and rebellion
Connection to the wholeThe sequence of reigns repeatedly connects the kings' choices with the condition of the people and temple worship.
interpretation Hezekiah and Josiah's reforms
2 Chronicles 29:1–35:27FocusRestoring worship amid unfaithfulness
Connection to the wholeMajor reforms are set beside the sins of intervening reigns, preserving the tension between renewal and approaching judgment.
interpretation The end of the kingdom and Cyrus' decree
2 Chronicles 36:1–23FocusExile and permission to return
Connection to the wholeJerusalem's fall is explained in relation to rejected warnings, and Cyrus' proclamation opens the possibility of return and rebuilding.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.