diff --git a/content/bible_journal/2chronicles/21:1-7.md b/content/bible_journal/2chronicles/21:1-7.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a9570af --- /dev/null +++ b/content/bible_journal/2chronicles/21:1-7.md @@ -0,0 +1,29 @@ ++++ +title = "2 Chronicles 21:1–7" +date = "2025-03-05" ++++ + +### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2Chronicles21.1-7) + +After twenty-five years of rule, Jehoshaphat dies, and his firstborn son Jehoram reigns in his place. +In this, Jehoshaphat made a poor choice, because he did not have to give the kingdom to his oldest son. +Solomon was not the oldest son of David, so there was precedent. +(However, Solomon's older brothers disqualified themselves in various ways as well.) +Jehoram had six younger brothers, who were all treated fairly by their father the king. +They all received gold and other precious gifts, as well as fortified cities over which to rule. + +Jehoram killed them all, plus a few princes of Israel for good measure. +We aren't told if there really was a plot to depose him, if he was paranoid about a plot, or if this was pure cynicism and consolidation of power. +In any case, we can reasonably point to the influence of his wife, the daughter of Ahab, as the cause. +From 1 Kings, we learn that Israel had revolving door "dynasties", particularly when Asa ruled Judah. +It reads like a tradition, almost, that the king of Israel would be killed by a challenger, along with his whole family. +The new king would reign for a time, and then the cycle would repeat. + +Besides the murder of his brothers, Jehoram also walked in the idolatry of his wife's family. +We aren't told explicitly, but it is nearly certain that the people of Judah followed him in it because the attitudes and practices of leaders have such great influence over their people. +Despite this wickedness, the Lord remembered his promise to David that his house would be established forever. +But things get worse for the kingdom of Judah before they get better. + +* * * + +Be our Guide and our King over and above all human authority.