2 Chronicles 21:1-7

content/bible_journal/2chronicles/21:1-7.md

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+title = "2 Chronicles 21:1–7"
+date = "2025-03-05"
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+
+### [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.
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+* * *
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+Be our Guide and our King over and above all human authority.