“He was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired: howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchers of the kings.”– 2 Chronicles 21:20 (KJV)
“He was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for eight years. But he died without anyone’s regret. They buried him in the City of David, but not in the royal cemetery.”– 2 Chronicles 21:20 (NLT)
“He was 32 years old when he became king, and he ruled for eight years in Jerusalem. He died unloved, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the royal tombs.”– 2 Chronicles 21:20 (MSG)
What Does 2 Chronicles 21:20 Mean?
To comprehend the meaning of 2 Chronicles 21:20, we must look deeper into the life of King Jehoram, who is the central figure in this passage. Jehoram, the son of King Jehoshaphat, was the king of Judah during a time of great turmoil and moral decline. His story is one of aspirations, failures, and the crucial importance of obedience to God. When we reflect upon this verse, we see a stark picture: a young man who, despite being placed in a position of power and authority, ends up leading a life that is ultimately unsatisfactory and devoid of legacy.
As Jehoram ascended to the throne at the age of thirty-two, he had the potential to continue the legacy of his father, King Jehoshaphat, known for his devotion to God and the prosperity during his reign. However, Jehoram chose a different path. He quickly fell into the Practices of idolatry, marrying Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and promoting Baal worship in Judah. His reign was marked by conflict and strife, both internally within his family and externally against neighboring nations. The mention of his death ‘without being desired’ suggests that his leadership was largely unsuccessful and unremarkable. It paints a picture of a king whose rule left a bitter taste in the mouths of his people.
2 Chronicles 21:20 Explanation and Commentary
The commentary on this verse can be approached by examining Jehoram’s reign and the implications of his choices. Living in a sinful society greatly influenced his decisions as king. Instead of choosing to honor his father’s faith and commitment to God, Jehoram surrounded himself with those who encouraged idolatry and immorality. This decision had lasting repercussions, as it set a course for Judah that ultimately led to its downfall. The text highlights how his reign was just eight years long, a relatively short period in comparison to other kings. This signifies that his time on the throne was marred by discord and failure.
Furthermore, Jehoram’s lack of regard among his people is incredibly telling. The passage states that he departed ‘without being desired.’ This phrase indicates that he was not respected or mourned by those whom he ruled. In contrast, many kings before him and after him had loyal subjects and were revered even in death. His life and rule serve as a cautionary tale for us. We need to consider how our actions and choices reflect both our relationship with God and how we are perceived by others.
As we unpack this further, we realize that Jehoram ultimately chose the path of evil, leading to his tragic demise that is devoid of honor. His story beckons us to reflect upon our own lives; are we choosing the way that brings honor to God? As we navigate the various decisions we face in our daily lives, may we take lessons from Jehoram to heart, striving to seek God’s wisdom over our own understanding.
Context of 2 Chronicles 21:20
To fully grasp 2 Chronicles 21:20, we must delve into the historical context of Judah during Jehoram’s reign. After the death of King Jehoshaphat, who was a good king and devoted to God, Jehoram took over at a crucial moment. The kingdom of Judah had a rich history of faith centered around the worship of Yahweh. Jehoram had the opportunity to uphold this standard, ensuring that his people remained faithful and obedient to God.
However, the prior alliances formed through marriages, particularly the one he had with Athaliah, shifted the focus from worshiping God to the practices of idolatry introduced by the house of Ahab. As a result, Jehoram led the nation away from God, causing turmoil among the Israelites. This context showcases the struggle between good and evil: the temptation to seek alliances through ungodly means versus standing firm in faith and God’s directives. Each decision we make, whether large or small, can significantly affect our lives and those around us.
It’s essential to recognize that Jehoram’s reign was not isolated. It was part of a larger narrative within the biblical history of kings in Israel and Judah. The Israelites were called to remain distinct among the nations, to be a shining light as an example of submission and devotion to God. Jehoram’s unfaithfulness not only led to personal failure but also had lasting effects on the identity and direction of the kingdom.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 2 Chronicles 21:20
In the first part of the verse, we learn about Jehoram’s age and length of reign. At thirty-two years of age, he was at a pivotal moment in his life where leadership could forge a significant impact. Nevertheless, he reigned for only eight years which speaks volumes about the nature of his leadership.
Next, the phrase ‘departed without being desired’ reveals a profound truth about his relationship with his people. Jehoram’s kingship was largely characterized by negative sentiment. The reasons for this despising could range from his unwise decisions, promotion of idolatry, or disregard for the faithful worship of Yahweh. This absence of respect illustrates the disconnect between a king and his people when they stray from righteous paths.
The latter part of the passage, which refers to his burial, is equally significant. Although Jehoram was buried in the city of David, he was not honored with a place among the kings. Being excluded from the royal sepulchers indicates that he was seen as unworthy of such veneration; his legacy tarnished by the heartbreak and disappointment during his reign.
Lessons to Learn From 2 Chronicles 21:20
From examining Jehoram’s life and reign, we can identify some crucial lessons to carry into our own lives. One primary lesson is the importance of our choices. Each of us stands at a crossroads of decisions daily. We can choose paths aligned with our values or those that lead us into darkness. We must recognize that our choices not only impact our own lives but also affect those around us. With every decision, we are either building a legacy of honor or one of regret.
Another valuable lesson is the significance of being connected to our community. It is essential to nurture relationships and identify with those we lead and serve. Jehoram’s disconnection ultimately resulted in his unceremonious departure from life. We should strive to remain engaged, cultivating friendships, and investing in our communities. This connection creates a sense of belonging and respect, enabling us to uplift others.
Lastly, the passage teaches us about accountability. Jehoram was held responsible for his actions, leading Judah astray. We too must be aware that our actions have repercussions in our personal lives and beyond. Practicing integrity and aligning our lives with the teachings of the Bible ensures we leave behind positive legacies—a legacy that reflects divine love and truth to those who come after us.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 21:20 serves as a thoughtful reminder of the implications of our decisions and the legacy we leave behind. Jehoram’s life reflects the reality of turning away from God’s truth and the resulting struggles that follow. Remembering that our lives are interconnected with others, we need to choose wisely and tread the path of righteousness. Embracing faith, community, and accountability can lead us to a life that truly honors God.
We encourage you to explore more about various kings and biblical stories that shape our understanding of faith and character. For example, one of the lessons we can learn about God’s faithfulness in Israel can be seen in 1 Chronicles 16:41. We can also explore the importance of guidance in decision-making from 1 Chronicles 16:38. Remember, our journey in faith requires continuous learning and growth in the word of God.