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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Chronicles 21:12-20

Here we have, I. A warning from God sent to Jehoram by a writing from Elijah the prophet. By this it appears that Jehoram came to the throne, and showed himself what he was before Elijah's translation. It is true we find Elisha attending Jehoshaphat, and described as pouring water on the hands of Elijah, after the story of Elijah's translation (2 Kgs. 3:11); but that might be, and that description might be given of him, while Elijah was yet on earth: and it is certain that that history is put... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 21:12

And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet ,.... Not what was written by him after his ascension to heaven, and from thence came to Jehoram, even seven years after that, as say some Jewish writers F26 Seder Olam Rabba, c. 17. Ganz. Tzemach David, par. 1. fol. 12. 1. A. M. 3050. ; nor was it a writing from another person of the same name in those times, since of such an one we nowhere read; nor from Elisha bearing the name of Elijah, having a double portion of his spirit on... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 21:13

And hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel ,.... Worshipping the calves, and even Baal, with other idols, as they did: and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring, like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab ; meaning spiritual whoredoms or idolatries: and hast also slain thy brethren of thy father's house, which were better than thyself ; more religious, more humane, more prudent, and fitter for government. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 21:14

Behold, with a great plague will the Lord smite thy people ,.... They going into the same idolatry with himself willingly, at least great part of them, and therefore deserved to be smitten, and which would be a punishment to him: and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods ; which should be carried captive, as the event shows. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 21:15

And thou shalt have great sickness by disease of thy bowels ,.... Which was a just retaliation to him, for having no bowels of compassion on his brethren whom he slew: until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day ; that continuing day after day, and even year after year, the space of two years, as appears from 2 Chronicles 21:19 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Chronicles 21:12

There came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet - From 2 Kings 2:11 , it is evident that Elijah had been translated in the reign of Jehoshaphat, the father of Jehoram. How then could he send a letter to the son? Some say he sent it from heaven by an angel; others, that by the spirit of prophecy he foresaw this defection of Jehoram, and left the letter with Elisha, to be sent to him when this defection should take place; others say that Elijah is put here for Elisha;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Chronicles 21:14

Will the Lord smite - "The Word of the Lord will send a great mortality." - Targum. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Chronicles 21:15

Until thy bowels fall out - This must have been occasioned by a violent inflammation: by the same death perished Antiochus Epiphanes, and Herod Agrippa. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Chronicles 21:1-20

A reign of unmitigated shame. To the career of Jehoshaphat of almost exemplary excellence, that of Jehoram, his son, forms a contrast most humiliating. Obviously it is not the least painful feature of this latter that it so inevitably forces into our memory the parental fault, which, if it were not the cause and very foundation of an eldest son s abandoned character and course of conduct, could not fail to have given opportunity for it, and could not fail to incur the responsibility before... read more

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