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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Chronicles 21:1-11

We find here, I. That Jehoshaphat was a very careful indulgent father to Jehoram. He had many sons, who are here named (2 Chron. 21:2), and it is said (2 Chron. 21:13) that they were better than Jehoram, had a great deal more wisdom and virtue, and lived up to their education, which he went counter to. They were very hopeful, and any of them more fit for the crown than he; and yet, because he was the first-born (2 Chron. 21:3), his father secured the kingdom to him, and portioned his brethren... read more

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 21:5-11

Jehoram was thirty two years old ,.... Of these verses; see Gill on 2 Kings 8:17 , 2 Kings 8:18 , 2 Kings 8:19 , 2 Kings 8:20 , 2 Kings 8:21 , 2 Kings 8:22 read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 21:11

Moreover, he made high places in the mountains of Judah ,.... Temples and altars for idols, which, being built on mountains, had the name of high places; and these Jehoram made or rebuilt were those which had been pulled down by Asa and Jehoshaphat: and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication ; that is, idolatry, drawing them by his own example to worship Baal, for he did what Ahab and his family did, 2 Chronicles 21:6 , and compelled Judah thereto; the inhabitants of... 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 21:11

To commit fornication - That is, to serve idols. The Israelites were considered as joined to Jehovah as a woman is joined to her husband: when she associates with other men, this is adultery; when they served other gods, this was called by the same name, it was adultery against Jehovah. This is frequently the only meaning of the terms adultery and fornication in the Scriptures. 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

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