2 Chron. 21. Jehoram is made king, and slayeth his brethren, 2 Chron. 21:1–4. His wicked reign, 2 Chron. 21:5–7. Edom and Libnah revolt 2 Chron. 21:8–11. The prophecy of Elijah against him in writing, 2 Chron. 21:12–15.

Azariah; two sons called by the same name, though doubtless distinguished by some additional title, which is not mentioned here, because it did not concern succeeding ages to know it.

Whom he conceived that he ought to prefer by virtue of that law of God, Deut. 21:15, though otherwise he would not have done it, having probably ere this time perceived his perverse and wicked inclinations, and how much he was swayed by his idolatrous wife. Now he saw his error when it was too late.

He strengthened himself; he took courage and hardened his heart, as that word sometimes signifies. Slew all his brethren with the sword; partly because they either did, or he knew that they would, oppose him in his wicked designs; and partly for his own security, lest his people, who, as he…

Of this, and 2 Chron. 21:6–10, See Poole “2 Kings 8:17”.

Because of the covenant that he had made with David; for which, in 2 Kings 8:19, it is for David his servant’s sake, i.e. not for David’s merits, but for God’s free promise and covenant, as it is here explained.

To wit, publicly and avowedly, setting him at defiance, as the next verse shows. And this is mentioned, either, 1. As the reason why the priests, whose city Libnah was, forsook him, because he had forsaken God; or rather, 2.

He made high places; not to the Lord, whose sworn enemy he was, but to Baals, or false gods. Caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication; not only by his counsel and example, but, as it follows, by force, by threats and penalties.

There came a writing to him from Elijah. Quest. How could this be, when Elijah was rapt up to heaven in Jehoshaphat’s time, 2 Kings 2:3, 2 Kings 2:11. Answ. Either, 1.

More innocent, and righteous, and pious.

The Lord will smite thy people. Quest. Why the people for his sin? Answ. 1. Because the generality of them sinned in complying with his wicked and idolatrous commands through fear, 2 Chron. 21:11. 2.

i.e. From day to day continually. Or, year upon year, i.e. one year after another, or for the space of two years, as the event shows, 2 Chron. 21:19. Heb. days upon days. Days are oft put for a year, as Ex. 13:10, Lev. 25:29, Num. 9:22, Judg. 17:10, 1 Sam. 1:3, 1 Sam. 27:7, Amos 4:4.

The Philistines; a people fully subdued and dispirited; but God now raiseth their spirits and courage to do his work. Near the Ethiopians, Heb. near the Cushites, i.e.

His sons also and his wives; whom also they slew, 2 Chron. 22:1, except Ahaziah and Athaliah, who possibly were hidden in some secret and safe place. Jehoahaz; called also Ahaziah, which signifies the very same thing with Jehoahaz; and Azariah, 2 Chron.

Departed, Heb. went, to wit, the way of all the earth, as it is more fully expressed, Josh. 23:14. Or, to the land of darkness, as Job 10:21–22. Or, to his long home, Eccles. 12:5. Or, went away, to wit, out of this world; as this word is used, Job 14:20, Eccles. 5:15, Eccles.