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2 Chronicles 33:11
Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.

1 Samuel 26:19
Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but ifthey be the children of men, cursedbe they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods.

2 Samuel 24:1
And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.

Philistines

2 Chronicles 17:11
Alsosome of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.

the spirit of the Philistines and Arabs
The Philistines and Arabs were long-standing adversaries of Israel and Judah. The Philistines, known for their conflicts with Israel during the time of the Judges and King David, were a coastal people with significant military prowess. The Arabs, likely referring to nomadic tribes in the Arabian Peninsula, had interactions with Israel and Judah throughout their history. The mention of their "spirit" being stirred suggests a divinely orchestrated motivation to act against Jehoram, highlighting God's control over even the hearts and intentions of nations (Proverbs 21:1).

who lived near the Cushites
The Cushites, often associated with the region south of Egypt, possibly modern-day Sudan, were known for their distinct culture and interactions with the ancient Near East. The geographical reference to those "who lived near the Cushites" suggests a specific group of Arabs who were in proximity to this region, indicating the broad reach of Jehoram's adversaries. This detail underscores the extent of the threat against Judah, as it involved not only local enemies but also those from more distant lands. The inclusion of the Cushites may also serve to remind readers of the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the widespread influence of God's actions.

“Then the LORD stirred …” (2 Chronicles 21:16)

• Scripture often shows the LORD actively moving hearts to accomplish His purposes—whether for blessing or judgment.Ezra 1:1 records that He “stirred the spirit of Cyrus,” while1 Kings 11:14 shows Him raising up adversaries against Solomon.

• God’s sovereignty supersedes human plans;Proverbs 21:1 reminds us that “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases.”

• The verse in 2 Chronicles underscores that this stirring is a direct divine initiative, not mere geopolitical coincidence.

“… against Jehoram …”

• Jehoram of Judah walked in the ways of Ahab (2 Chronicles 21:5–6); he murdered his brothers (v. 4) and led Judah into idolatry (v. 11).

• God had warned that covenant disobedience would invite foreign attack (Deuteronomy 28:25). Here, that warning comes to life.

• Earlier, Jehoshaphat had enjoyed relative peace (2 Chronicles 17:10). Jehoram’s rebellion reverses that blessing, illustratingGalatians 6:7’s truth: “God is not mocked; whatever a man sows, he will reap.”

“… the spirit of the Philistines and Arabs …”

• The Philistines had been subdued under David (2 Samuel 8:1) and largely contained under Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:11). Now, God revives their hostility.

• The Arabs, mentioned earlier in connection with Solomon’s trade (1 Kings 10:15) and later defeated by Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:7), are likewise roused.

• God turning former allies or subdued foes into instruments of discipline mirrorsJudges 2:14, where He “sold them into the hands of their enemies around them.”

“… who lived near the Cushites.”

• These Arabs inhabited regions bordering Cush (modern Ethiopia/Sudan).Isaiah 18:1 andZephaniah 3:10 show Cush as a recognizable southern limit in biblical geography.

• The note about proximity emphasizes how far-reaching God’s influence is; He can mobilize peoples from distant frontiers just as easily as near neighbors.

•Genesis 10:6 lists Cush among Ham’s descendants, reminding readers that God’s plan involves all nations—sometimes as agents of blessing, sometimes of chastening.

2 Chronicles 21:16 presents an unambiguous declaration of God’s sovereign action: He Himself stirs foreign peoples to confront a disobedient king. Jehoram’s sin invites the very judgment Moses had warned of, and the Philistines and Arabs—formerly subdued—become God’s chosen instruments. The verse stands as a sober reminder that the LORD directs history, nations, and hearts, faithfully fulfilling both His promises and His warnings.

The Lord stirred up against Jehoram.--Isaiah 13:17. The phrase, "stirred up the spirit"--i.e., the will--of a man to an undertaking, is found inJeremiah 51:11;Haggai 1:14 (Comp.1Chronicles 5:26;Ezra 1:1.) . . .