Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became kingJehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, ascended to the throne of Judah at the age of thirty-two. This age suggests a level of maturity and experience, as he likely had been involved in the affairs of the kingdom under his father's reign. Jehoshaphat was a king who sought to follow the ways of the Lord, and it is possible that Jehoram was exposed to these teachings. However, Jehoram's reign marked a departure from his father's faithfulness. The age of thirty-two is significant in biblical numerology, often associated with leadership and authority. Jehoram's ascension to the throne was also marked by the elimination of his brothers, which was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern monarchies to secure one's rule, though it was contrary to the covenantal ethics of Israel.
and he reigned in Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, was not only the political center but also the spiritual heart of the nation, housing the Temple built by Solomon. Jehoram's reign in Jerusalem signifies his central role in the leadership of God's chosen people. The city was a symbol of God's presence and covenant with Israel. However, Jehoram's reign was characterized by idolatry and alliances with the northern kingdom of Israel, which led to spiritual decline. This period in Jerusalem's history is marked by a departure from the Davidic covenant, as Jehoram introduced the worship of foreign gods, influenced by his marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel.
eight years
Jehoram's reign lasted eight years, a relatively short period compared to other kings of Judah. The number eight in biblical terms often signifies a new beginning or a new order, but in Jehoram's case, it marked a period of turmoil and decline. His reign was plagued by internal strife, foreign invasions, and divine judgment, as prophesied by Elijah. The brevity of his reign can be seen as a consequence of his unfaithfulness to God, contrasting with the longer, more prosperous reigns of kings who followed the Lord. Jehoram's death was ignominious, and he was not buried in the tombs of the kings, reflecting the negative impact of his rule on the nation of Judah.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JehoramThe son of Jehoshaphat, Jehoram became king of Judah. His reign is marked by a departure from the ways of his father, leading to significant spiritual and political decline.
2.
JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, Jerusalem is the center of religious and political life for the kingdom. It is where Jehoram reigned and made decisions that affected the entire nation.
3.
JehoshaphatThe father of Jehoram, Jehoshaphat was a king who sought to follow the ways of the Lord, contrasting with his son's later actions.
4.
Kingdom of JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which Jehoram ruled. His reign is noted for its negative impact on the spiritual state of the nation.
5.
Reign of Eight YearsJehoram's relatively short reign is significant in the context of the consequences of his actions and the judgment that followed.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Godly LeadershipJehoram's reign serves as a reminder of the impact that leadership can have on a nation. Godly leadership can lead to blessings, while ungodly leadership can bring about decline and judgment.
The Consequences of Departing from GodJehoram's departure from the ways of his father Jehoshaphat illustrates the dangers of turning away from God. His reign resulted in spiritual and political turmoil.
Legacy and InfluenceThe legacy we leave is significant. Jehoram's actions affected not only his immediate family but the entire nation. Our choices can have far-reaching consequences.
The Role of AccountabilityJehoram's account highlights the need for accountability in leadership. Without it, leaders may stray from righteous paths, leading others astray.
The Shortness of Life and ReignJehoram's eight-year reign is a reminder of the brevity of life and the importance of making the most of the time we have to serve God faithfully.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 21:5?
2.How does Jehoram's reign reflect the consequences of departing from God's commandments?
3.What leadership qualities can we learn from Jehoram's eight-year reign in Jerusalem?
4.How does 2 Chronicles 21:5 connect with God's covenant promises to David's lineage?
5.In what ways can we ensure our leadership aligns with biblical principles today?
6.How can Jehoram's story in 2 Chronicles 21:5 warn against ungodly alliances?
7.Why did Jehoram reign for only eight years according to 2 Chronicles 21:5?
8.How does Jehoram's short reign reflect on God's judgment in 2 Chronicles 21:5?
9.What historical evidence supports Jehoram's reign as described in 2 Chronicles 21:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 21?
11.How do we reconcile the timeline of Jehoram’s reign in 2 Chronicles 21 with other biblical records regarding the succession of Judah’s kings?
12.Why does 2 Chronicles 22:2 say Ahaziah was 42 years old when he began to reign, while 2 Kings 8:26 says he was 22?
13.In 2 Kings 8:16–19, how does Jehoram’s reign fit with other biblical accounts that describe conflicting details about Judah’s kings?
14.1 Chronicles 20:5: Why does this text say Elhanan killed Goliath's brother, whereas 2 Samuel 21:19 seems to conflict about who killed Goliath?What Does 2 Chronicles 21:5 Mean
Jehoram was thirty-two years old• Scripture records precise ages because God’s Word deals with real history, not myth (2 Timothy 3:16).
• Thirty-two signals that Jehoram reached full adulthood, old enough to rule yet young enough for vigor (compare Saul at 30 in1 Samuel 13:1; David at 30 in2 Samuel 5:4).
• His age also highlights the contrast with righteous ancestors who began earlier or later and served the Lord faithfully—reminding us that spiritual direction, not age, determines legacy (cf. Josiah at eight,2 Chronicles 34:1-3).
when he became king• God sovereignly allows rulers to ascend (Romans 13:1), even those who later act wickedly (as Jehoram does,2 Chronicles 21:6).
• His accession occurs in the line of David, fulfilling God’s promise that David’s dynasty would endure (2 Samuel 7:12-16), yet showing that individual kings still bear responsibility for obedience (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).
• The royal succession underscores covenant faithfulness: though Jehoram fails, the Lord preserves the throne for Messiah (Psalm 89:30-37).
and he reigned in Jerusalem• Jerusalem is the chosen city where God placed His Name (2 Chronicles 6:6).
• Jehoram’s rule there should have centered on leading the nation in covenant loyalty, especially through temple worship (Deuteronomy 12:5-7).
• Instead, later verses reveal he “led the people astray” (2 Chronicles 21:11); reigning in the holy city heightens his accountability (Luke 12:48).
eight years• A relatively short reign compared with predecessors like Asa (41 years,2 Chronicles 16:13) or Jehoshaphat (25 years,2 Chronicles 20:31), illustratingProverbs 10:27: “The years of the wicked are cut short.”
• During those eight years, his actions brought judgment—Philistines, Arabians, and finally a fatal illness (2 Chronicles 21:16-19)—validatingGalatians 6:7, “Whatever a man sows, he will reap.”
• The brevity also prepares readers for the next generation; God keeps His redemptive plan moving forward despite human failings (Isaiah 46:10-11).
summary2 Chronicles 21:5 provides more than bare chronology. By noting Jehoram’s age, accession, location, and duration, God’s Word anchors the narrative in real time, emphasizes divine sovereignty over leadership, calls attention to covenant responsibility in Jerusalem, and shows how a life’s length reflects moral choices. The verse challenges us to steward our appointed years faithfully, knowing the Lord both ordains our days (Psalm 139:16) and evaluates how we use them (2 Corinthians 5:10).
JEHORAM'S IDOLATRY. THE REVOLT OF EDOM AND LIBNAH(2Chronicles 21:5-11).
This section is parallel with2Kings 8:17-22.
(5)Jehoram was thirty and two years old.--2Kings 8:17, "he was;" because the name had just occurred in the former verse.
Verse 5. -
He reigned eight years. This rejoin dates to begin with the twenty-second or twenty-third year of the reign of his father Jehoshaphat, according to note on ver. 1, above. The parallel of
2 Kings 8:17-21 may be consulted for our vers. 5-11; our vers. 11, 13 expound in clearer detail the "evil" that Jehoram wrought than the narrative of Kings.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Jehoramיְהוֹרָ֣ם(yə·hō·w·rām)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3088:Jehoram -- 'the LORD is exalted', the name of several Israelites[was] thirty-twoשְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים(šə·lō·šîm)Number - common plural
Strong's 7970:Thirty, thirtiethyears oldבֶּן־(ben-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A sonwhen he became king,בְּמָלְכ֑וֹ(bə·mā·lə·ḵōw)Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4427:To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counseland he reignedמָלַ֖ךְ(mā·laḵ)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4427:To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counselin Jerusalemבִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃(bî·rū·šā·lim)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389:Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israeleightוּשְׁמוֹנֶ֣ה(ū·šə·mō·w·neh)Conjunctive waw | Number - feminine singular
Strong's 8083:A cardinal number, eight, eighthyears.שָׁנִ֔ים(šā·nîm)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8141:A year
Links
2 Chronicles 21:5 NIV2 Chronicles 21:5 NLT2 Chronicles 21:5 ESV2 Chronicles 21:5 NASB2 Chronicles 21:5 KJV
2 Chronicles 21:5 BibleApps.com2 Chronicles 21:5 Biblia Paralela2 Chronicles 21:5 Chinese Bible2 Chronicles 21:5 French Bible2 Chronicles 21:5 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Chronicles 21:5 Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)