2 Chronicles 21:10

KJV

So the Edomites revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. The same time [also] did Libnah revolt from under his hand; because he had forsaken the LORD God of his fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

So the Edomites {H123} revolted {H6586} from under the hand {H3027} of Judah {H3063} unto this day {H3117}. The same time {H6256} also did Libnah {H3841} revolt {H6586} from under his hand {H3027}; because he had forsaken {H5800} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of his fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nevertheless, since that day Edom has remained free of Y'hudah's domination. Livnah revolted against him at the same time, because he had abandoned ADONAI the God of his ancestors.

Berean Standard Bible

So to this day Edom has been in rebellion against the hand of Judah. Likewise, Libnah rebelled against his rule at the same time, because Jehoram had forsaken the LORD, the God of his fathers.

American Standard Version

So Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day: then did Libnah revolt at the same time from under his hand, because he had forsaken Jehovah, the God of his fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 21:10 records a pivotal moment in the tumultuous reign of King Jehoram of Judah, detailing the significant revolts of Edom and Libnah. These rebellions are presented not merely as political setbacks but as direct and divinely ordained consequences of Jehoram's profound spiritual apostasy. The verse powerfully illustrates the principle of divine judgment, revealing how a king's unfaithfulness to the Lord God of his fathers directly led to the weakening of his kingdom, demonstrating the tangible repercussions of abandoning God's covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the tragic narrative of King Jehoram's reign, which stands in stark contrast to the righteous and prosperous rule of his father, King Jehoshaphat. The Chronicler meticulously highlights Jehoram's wickedness, including the abhorrent act of murdering his own brothers and adopting the idolatrous practices of the northern kingdom, largely influenced by his marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel ([2 Chronicles 21:4-6](/2_chronicles/21-4-6 "2 Chronicles 21:4-6 - Jehoram's Wicked Reign and Idolatry")). The revolts of Edom and Libnah in [2 Chronicles 21:10](/2_chronicles/21-10 "2 Chronicles 21:10 - Jehoram's Apostasy and Its Consequences") are therefore presented not as isolated political misfortunes but as the inevitable outworking of divine judgment upon a king who "had forsaken the LORD God of his fathers." This sets the stage for Jehoram's subsequent suffering, including a severe illness and an ignominious end, as detailed later in the chapter ([2 Chronicles 21:12-20](/2_chronicles/21-12-20 "2 Chronicles 21:12-20 - Elijah's Letter and Jehoram's Death")). The Chronicler's narrative consistently emphasizes the direct correlation between a king's spiritual fidelity and the nation's well-being.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, located southeast of Judah, shared a complex and often adversarial history with Israel, tracing their lineage back to Esau, Jacob's elder brother. They had been subjugated by King David ([2 Samuel 8:14](/2_samuel/8-14 "2 Samuel 8:14 - David's Conquest of Edom")) and remained under Judah's control, though they had briefly attempted to rebel previously during Jehoshaphat's time ([2 Kings 8:20-22](/2_kings/8-20-22 "2 Kings 8:20-22 - Edom's Previous Revolt")). Their permanent revolt under Jehoram signified a major loss of strategic and economic control for Judah, particularly over vital trade routes to the south. Libnah, conversely, was not a foreign nation but a fortified city within Judah itself, notably designated as a Levitical city ([Joshua 21:13](/joshua/21-13 "Joshua 21:13 - Libnah as a Levitical City")). Its revolt was thus an internal rebellion, indicating deep-seated unrest, a profound lack of loyalty within the kingdom, and a breakdown of central authority. This internal defection further underscores the severity of Jehoram's spiritual and political decline. The phrase "unto this day" in reference to Edom's revolt suggests that this newfound independence was lasting, serving as a testament to the enduring consequences of Jehoram's actions for the Chronicler's original audience.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme powerfully illuminated by [2 Chronicles 21:10](/2_chronicles/21-10 "2 Chronicles 21:10 - Jehoram's Apostasy and Its Consequences") is the **consequences of apostasy**. The verse explicitly states that the revolts occurred "because he had forsaken the LORD God of his fathers," thereby establishing a direct theological link between Jehoram's spiritual unfaithfulness and the kingdom's political and territorial decline. This reinforces the Chronicler's overarching theological agenda: that national prosperity and stability are directly contingent upon the king's and the nation's faithfulness to God's covenant. The verse also highlights **divine judgment** as a direct and tangible response to disobedience, echoing the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). Furthermore, it underscores the **accountability of leadership**, demonstrating how Jehoram's personal spiritual failures had devastating national repercussions, leading to a significant **loss of dominion and prestige** for Judah. This narrative serves as a potent didactic lesson on the interconnectedness of spiritual fidelity and earthly well-being, a recurring motif throughout the entire book of [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - The History of the Kings of Judah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fathers (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** This term, derived from a primitive root, refers to a father in both a literal and figurative sense, extending to ancestors or progenitors. In the phrase "the LORD God of his fathers," it emphasizes the covenantal heritage and the established relationship with God passed down through generations. Jehoram's "forsaking" of this God is not merely a personal choice but a rejection of the spiritual legacy and covenant obligations inherited from righteous predecessors like David and Jehoshaphat, thereby breaking a sacred ancestral trust.
* **Forsaken (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** This primitive root signifies a deliberate act of loosening, relinquishing, or deserting. It implies a conscious and active abandonment, rather than a passive drifting away. When applied to Jehoram's relationship with God, it denotes his willful rejection of the covenant relationship and the divine laws that governed the kingdom. This was an intentional breach of fidelity to the God who had faithfully sustained his ancestors, leading to the severe consequences described.
* **Revolted (Hebrew, _pâshaʻ'_):** This primitive root carries the strong connotation of "to break away from just authority," encompassing ideas of trespass, apostasy, or rebellion. While describing the political act of Edom and Libnah breaking away from Judah's dominion, the theological implication for Jehoram is that his own spiritual rebellion (transgression, apostasy) against God directly precipitated these earthly revolts. This highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between Jehoram's unfaithfulness and the subsequent political instability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the Edomites revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day."**: This opening clause details the first and most significant consequence of Jehoram's unfaithfulness. The Edomites, a long-standing rival and subjugated people, seized the opportunity presented by Judah's weakened spiritual and political state to break free from its control. The phrase "from under the hand of Judah" powerfully conveys the loss of dominion, authority, and control. The concluding "unto this day" serves as a historical marker, emphasizing the permanent nature of this separation and serving as a lasting testimony to the disastrous and enduring impact of Jehoram's reign.
* **"The same time [also] did Libnah revolt from under his hand;"**: This second clause introduces a parallel and equally telling event. Unlike Edom, Libnah was not a foreign nation but a fortified city within Judah itself, and notably, a Levitical city. Its revolt signifies profound internal instability, disloyalty, and a breakdown of central authority, suggesting that Jehoram's ungodliness had eroded not only external control but also internal cohesion and fidelity within his own kingdom. The simultaneity indicated by "The same time also" explicitly links these two distinct revolts to a common, singular cause.
* **"because he had forsaken the LORD God of his fathers."**: This final, crucial clause provides the explicit theological explanation for both revolts. It is the divine commentary on the preceding events, unequivocally stating that Jehoram's deliberate abandonment of the covenant God of his ancestors was the direct and ultimate cause of these national calamities. This phrase encapsulates the Chronicler's central message: fidelity to God brings blessing, stability, and dominion, while apostasy inevitably leads to judgment, weakness, and loss.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its powerful message. **Cause and Effect** is the most prominent, explicitly stating that the revolts occurred "because he had forsaken the LORD God of his fathers," thereby establishing a clear and undeniable theological link between Jehoram's spiritual state and the kingdom's political decline. **Parallelism** is evident in the sequential mention of the Edomite and Libnah revolts, which occur "The same time," underscoring a simultaneous and unified consequence of Jehoram's actions, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the judgment. The phrase "unto this day" functions as a **historical marker** or **chronological note**, emphasizing the enduring nature of Edom's independence and serving as a lasting testament to the severity and long-term repercussions of Jehoram's reign. Furthermore, the narrative employs **retribution theology**, a pervasive theme in Chronicles, where immediate and tangible consequences (loss of territory, internal rebellion) are presented as direct divine judgment for a king's unfaithfulness. This makes the verse a concise yet potent summary of the Chronicler's theological perspective on righteous leadership and its impact on national destiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 21:10 powerfully articulates the foundational biblical principle that national and individual well-being are intrinsically linked to fidelity to God. Jehoram's reign serves as a stark negative example, demonstrating that turning away from the covenant God of one's heritage inevitably invites divine judgment and tangible consequences, such as loss of dominion and internal strife. This verse underscores the sovereignty of God in human affairs, revealing that even political and military setbacks are often orchestrated or permitted by Him as a direct response to spiritual rebellion. It highlights the profound responsibility of leaders, whose spiritual choices have far-reaching implications for those they govern, reinforcing the Chronicler's consistent emphasis on the importance of righteous kingship for the prosperity and stability of Judah.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Curses for Disobedience")
* [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "Those Who Honor Me I Will Honor")
* [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Righteousness Exalts a Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The historical account of Jehoram's reign and the explicit cause-and-effect stated in 2 Chronicles 21:10 offer profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a potent reminder that our spiritual choices, whether as individuals or as communities, have tangible consequences in the real world. Just as Jehoram's deliberate abandonment of God led to the weakening of his kingdom and the loss of critical territories, so too can a departure from God's principles in our lives or in our societies lead to internal fragmentation, loss of peace, and diminished influence. This verse calls us to a radical faithfulness, recognizing that true security and flourishing come not from human strength, military might, or political shrewdness, but from an unwavering commitment to the Lord God of our fathers—the God of the covenant. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and the collective spiritual health of our communities, asking whether we are actively forsaking God through our choices and priorities, or diligently seeking His will and upholding His covenant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be "forsaking the LORD" through subtle or overt choices or priorities?**
* **What are the "Edoms" or "Libnahs" in my life—areas where I experience loss, instability, or internal conflict—that might be linked to spiritual compromises or a departure from God's ways?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of leadership and accountability, both in my personal sphere of influence and in broader societal contexts?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more consistent, and unwavering faithfulness to God in my daily life, ensuring my choices honor Him?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jehoram's apostasy highlighted as the direct cause of these revolts?**

Answer: The Chronicler's primary theological purpose is to demonstrate the direct correlation between the king's fidelity to God and the nation's well-being. Unlike the book of Kings, which focuses more on prophetic fulfillment and the reasons for the exile, Chronicles emphasizes the immediate, tangible consequences of obedience and disobedience within the covenant. By explicitly stating "because he had forsaken the LORD God of his fathers," the text attributes the political and military setbacks not to external forces or strategic errors, but to Jehoram's profound spiritual failure. This reinforces the idea that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people, holding leaders accountable for their spiritual integrity and demonstrating that true security comes from divine favor, not human strength alone. This serves as a didactic lesson for the post-exilic community, encouraging them to remain faithful to God for their restoration and prosperity ([2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise of Restoration")).

**What was the significance of Edom and Libnah revolting specifically?**

Answer: The revolts of Edom and Libnah were highly significant because they represented both external and internal weakening of Judah's power, illustrating the comprehensive nature of divine judgment. Edom, a long-time adversary and a key part of Judah's dominion since David's time ([2 Samuel 8:14](/2_samuel/8-14 "2 Samuel 8:14 - David's Conquest of Edom")), was strategically important for controlling trade routes and regional influence. Its successful and lasting revolt (indicated by "unto this day") signified a major blow to Judah's prestige, economic control, and military strength. Libnah, on the other hand, was a fortified city *within* Judah, and notably a Levitical city ([Joshua 21:13](/joshua/21-13 "21:13 - Libnah as a Levitical City")). Its internal rebellion was even more telling, indicating a profound breakdown of loyalty, order, and spiritual integrity within the kingdom itself. This dual loss—external territory and internal control—underscored the comprehensive nature of the judgment brought about by Jehoram's spiritual apostasy, demonstrating that his unfaithfulness eroded the very foundations of his kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 21:10, with its stark depiction of a king's apostasy leading to the loss of dominion and the fracturing of his kingdom, powerfully anticipates the ultimate need for a perfectly faithful King. Jehoram's failure to uphold the covenant, resulting in judgment and a diminished kingdom, highlights the inherent inability of human rulers to secure lasting peace and prosperity through their own efforts. This narrative points forward to Jesus Christ, the true and eternal King, who alone perfectly fulfills the covenant requirements. Unlike Jehoram, who "forsook the LORD God of his fathers," Jesus lived a life of absolute obedience to His Father, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Through His perfect faithfulness, Christ reversed the curse of sin and apostasy, not losing dominion but gaining all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Where Jehoram's unfaithfulness led to the revolt of Edom and Libnah, Christ's perfect obedience brings reconciliation and unity, drawing people from every "nation, tribe, people, and language" into His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Multitude from Every Nation")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, dealing with the root cause of all human apostasy and its devastating consequences ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, 2 Chronicles 21:10, while a somber account of human failure, ultimately magnifies the glory of Christ, who perfectly embodies the faithfulness that Jehoram lacked and establishes a kingdom that will never be shaken ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 2:13

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

2 Chronicles 15:2

And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD [is] with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

Deuteronomy 32:21

They have moved me to jealousy with [that which is] not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with [those which are] not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.

2 Chronicles 13:10

But as for us, the LORD [is] our God, and we have not forsaken him; and the priests, which minister unto the LORD, [are] the sons of Aaron, and the Levites [wait] upon [their] business:

1 Kings 11:33

Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do [that which is] right in mine eyes, and [to keep] my statutes and my judgments, as [did] David his father.

2 Kings 19:8

¶ So Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah: for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish.

1 Kings 11:31

And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee: