2 Chronicles 21:14

KJV

Behold, with a great plague will the LORD smite thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods:

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, with a great {H1419} plague {H4046} will the LORD {H3068} smite {H5062} thy people {H5971}, and thy children {H1121}, and thy wives {H802}, and all thy goods {H7399}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Because of all this, ADONAI is going to strike your people with a terrible disease, also your children, your wives and everything you have.

Berean Standard Bible

So behold, the LORD is about to strike your people, your sons, your wives, and all your possessions with a serious blow.

American Standard Version

behold, Jehovah will smite with a great plague thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy substance;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 21:14 records a severe and comprehensive prophetic judgment against King Jehoram of Judah, delivered through a letter from the prophet Elijah. This verse declares that the Lord's wrath, in the form of a "great plague," would fall not only upon Jehoram himself but also upon his people, his children, his wives, and all his possessions. It underscores the profound consequences of Jehoram's egregious wickedness, apostasy, and leading Judah into idolatry, highlighting the direct and far-reaching nature of divine justice in response to covenant unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct pronouncement from a letter sent by the prophet Elijah to King Jehoram, following a detailed account of Jehoram's wicked reign. Immediately preceding this, the narrative in [2 Chronicles 21](/2_chronicles/21 "2 Chronicles 21 - Jehoram's Wicked Reign and Judgment") establishes Jehoram's ungodly character: he murdered his brothers upon ascending the throne ([2 Chronicles 21:4](/2_chronicles/21-4 "2 Chronicles 21:4 - Jehoram Murders His Brothers")) and, most significantly, married Athaliah, the daughter of the notoriously wicked King Ahab of Israel, leading Judah into deep idolatry and forsaking the worship of the Lord ([2 Chronicles 21:6](/2_chronicles/21-6 "2 Chronicles 21:6 - Jehoram's Idolatry and Evil Reign")). The letter from Elijah, though chronologically delivered after Elijah's physical ascension to heaven ([2 Kings 2:11](/2_kings/2-11 "2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah's Ascension")), serves as a powerful testament to the enduring and certain nature of God's word, acting as a final, dire warning before the judgment detailed in the subsequent verses ([2 Chronicles 21:15-19](/2_chronicles/21-15 "2 Chronicles 21:15-19 - The Fulfillment of Jehoram's Judgment")) began to unfold. This specific verse sets the stage for the comprehensive nature of the coming calamity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jehoram reigned over Judah from approximately 848-841 BC. His marriage to Athaliah, a daughter of the Omride dynasty in Israel, was a political alliance that proved disastrous spiritually. The Omrides, particularly Ahab and Jezebel, were notorious for promoting Baal worship, and Athaliah brought this idolatry directly into the southern kingdom of Judah. In ancient Israelite society, the king served as the spiritual head and representative of the nation before God. His actions, especially in matters of covenant faithfulness, had profound implications for the entire kingdom. The concept of corporate responsibility meant that the sin of a leader could bring judgment upon the whole people, as seen in this verse where the plague extends to "thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods." This reflects the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses of the Covenant"), where disobedience would result in widespread suffering, pestilence, and loss.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **unwavering justice of God** in response to profound wickedness and apostasy, particularly from those in positions of leadership. Jehoram's deliberate turning away from the Lord and leading his people into idolatry directly provoked this divine judgment. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **comprehensive consequences for sin**, demonstrating that the ripple effects of a leader's unrighteousness can extend far beyond the individual, impacting family, community, and national well-being. The judgment is not limited to Jehoram's person but encompasses his entire sphere of influence and possessions. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **certainty and fulfillment of divine prophecy**. Elijah's letter, though unusual in its timing, serves as an undeniable declaration of God's sovereign word, which would inevitably come to pass, emphasizing that God's warnings are not idle threats but sure declarations of His will, as seen in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose"). Finally, it emphasizes the **seriousness of idolatry and covenant breaking**, presenting them as grave offenses that incur God's wrath and disrupt the divine-human relationship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Plague (Hebrew, _maggēphāh'_):** This term (מַגֵּפָה) denotes a divinely inflicted blow, pestilence, or slaughter. It is not merely a natural disaster but specifically refers to a calamitous event understood as a direct act of God's judgment. It often implies a widespread, devastating affliction, such as those seen in the plagues of Egypt or instances of divine wrath against Israel's rebellion. Its usage here emphasizes the supernatural and punitive nature of the coming suffering.
* **Smite (Hebrew, _nāgaph'_):** The verb (נָגַף) means to strike, afflict, or push down, often with the implication of defeat or a decisive blow. When God is the subject, it conveys a forceful, decisive, and often destructive action. It reinforces the idea that the "plague" is not accidental but a deliberate, targeted act of divine retribution, demonstrating God's active involvement in human history and His sovereign power to execute judgment.
* **Behold (Hebrew, _hinnēh'_):** This interjection (הִנֵּה) serves as an attention-getter, signaling the importance and certainty of what is about to be declared. It lends a sense of immediacy and solemnity to the prophetic pronouncement, drawing the reader's focus to the gravity and inevitability of the impending judgment. It underscores that this is a direct, undeniable message from the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold,"**: This opening word immediately commands attention, signaling the profound significance and certainty of the divine message that follows. It acts as an emphatic declaration, ensuring that the recipient—and the reader—grasps the weight and inevitability of the pronouncement.
* **"with a great plague will the LORD smite"**: This clause identifies the instrument and agent of judgment. The "great plague" (מַגֵּפָה גְדוֹלָה, _maggēphāh gədōlāh_) signifies a severe, divinely orchestrated affliction. Crucially, it is "the LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh) who will "smite" (נָגַף, _nāgaph_), emphasizing that this is not a random misfortune but a direct, intentional act of God's sovereign justice.
* **"thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods:"**: This final, comprehensive list specifies the targets of the judgment, illustrating its far-reaching and devastating scope. It indicates that the consequences of Jehoram's sin would extend beyond his personal suffering to encompass his entire household and kingdom. "Thy people" refers to the citizens of Judah, who were led astray by their king. "Thy children" and "thy wives" indicate the destruction of his lineage and family, a common form of judgment against wicked kings in the Old Testament, aiming to erase their legacy. "All thy goods" signifies the loss of wealth, possessions, and national prosperity, completing the picture of utter ruin. This comprehensive nature underscores the principle of corporate responsibility and the severe repercussions of a leader's apostasy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Prophecy** is the overarching device, as the verse is a direct divine declaration of future events, delivered through Elijah's letter. This prophecy is not merely a prediction but a **Divine Fiat**, a decree from God that carries the weight of absolute certainty and will inevitably come to pass. The comprehensive listing of those affected—"thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods"—serves as a form of **Hyperbole** or, more accurately, **Exaggeration for Emphasis**, to underscore the totality and devastating breadth of the impending judgment. While not strictly hyperbole (as the judgment did indeed affect many of these categories), it emphasizes the complete ruin that awaits Jehoram's sphere of influence. This comprehensive judgment also functions as **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the detailed account of Jehoram's suffering and the destruction of his family that unfolds in the subsequent verses of [2 Chronicles 21](/2_chronicles/21 "2 Chronicles 21 - Jehoram's Reign and Judgment").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the biblical principle of divine retribution for sin, particularly for leaders who lead their people astray from covenant faithfulness. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice, even when it involves severe judgment. The comprehensive nature of the plague—affecting people, family, and possessions—highlights the concept of corporate responsibility, where the actions of a head can have profound consequences for the entire body. It also demonstrates that God's warnings are not empty threats but sure declarations of His righteous will, emphasizing the gravity of apostasy and the breaking of covenant. While God is merciful and patient, His justice is an inherent part of His character, ensuring that unrepentant wickedness will not go unpunished.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Covenant Curses for Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark warning delivered to King Jehoram in 2 Chronicles 21:14 serves as a timeless reminder of the profound consequences of unrighteousness, particularly for those in positions of influence. It compels us to consider the ripple effect of our choices, recognizing that our actions, whether good or evil, often extend beyond ourselves to impact our families, communities, and even future generations. This passage urges us to take God's warnings seriously, understanding that while He is rich in mercy and patience, He is also perfectly just and will not allow unrepentant sin to go unaddressed. It calls for genuine humility, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to living in accordance with God's commands, recognizing that true prosperity—spiritual and otherwise—is found in faithful obedience rather than self-serving rebellion. We are reminded that God's character demands both love and justice, and His ultimate desire is for us to turn from wickedness and embrace His life-giving ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own actions, especially in areas of leadership or influence, be impacting those around me, for good or for ill?**
* **How seriously do I take God's warnings against sin, and what steps am I actively taking to align my life with His righteous standards?**
* **Considering the concept of corporate responsibility, what is my role in fostering righteousness within my family, church, or community?**
* **How does the comprehensive nature of God's judgment here deepen my understanding of His justice and holiness?**

### FAQ

**Why was Elijah's letter delivered to Jehoram after Elijah had already ascended to heaven?**

Answer: The timing of Elijah's letter, delivered to Jehoram after Elijah's recorded ascension in [2 Kings 2:11](/2_kings/2-11 "2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah's Ascension"), has been a point of discussion among scholars. Several explanations are commonly offered. One view is that the letter was written by Elijah before his ascension but delivered at a later, divinely appointed time, perhaps by one of the "sons of the prophets." Another possibility is that the reference to "Elijah" is not necessarily to the prophet himself but to a prophetic school or tradition that continued his message, or that it was a posthumous prophetic word. However, the most widely accepted explanation is that the Chronicler, writing much later, records the letter as being from Elijah because it carried the authority and spirit of Elijah's prophetic ministry, even if the physical delivery occurred after his departure. It serves to emphasize the certain, enduring, and authoritative nature of God's word, transcending physical presence and time, ensuring that Jehoram received an undeniable, final warning from a prophet of God's caliber.

**Does God still inflict "plagues" or comprehensive judgments on people or nations today as a result of sin?**

Answer: While the specific nature of divine judgment has evolved with the New Covenant, the principle that sin has consequences and that God is just remains constant. In the Old Testament, God often intervened directly with physical judgments like plagues, famine, or military defeat as a result of national apostasy and covenant breaking. Under the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts more towards the spiritual consequences of sin (e.g., separation from God, spiritual death, the hardening of hearts) and the ultimate judgment at the end of time ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")). However, this does not mean God is entirely passive in human affairs. Natural consequences of sin, societal decay, and even widespread calamities can still be understood within a biblical framework as expressions of a fallen world under judgment, or as calls to repentance. The primary focus for believers today is on the finished work of Christ, who bore the ultimate judgment for sin, and on the call to repentance and faith, which offers deliverance from the wrath to come ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers from Wrath")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The comprehensive judgment pronounced upon Jehoram in 2 Chronicles 21:14, affecting his people, family, and possessions, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, all-encompassing judgment for sin, which Christ bore on the cross. While Jehoram's sin brought a plague of destruction upon his house, Jesus, the true King, willingly became the recipient of the divine wrath and "plague" of sin for all humanity. He was "smitten by God" ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - Christ Smitten by God")) not for His own wickedness, but for ours, taking upon Himself the curse that we deserved ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ delivers His people from the comprehensive consequences of sin—spiritual death, separation from God, and eternal judgment—offering instead a comprehensive salvation that touches every aspect of life: forgiveness, reconciliation, new life, and eternal inheritance ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ")). Unlike Jehoram, whose reign brought ruin, Christ's reign brings blessing and life to all who trust in Him, demonstrating that God's ultimate answer to sin is not just judgment, but redemptive love through His Son, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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

Leviticus 26:21

And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.

Exodus 20:5

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;

Micah 6:16

For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.

Hosea 5:11

Ephraim [is] oppressed [and] broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment.