2 Chronicles 21:15

And thou [shalt have] great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day.

And thou shalt have great {H7227} sickness {H2483} by disease {H4245} of thy bowels {H4578}, until thy bowels {H4578} fall out {H3318} by reason of the sickness {H2483} day {H3117} by day {H3117}.

You will be very ill from a disease in your intestines, until your intestines protrude, because of the effects of this disease, day after day.'"

And day after day you yourself will suffer from a severe illness, a disease of your bowels, until it causes your bowels to come out.’”

and thou shalt have great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness, day by day.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 21:15 describes the specific, agonizing judgment pronounced upon King Jehoram of Judah due to his extreme wickedness and idolatry. This verse details the severe physical affliction that would befall him, a direct consequence of his rebellion against God.

Historical and Cultural Context

King Jehoram, son of the righteous King Jehoshaphat, ascended to the throne of Judah but quickly departed from his father's godly ways. He married Athaliah, daughter of the infamous King Ahab and Jezebel of Israel, leading him to embrace the idolatrous practices of the house of Ahab (2 Chronicles 21:6). Furthermore, he brutally murdered all his brothers to consolidate his power (2 Chronicles 21:4). This verse is part of a prophetic letter sent to Jehoram, attributed to the prophet Elijah (2 Chronicles 21:12), warning him of the impending divine retribution for his apostasy and violence against his own family and the people of God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The verse vividly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to justice. Jehoram's severe illness is a direct, undeniable consequence of his unrighteous reign and egregious sins. It emphasizes that God does not overlook sin, especially when it involves spiritual rebellion and violence from those in leadership.
  • Consequences of Sin: This passage serves as a stark reminder that sinful choices, particularly those that lead others astray or involve bloodshed, carry severe and often painful consequences. Jehoram's physical suffering mirrors his spiritual corruption.
  • Prophetic Warning: The prophecy delivered through Elijah underscores the certainty of God's judgment and serves as a powerful warning against turning away from Him. It highlights God's patience in warning before judgment is fully executed.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "disease of thy bowels" uses the Hebrew word me'im, which literally refers to the intestines or inner parts. The description "until thy bowels fall out" emphasizes the extreme, gruesome, and debilitating nature of the illness. This was not a quick death but a prolonged, agonizing sickness, signifying the depth of God's displeasure with Jehoram's actions. The phrase "day by day" stresses the relentless and persistent suffering he would endure.

Practical Application

While the specific nature of Jehoram's judgment is unique to his situation, the underlying principles remain timeless:

  • Accountability of Leadership: Those in positions of power and influence bear a greater responsibility before God. Their choices have far-reaching spiritual and societal impacts, and God holds them accountable.
  • The Reality of Consequences: Every action, whether good or evil, has consequences. This verse powerfully reminds us that sin, if unrepented, ultimately leads to suffering and separation from God's blessing, echoing the principle of reaping what one sows.
  • God's Justice: Understanding God's justice helps us appreciate His holiness and righteousness. While He is merciful, He is also just, and His character demands that sin be addressed.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 21:18

    And after all this the LORD smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease.

  • 2 Chronicles 21:19

    And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers.

  • Psalms 109:18

    As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.

  • Deuteronomy 28:59

    Then the LORD will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, [even] great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance.

  • Deuteronomy 28:61

    Also every sickness, and every plague, which [is] not written in the book of this law, them will the LORD bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed.

  • Acts 1:18

    Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

  • Deuteronomy 28:37

    And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.
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