2 Chronicles 21:16

KJV

Moreover the LORD stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that [were] near the Ethiopians:

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover the LORD {H3068} stirred up {H5782} against Jehoram {H3088} the spirit {H7307} of the Philistines {H6430}, and of the Arabians {H6163}, that were near {H5921}{H3027} the Ethiopians {H3569}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then ADONAI aroused against Y'horam the spirit of the P'lishtim and of the Arabs near the Ethiopians;

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD stirred against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines and Arabs who lived near the Cushites.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians that are beside the Ethiopians:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 21:16 vividly illustrates the unfolding of divine judgment upon King Jehoram of Judah, whose reign was characterized by profound wickedness and apostasy. This verse marks a critical turning point, revealing God's active and sovereign hand in orchestrating the actions of foreign nations—specifically the Philistines and Arabians—to serve as instruments of His righteous retribution against a disobedient king and his kingdom. It underscores the inescapable consequences of rejecting God's covenant and highlights the principle that divine justice will ultimately prevail.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the prophetic pronouncement delivered by Elijah (or a prophet in his spirit) against King Jehoram ([2 Chronicles 21:12-15](/2_chronicles/21-12-15 "2 Chronicles 21:12-15 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Jehoram")). Jehoram, unlike his righteous father Jehoshaphat, had plunged Judah into idolatry, murdering his own brothers to consolidate power and marrying Athaliah, the wicked daughter of Ahab, thereby adopting the abominable practices of the northern kingdom of Israel (compare with [2 Chronicles 21:4-6](/2_chronicles/21-4-6 "2 Chronicles 21:4-6 - Jehoram's Wicked Reign")). Elijah's letter foretold severe judgment: a great plague on Jehoram's people, family, and possessions, and a grievous illness upon Jehoram himself. Verse 16 initiates the fulfillment of this prophecy, detailing the specific agents—the Philistines and Arabians—through whom God would bring calamity, leading directly into the subsequent account of their invasion and plunder in [2 Chronicles 21:17](/2_chronicles/21-17 "2 Chronicles 21:17 - Invasion and Plunder").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jehoram reigned over Judah from approximately 848-841 BC. His marriage to Athaliah was a political alliance with the Omride dynasty of Israel, but it proved to be a spiritual disaster, importing Baal worship into Judah. The Philistines were traditional adversaries of Israel and Judah, dwelling along the coastal plain to the west. The Arabians, particularly those "near the Ethiopians" (likely referring to tribes south or southeast of Judah, possibly in the Arabian peninsula or Transjordan region, bordering the Cushite/Ethiopian sphere of influence), were nomadic or semi-nomadic groups known for their raiding activities. Their mention here signifies a broad coalition or coordinated attack from different geographical directions, highlighting the widespread nature of the judgment. The fact that these historical enemies are "stirred up" by the LORD emphasizes God's control over geopolitical events and His ability to use any nation to accomplish His purposes.
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme is **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, directly linking Jehoram's profound apostasy and wickedness to the calamities that befall him and Judah. The phrase "the LORD stirred up" unequivocally establishes God's direct agency and sovereignty in orchestrating these events, not merely permitting them. This underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, particularly for covenant leaders, demonstrating that rebellion against God's law brings severe personal and national calamity, as foretold by Elijah in [2 Chronicles 21:14-15](/2_chronicles/21-14-15 "2 Chronicles 21:14-15 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Jehoram"). Furthermore, the verse highlights **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**, illustrating His capacity to use even hostile foreign powers as instruments of His divine will, demonstrating that no earthly power operates outside His ultimate control. This principle is seen throughout the Old Testament, from God raising up nations to punish Israel to His control over the rise and fall of empires, as articulated in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This refers to **Jehovah (H3068)**, the self-Existent or Eternal God, the Jewish national name of God. Its use here emphasizes that the instigator of the judgment is the covenant God of Israel, highlighting His personal and righteous involvement in the affairs of His people and their king. This is not a random event but a direct act of the sovereign God.
* **stirred up (Hebrew, _ʻûwr'_):** This verb **(H5782)** means to wake, arouse, incite, or provoke. Its active use here indicates a divine initiative, not merely a passive allowance of events. God actively impelled or instigated the hostile actions of the Philistines and Arabians against Jehoram. It conveys a strong sense of purposeful, sovereign action, emphasizing that these attacks were not random misfortunes but divinely orchestrated judgments.
* **spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** This noun **(H7307)**, while often meaning "wind" or "breath," here refers to the disposition, will, or inclination of a rational being. In this context, it signifies that God supernaturally influenced the inner resolve, animosity, and aggressive intent of these nations, directing their inherent hostility towards Judah and Jehoram. It points to God's profound control over the hearts and minds of people, even those outside His covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover the LORD stirred up against Jehoram":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin of the impending calamity. It is not a natural disaster or a random geopolitical event, but a direct, purposeful act of God. The phrase "stirred up" (עוּר) emphasizes God's active incitement and sovereign control over the hearts and actions of nations, directing their will and movements as instruments of His justice against Jehoram. This highlights God's role as the ultimate arbiter of justice in human affairs.
* **"the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians":** This specifies the agents of God's judgment. "The spirit" here refers not just to their physical presence or military might, but to their disposition, their will, or their inclination to attack. God supernaturally influenced their resolve and directed their aggression towards Judah and Jehoram, turning their inherent animosity into a tool for divine retribution. This demonstrates God's ability to use even those who are not His covenant people to accomplish His sovereign purposes.
* **"that [were] near the Ethiopians":** This geographical detail helps locate the specific Arabian tribes involved, likely those in the southern reaches of the Arabian desert, possibly extending towards the borders of Cush (Ethiopia). This precision underscores the historical reality of the event and the widespread nature of the threat Jehoram faced, indicating that God's judgment would come from multiple, formidable directions. It suggests a coordinated or multi-pronged assault, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Agency** is paramount, as the text explicitly states "the LORD stirred up," leaving no doubt that God is the primary actor behind the events. This highlights His sovereignty and active involvement in human history, particularly in executing justice. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as the very nations that were often adversaries of God's people are now used by God as instruments to punish His own rebellious king. This demonstrates God's ability to turn the intentions of the wicked to serve His righteous purposes. Furthermore, the verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the severe plundering and personal suffering that Jehoram would endure, as detailed in the subsequent verses of [2 Chronicles 21](/2_chronicles/21 "2 Chronicles 21 - The Reign of Jehoram"). The use of "spirit" to describe the Philistines and Arabians also hints at a **Supernatural Influence**, emphasizing that their actions were not merely human initiatives but divinely orchestrated.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the biblical principle of divine retribution, where God actively intervenes in human affairs to bring judgment upon wickedness, especially among those who bear His name. It demonstrates that God's sovereignty extends not only over His covenant people but also over the nations of the world, using them as instruments to accomplish His holy will. Jehoram's reign serves as a stark warning that disobedience and apostasy, particularly from a position of leadership, will not go unpunished. God's justice is not passive; He actively "stirs up" circumstances and even hostile forces to bring about consequences for sin, ensuring that righteousness and covenant faithfulness are upheld. This passage reinforces the truth that God is intimately involved in the course of history, orchestrating events to fulfill His righteous purposes, even when it involves the suffering of His own people due to their rebellion.

* [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "Proverbs 16:7 - When a man's ways please the Lord")
* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Instrument of Wrath")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Chronicles 21:16 serves as a potent reminder that God is not a distant, disengaged deity but an active, sovereign, and just ruler over all creation. For believers today, while we live under the new covenant of grace, the underlying principles of God's character—His holiness, justice, and sovereignty—remain immutable. This verse challenges us to take sin seriously, recognizing that our actions, especially those that defy God's revealed will, have profound consequences, both personal and communal. It calls us to a deeper trust in God's ultimate control, even when faced with seemingly chaotic or threatening circumstances, understanding that He can use any situation or entity to fulfill His purposes. Ultimately, it compels us to live lives of humble obedience and faithfulness, knowing that God is intimately involved in our world and holds all things in His powerful hand. This divine oversight provides both a warning against rebellion and a profound comfort for those who seek to honor Him, knowing that He works all things for the good of those who love Him ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the phrase "the LORD stirred up" challenge our understanding of divine intervention in human history, especially concerning suffering or adversity?**
* **What does Jehoram's story, culminating in this judgment, teach us about the long-term consequences of spiritual compromise and unrighteous leadership?**
* **In what ways can we practically apply the truth of God's sovereignty over nations and circumstances to our own lives and prayers today?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that the LORD "stirred up the spirit" of these nations? Was it against their will?**

Answer: The phrase "stirred up the spirit" (Hebrew: עוּר, _'ur'_) signifies a divine incitement or provocation. It doesn't necessarily mean God forced these nations to act against their inherent will, but rather that He supernaturally influenced their existing inclinations or animosities, directing them towards Jehoram and Judah at a specific time and for a specific purpose. The Philistines and Arabians were already historical adversaries of Judah, and God activated their latent hostility or provided the opportune moment and motivation for them to attack. This highlights God's sovereignty over the hearts and minds of all people, even those who do not acknowledge Him, as He can use their natural desires and geopolitical ambitions to fulfill His own righteous judgments, as seen in other instances where God uses foreign powers, such as [Assyria as His "rod" in Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod of Anger") or [Cyrus in Isaiah 45:1-7](/isaiah/45-1-7 "Isaiah 45:1-7 - God Calls Cyrus"). This divine orchestration ensures that even the actions of the wicked ultimately serve God's overarching plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Chronicles 21:16](/2_chronicles/21-16 "2 Chronicles 21:16 - The Lord Stirs Up Enemies Against Jehoram") depicts God's judgment on a wicked king, it ultimately points to the greater King, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills God's righteous demands and stands as the ultimate arbiter of justice. Jehoram's reign, marked by apostasy and violence, invited divine wrath, demonstrating the severe consequences of sin and rebellion against God's covenant. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true Son of David, lived a life of perfect obedience, never stirring up God's wrath but rather perfectly pleasing Him. He willingly became the recipient of God's judgment on the cross, taking upon Himself the "stirred up" wrath for the sins of humanity, so that those who believe in Him might be spared (compare [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ") and [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Furthermore, Christ's sovereignty far surpasses that of any earthly king; He is the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), exercising ultimate authority over all nations and spiritual forces. While God "stirred up" nations against Jehoram, in Christ, God has disarmed and triumphed over the spiritual powers of darkness, making a public spectacle of them (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). The narrative of judgment in [2 Chronicles 21:16](/2_chronicles/21-16 "2 Chronicles 21:16 - The Lord Stirs Up Enemies Against Jehoram") thus ultimately magnifies the grace and justice found in Christ, who delivers us from the judgment we deserve and reigns eternally in righteousness, offering salvation to all who turn to Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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

2 Chronicles 17:11

Also [some] 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.

1 Kings 11:14

¶ And the LORD stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he [was] of the king's seed in Edom.

2 Chronicles 22:1

¶ And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest son king in his stead: for the band of men that came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned.

1 Kings 11:23

And God stirred him up [another] adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah:

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 Kings 11:11

Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.

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.