2 Chronicles 21:17

KJV

And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they came up {H5927} into Judah {H3063}, and brake {H1234} into it, and carried away {H7617} all the substance {H7399} that was found {H4672} in the king's {H4428} house {H1004}, and his sons {H1121} also, and his wives {H802}; so that there was never a son {H1121} left {H7604} him, save Jehoahaz {H3059}, the youngest {H6996} of his sons {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and they came up to attack Y'hudah. They broke in and carried off all the personal property they could find in the royal palace, as well as his children and his wives; so that no son was left to him except Y'ho'achaz his youngest son.

Berean Standard Bible

So they went to war against Judah, invaded it, and carried off all the possessions found in the king’s palace, along with his sons and wives; not a son was left to him except Jehoahaz, his youngest.

American Standard Version

and they came up against Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king’s house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 21:17 records the devastating culmination of divine judgment upon King Jehoram of Judah. As a direct consequence of his profound wickedness and apostasy, the Philistines and Arabians invaded Judah, violently plundering the royal palace of all its wealth and carrying away all of Jehoram's sons and wives. This catastrophic event left him with only his youngest son, Jehoahaz, marking a near-total annihilation of his household and a profound humiliation for the Davidic monarchy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the chilling fulfillment of the prophetic word delivered to King Jehoram by the prophet Elijah (or a prophet in Elijah's spirit, as Elijah himself may have already been translated). Earlier in the chapter, Jehoram is introduced as a king who "walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughters of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" [2 Chronicles 21:6](/2_chronicles/21-6 "2 Chronicles 21:6 - Jehoram's Wicked Reign"). His reign began with the ruthless murder of all his brothers to consolidate power [2 Chronicles 21:4](/2_chronicles/21-4 "2 Chronicles 21:4 - Jehoram Murders His Brothers"), a stark contrast to his righteous father, Jehoshaphat. Elijah's letter, detailed in [2 Chronicles 21:12-15](/2_chronicles/21-12 "2 Chronicles 21:12-15 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Jehoram"), explicitly foretold a great plague upon Jehoram's people, sons, wives, and possessions, and a grievous disease upon himself, all because he had not walked in the ways of his father or King Asa. Verse 17 depicts the precise execution of this prophecy, leading directly into the account of Jehoram's severe and prolonged illness and eventual death, and the succession of his sole surviving son, Jehoahaz (also known as Ahaziah or Azariah) [2 Chronicles 22:1](/2_chronicles/22-1 "2 Chronicles 22:1 - Ahaziah Succeeds Jehoram").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the stability and prosperity of a kingdom were often directly linked to the perceived favor of its deity, and the king's household was seen as the embodiment of the nation's strength and continuity. The loss of a king's "substance" (wealth, treasures) was a profound blow to his prestige and power, often signifying military defeat and economic ruin. Even more devastating was the capture or death of his sons and wives. Sons were crucial for dynastic succession, ensuring the continuation of the royal line, while wives, especially those from royal alliances, represented political ties and status. To lose virtually all male heirs was to face the extinction of one's dynasty, a deeply humiliating and terrifying prospect. The Philistines, ancient adversaries of Israel, and the Arabians, nomadic tribes from the south and east, were persistent threats to Judah's borders. Their coordinated invasion in this context underscores the severity of God's judgment, using external enemies as instruments of His righteous wrath against a disobedient king.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative surrounding 2 Chronicles 21:17 powerfully illustrates several core biblical themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment for Unfaithfulness**, underscoring the principle that actions, especially those of leaders, have profound consequences. Jehoram's idolatry, cruelty, and abandonment of the covenant with Yahweh directly precipitated this catastrophe, demonstrating God's active involvement in the affairs of nations and His commitment to justice. Secondly, it showcases **God's Sovereignty in Calamity**, revealing that even through foreign invaders like the Philistines and Arabians, God orchestrates events to bring about His purposes and administer justice. These nations were not acting independently of divine will but were instruments in God's hands. Thirdly, the verse portrays **Profound Loss and Humiliation**, as Jehoram not only lost material wealth but also his family, a deeply personal and public consequence for a king in ancient times, signifying the complete unraveling of his power and legacy. Finally, the sparing of Jehoahaz, the youngest son, introduces a **Glimmer of Mercy and the Preservation of God's Promise**. Despite Jehoram's utter depravity, God's overarching plan for the Davidic line, through which the Messiah would ultimately come, was preserved, ensuring the continuity of the covenant established with David [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Substance (Hebrew, _rekush'_):** The Hebrew term רְכוּשׁ (_rekush_) refers to accumulated possessions, property, or wealth, often acquired through conquest or trade. Its use here emphasizes the totality of the plunder; the invaders did not just take a few valuable items but "all the substance that was found in the king's house." This signifies a complete stripping of Jehoram's royal treasury and personal assets, leaving him utterly destitute of material power and prestige.
* **Brake into it (Hebrew, _vayyipshṭu'_):** The verb וַיִּפְשְׁטוּ (_vayyipshṭu_), derived from the root פָּשַׁט (_pashat_), literally means "to strip off," "to spread out," or "to raid." In this context, it vividly describes a violent, aggressive, and comprehensive invasion. It suggests not merely an entry but a forceful, destructive assault where the invaders spread throughout the palace, systematically stripping it of its contents. This verb underscores the brutal and unsparing nature of the attack.
* **Jehoahaz (Hebrew, _yehô’āḥaz'_):** The name יְהוֹאָחָז (_yehô’āḥaz_) means "Yahweh has grasped" or "Yahweh has held." This is significant as he is the only son spared, suggesting divine intervention in his preservation. He is also known by other names in the biblical text, such as Ahaziah [2 Kings 8:24](/2_kings/8-24 "2 Kings 8:24 - Ahaziah Succeeds Jehoram") and Azariah [2 Chronicles 22:6](/2_chronicles/22-6 "2 Chronicles 22:6 - Azariah's Reign"). The variation in names for the same individual is common in Hebrew scripture, but the meaning of "Jehoahaz" particularly resonates with the narrative of divine preservation amidst widespread destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they came up into Judah, and brake into it":** This opening clause establishes the aggressive nature and geographical scope of the invasion. "They" refers to the Philistines and Arabians, mentioned in the preceding verse [2 Chronicles 21:16](/2_chronicles/21-16 "2 Chronicles 21:16 - God Stirs Up Enemies Against Jehoram"). Their ascent "into Judah" signifies a direct assault on the heartland of the southern kingdom, culminating in a violent breach of its defenses and, implicitly, the royal palace. The phrase "brake into it" (as discussed above) conveys a forceful, destructive entry, not merely an occupation.
* **"and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house":** This details the primary objective and devastating outcome of the invasion's initial phase: the thorough plunder of the royal treasury. "All the substance" emphasizes the completeness of the theft, leaving nothing of material value behind. This act was not just economic devastation but a profound symbol of the king's loss of power, prestige, and security.
* **"and his sons also, and his wives":** This clause reveals the far more grievous and personal aspect of the judgment. The taking of the king's sons and wives as captives was a catastrophic blow to his dynasty and personal honor. In ancient societies, the continuity of the royal line through male heirs was paramount, and the loss of one's family through capture was an unparalleled humiliation, often signifying the complete subjugation of the ruler and his house.
* **"so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons":** This final clause underscores the near-total obliteration of Jehoram's male progeny, highlighting the severity of the divine judgment. The emphatic "never a son left him" emphasizes the completeness of the loss, making the survival of "Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons," a singular and remarkable exception. This detail is crucial, as it ensures the continuation of the Davidic line, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises even in the midst of severe discipline.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 21:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Fulfillment Narrative**, where the verse explicitly details the precise execution of Elijah's prophecy from [2 Chronicles 21:12-15](/2_chronicles/21-12 "2 Chronicles 21:12-15 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Jehoram"). This direct correspondence between prophecy and event underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His active involvement in human history, demonstrating that His word does not return void. There is also a strong element of **Divine Retribution**, presenting a clear cause-and-effect relationship between Jehoram's unfaithfulness and the calamities that befall him. His wickedness is directly proportional to the severity of his loss. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Irony**: Jehoram began his reign by murdering his own brothers to secure his throne, yet he ends up losing all but one of his own sons, demonstrating the futility and self-destructive nature of ungodly ambition. Finally, the narrative uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing the complete destruction of Jehoram's household with the singular preservation of Jehoahaz, subtly hinting at God's steadfast commitment to the Davidic covenant despite the failures of individual kings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 21:17 stands as a stark biblical testament to the principle of divine justice and the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It vividly illustrates that God holds leaders, and indeed all people, accountable for their actions, particularly when they turn away from His commands and embrace wickedness. The complete devastation of Jehoram's household and possessions is not random misfortune but a direct, divinely orchestrated judgment, emphasizing God's active role in history to uphold His righteousness. Yet, even within this severe judgment, the sparing of Jehoahaz subtly points to God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises, specifically the Davidic covenant, ensuring that the lineage through which the Messiah would come remained unbroken. This tension between severe judgment and unwavering covenant fidelity is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, reminding us that while God punishes sin, His ultimate redemptive plan remains secure.

* [Deuteronomy 28:48-57](/deuteronomy/28-48 "Deuteronomy 28:48-57 - Curses for Disobedience, including siege and loss of family")
* [Lamentations 1:18](/lamentations/1-18 "Lamentations 1:18 - God is Righteous in His Judgment")
* [2 Samuel 7:14-16](/2_samuel/7-14 "2 Samuel 7:14-16 - God's Promise to David's House, including discipline")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic account of King Jehoram in 2 Chronicles 21:17 serves as a powerful and enduring warning for all generations. It underscores the profound truth that our choices, especially those made in positions of influence, carry significant weight and have far-reaching consequences, both for ourselves and for those around us. Jehoram's story is a vivid illustration of the "sowing and reaping" principle: his ungodly choices, marked by idolatry, cruelty, and a complete disregard for God's covenant, led directly to devastating personal and national calamity. For believers today, this narrative calls us to a sober self-examination of our own faithfulness to God. Are we diligently seeking His will and walking in His ways, or are we, like Jehoram, allowing worldly influences or personal ambition to lead us astray? While we live under the grace of the New Covenant, the spiritual principles of consequence for sin and the importance of obedience remain. This passage reminds us that God is just, and while His mercy is abundant, there are often natural and spiritual repercussions for persistent rebellion. Yet, even in the midst of such a severe narrative, the glimmer of God's preservation of Jehoahaz offers a profound comfort: God's overarching purposes and promises will always prevail, even when His people fail spectacularly. This should inspire us to trust in His sovereign plan and seek to align our lives with His righteous character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the narrative of Jehoram's reign challenge our understanding of leadership and accountability before God, both in secular and spiritual contexts?**
* **In what ways might we, like Jehoram, be sowing seeds through our choices that could lead to undesirable consequences, and how can we repent and turn back to God?**
* **How does God's preservation of Jehoahaz, even amidst severe judgment, speak to His enduring faithfulness to His promises, even when His people fail? What comfort can we draw from this for our own lives?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Philistines and Arabians, and why did they attack Judah?**

Answer: The Philistines were an ancient people group who inhabited the coastal plain of Canaan, west of Judah. They were long-standing adversaries of Israel and Judah, frequently engaging in conflict (e.g., [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")). The Arabians, in this context, likely refer to nomadic tribes from the desert regions to the south and east of Judah. While these groups had their own geopolitical motivations for raiding Judah, the biblical text presents their attack in 2 Chronicles 21:17 as divinely instigated. [2 Chronicles 21:16](/2_chronicles/21-16 "2 Chronicles 21:16 - God Stirs Up Enemies Against Jehoram") explicitly states, "Moreover the LORD stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that were near the Ethiopians." This indicates that these nations were instruments of God's judgment against King Jehoram for his unfaithfulness and wickedness.

**Why was only Jehoahaz spared from the invasion and capture?**

Answer: The sparing of Jehoahaz (also known as Ahaziah or Azariah) was a crucial act of divine providence, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David. In [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"), God promised David that his house and kingdom would be established forever. Even though Jehoram was a profoundly wicked king who had murdered his own brothers and led Judah into idolatry, God's promise to preserve a lamp for David's line (as mentioned in [2 Chronicles 21:7](/2_chronicles/21-7 "2 Chronicles 21:7 - God's Promise to David")) remained intact. The survival of Jehoahaz ensured the continuity of the Davidic dynasty, through which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would ultimately come. It highlights that even in the midst of severe judgment for human sin, God's redemptive plan and covenant promises are inviolable and will ultimately be fulfilled.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of 2 Chronicles 21:17, with its stark portrayal of judgment and the miraculous preservation of a single heir, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. King Jehoram's reign is a tragic illustration of human kingship's failure, marked by apostasy, violence, and a complete disregard for God's covenant, leading to devastating loss and the near-extinction of his lineage. In profound contrast, Jesus is the true and faithful Son of David, the ultimate King whose reign is marked by perfect obedience, righteousness, and self-sacrificial love. While Jehoram's sins led to the plundering of his house and the loss of his sons, Jesus, though perfectly innocent, willingly endured ultimate loss—the stripping away of His dignity, the suffering on the cross, and death itself—to secure eternal life and an imperishable inheritance for His people [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience"). The preservation of Jehoahaz, the "youngest of his sons," was a testament to God's faithfulness to the Davidic covenant, ensuring the lineage that would eventually produce the Messiah [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). Jesus, the promised Son, is the one through whom God's kingdom is truly established forever, not through earthly succession but through His resurrection and eternal reign [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Kingdom"). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the judgment that Jehoram experienced, and even greater, so that those who trust in Him might receive forgiveness and eternal life, fulfilling God's covenant promises in a way far grander than any earthly king could achieve.

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 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.

2 Chronicles 25:23

And Joash the king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, at Bethshemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits.

2 Chronicles 22:6

And he returned to be healed in Jezreel because of the wounds which were given him at Ramah, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria. And Azariah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Jehoram the son of Ahab at Jezreel, because he was sick.

2 Chronicles 24:7

For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of the LORD did they bestow upon Baalim.

Job 5:3

I have seen the foolish taking root: but suddenly I cursed his habitation.

Job 5:4

His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate, neither [is there] any to deliver [them].