2 Chronicles 21:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, that in process of time {H3117}, after {H3318}{H6256} the end {H7093} of two {H8147} years {H3117}, his bowels {H4578} fell out {H3318} by reason {H5973} of his sickness {H2483}: so he died {H4191} of sore {H7451} diseases {H8463}. And his people {H5971} made {H6213} no burning {H8316} for him, like the burning {H8316} of his fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In time, after two years, his intestines protruded because of his disease, and he suffered a most painful death. His people kindled no fire for him, as had been done for his ancestors.

Berean Standard Bible

This continued day after day until two full years had passed. Finally, his intestines came out because of his disease, and he died in severe pain. And his people did not make a fire in his honor as they had done for his fathers.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 21:19 starkly recounts the agonizing death of King Jehoram of Judah, a direct fulfillment of divine judgment against his wicked reign. This verse details the gruesome nature of his prolonged illness and subsequent demise, emphasizing the public's profound contempt and the stark absence of traditional royal honors, a clear sign of God's disfavor and the bitter consequences of his unfaithfulness and cruelty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the grim climax to the narrative of King Jehoram's reign, which began in 2 Chronicles 21:1. Jehoram, despite being the son of the righteous King Jehoshaphat, immediately plunged Judah into apostasy and violence upon ascending the throne. He murdered all his brothers to consolidate power, married Athaliah (daughter of the idolatrous Ahab and Jezebel), and led the people into Baal worship, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 21:4-6](/2_chronicles/21-4 "2 Chronicles 21:4-6 - Jehoram's Evil Reign"). His egregious sins provoked a severe prophetic warning from Elijah, delivered in a letter that foretold a great plague upon his people, family, and possessions, and a particularly severe, debilitating disease upon Jehoram himself, specifically affecting his bowels ([2 Chronicles 21:12-15](/2_chronicles/21-12 "2 Chronicles 21:12-15 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Jehoram")). Verse 19 explicitly describes the precise and painful fulfillment of this divine judgment, marking the end of a reign characterized by profound spiritual and moral decay.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Jehoram's reign (c. 848-841 BC) was marked by significant political and religious instability in both Judah and Israel. The influence of the northern kingdom's idolatry, particularly through the Omride dynasty (Ahab and Jezebel), permeated Judah through Athaliah. The "burning" mentioned in the verse refers not to cremation, which was generally not practiced by Israelites, but to an honorific ritual involving the burning of spices, aromatic wood, and sometimes the king's personal effects, as a sign of deep respect and public mourning for a deceased monarch or revered figure. This practice is exemplified in the burial of King Asa ([2 Chronicles 16:14](/2_chronicles/16-14 "2 Chronicles 16:14 - King Asa's Burial")). The absence of such a "burning" for Jehoram was a profound public disgrace, signifying that his people did not mourn him, did not respect him, and likely viewed his death as a deserved end to a tyrannical and ungodly reign, a stark contrast to the honor shown to his righteous predecessors.
* **Key Themes:** The account of Jehoram's demise powerfully underscores several major theological and narrative themes. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and the Inevitable Consequences of Sin**. Jehoram's agonizing death and the subsequent public dishonor serve as a vivid testament to God's unwavering justice and the bitter fruit of rebellion against Him. This narrative reinforces the biblical principle that [what one sows, one will also reap](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). Another crucial theme is the **Reliability and Fulfillment of Prophecy**. Elijah's specific warnings concerning Jehoram's illness and the plague upon his kingdom were meticulously fulfilled, demonstrating God's sovereign control over human affairs and the certainty of His declared judgments. Finally, the **Nature of True Honor and Disgrace** is highlighted. The people's refusal to perform the traditional "burning" for Jehoram signifies that true honor is not merely a matter of royal status but is earned through a life of integrity, righteousness, and faithfulness to God, which Jehoram utterly lacked.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bowels fell out (Hebrew, _me'ayw yatse'u'_):** This graphic phrase describes a severe and humiliating physical affliction. While the precise medical condition is debated, it most likely refers to a prolonged, severe form of dysentery, which can lead to intestinal prolapse, or a similar debilitating gastrointestinal illness causing extreme internal distress and eventual expulsion of bodily contents. The vividness of the description emphasizes the intensity of Jehoram's suffering and the gruesome nature of his divinely ordained demise, highlighting the direct, physical consequence of his spiritual corruption.
* **sore diseases (Hebrew, _cholayim ra'im'_):** Literally "evil diseases" or "malignant diseases." This phrase underscores the severity and persistent nature of Jehoram's illness, which lasted for two years. The term "evil" here carries a theological connotation, suggesting that these diseases were not merely natural ailments but were divinely appointed afflictions, a direct manifestation of God's judgment upon Jehoram for his wickedness. It signifies a profound and comprehensive physical decay.
* **no burning for him (Hebrew, _misraphah'_):** This term refers to the honorific burning of spices and other aromatic materials that accompanied the burial of revered kings in ancient Israel, symbolizing public mourning, respect, and esteem. The absence of this ritual for Jehoram was a deliberate and profound act of public dishonor. It signified that his people felt no grief, offered no respect, and implicitly endorsed the divine judgment against him, viewing his death as a just and unlamented end to a tyrannical reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years":** This opening phrase emphasizes the prolonged nature of Jehoram's suffering, indicating that his death was not sudden but the culmination of a debilitating, two-year illness. The specific timeframe highlights the fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy, which foretold a "great plague" upon him (2 Chronicles 21:14), suggesting a drawn-out period of divine retribution.
* **"his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases.":** This clause provides the graphic and painful details of Jehoram's death. The description of his "bowels fell out" signifies a gruesome, humiliating, and agonizing end, a direct physical manifestation of the "sore diseases" that afflicted him. This specific affliction is understood as a direct, punitive act of God, designed to reflect the internal corruption and moral decay of Jehoram's reign.
* **"And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers.":** This final clause highlights the ultimate disgrace and rejection Jehoram faced. Unlike his righteous predecessors, such as King Asa, for whom a lavish "burning" was made, Jehoram was denied this customary royal honor. This public snub underscored the people's contempt and relief at his passing, signifying that he had forfeited all respect and esteem, even from his own subjects, a stark contrast to the honor bestowed upon kings who walked faithfully with God.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of divine judgment and consequence. **Foreshadowing** is evident in Elijah's earlier prophecy (2 Chronicles 21:12-15), which explicitly details the nature of Jehoram's illness, making his death a clear fulfillment rather than a random event. The text also uses striking **contrast**, juxtaposing Jehoram's dishonorable death with the respectful "burning of his fathers," particularly King Asa (2 Chronicles 16:14), to highlight the spiritual decline and the loss of divine favor. The description "his bowels fell out" is a powerful example of **graphic imagery** and potentially **hyperbole**, designed to evoke a strong emotional response and underscore the severity and humiliation of the divine judgment. Furthermore, there is a subtle **irony** in the fact that a king who brutally murdered his brothers to secure power ultimately dies a prolonged, agonizing, and publicly dishonored death, stripped of all dignity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Jehoram's ignominious end serves as a stark biblical testament to the principle of divine justice and the dire consequences of persistent rebellion against God. It underscores that God is not mocked; those who sow wickedness will inevitably reap its bitter fruit. Jehoram's story is a vivid illustration that unrighteousness, idolatry, and cruelty, especially from those in positions of leadership, do not go unpunished. It affirms God's sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to upholding His moral order, demonstrating that while His patience is vast, His justice is certain. This narrative provides both a warning to the wicked and an assurance to the righteous that God sees all and will ultimately bring every deed into judgment.

* [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "Proverbs 1:31 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God's Impartial Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic narrative of King Jehoram’s life and death offers profound lessons for believers today, particularly concerning leadership, accountability, and the nature of true honor. Jehoram's reign, marked by violence and apostasy, serves as a sobering reminder that all individuals, especially those entrusted with influence or authority, are ultimately accountable to God for their actions. His agonizing death and the subsequent public dishonor underscore that genuine honor is not conferred by status or power, but is earned through a life of integrity, righteousness, and unwavering faithfulness to God. We are called to live lives that reflect God's character, understanding that our choices have spiritual and often temporal consequences. This passage also reassures us of God's justice; while He is merciful and longsuffering, He is also just, and ultimately, He will repay. This truth provides comfort to those who suffer injustice and serves as a powerful warning to those who persist in wickedness, urging repentance and a return to God's ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jehoram's reign and death serve as a warning for those in leadership today, whether in the church, family, or society?**
* **What does "true honor" mean in a biblical sense, and how can we cultivate a life that earns God's approval and genuine respect from others, rather than seeking fleeting worldly acclaim?**
* **How does the certainty of God's justice, as seen in Jehoram's fate, shape our understanding of suffering, righteousness, and the importance of living a life pleasing to God?**

### FAQ
**What exactly does "his bowels fell out" mean, and why is it described so graphically?**

Answer: The phrase "his bowels fell out" (Hebrew: _me'ayw yatse'u_) is a graphic description of a severe and debilitating internal affliction, likely a prolonged and intense form of dysentery or a similar gastrointestinal disease that led to intestinal prolapse or the expulsion of bodily contents. This vivid imagery is not merely medical reporting but serves a theological purpose. It emphasizes the gruesome, humiliating, and agonizing nature of Jehoram's death as a direct, divinely ordained judgment. The specificity and pain of the illness reflect the internal corruption and moral decay of Jehoram's reign, making his physical suffering a mirror of his spiritual state. It underscores the severity of God's retribution for his persistent wickedness, fulfilling the specific prophecy of Elijah against him in [2 Chronicles 21:15](/2_chronicles/21-15 "2 Chronicles 21:15 - Elijah's Prophecy of Jehoram's Illness").

**Why was "no burning" made for Jehoram, and what was its significance?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, a "burning" (Hebrew: _misraphah_) for a deceased king or revered person was not cremation, but an honorific ritual involving the burning of spices, aromatic wood, and sometimes personal effects at the time of burial. This practice symbolized public mourning, respect, and esteem for the departed monarch, as seen in the elaborate "burning" for King Asa in [2 Chronicles 16:14](/2_chronicles/16-14 "2 Chronicles 16:14 - King Asa's Burial"). The fact that "no burning" was made for Jehoram signifies a profound public disgrace and a deliberate act of contempt from his own people. It meant that his subjects felt no grief, offered no respect, and likely viewed his death as a deserved end to a tyrannical and ungodly reign. This absence of traditional royal honors underscored that Jehoram had forfeited all respect and esteem due to his wickedness, serving as a powerful public declaration of divine disfavor and the bitter consequences of his apostasy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jehoram's death is a stark example of divine judgment for sin, it also serves as a profound backdrop against which the person and work of Jesus Christ shine even more brightly. Jehoram suffered a humiliating and agonizing death as a direct consequence of his own sin, despised by his people and abandoned by God. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, who "knew no sin" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), willingly endured an even more humiliating and agonizing death on the cross, not for His own transgressions, but as the innocent 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")). His suffering, though outwardly shameful, was redemptive, fulfilling the ancient prophecies of a suffering servant who would bear the iniquity of us all ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Atoning Suffering")). Unlike Jehoram, who received no honor in death, Christ's sacrificial death led to His glorious resurrection and ultimate exaltation, where "God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, Jehoram's story, a testament to sin's wages, ultimately points to Christ, who, by enduring the cross "for the joy set before him" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")), transformed the ultimate disgrace into the ultimate victory, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe.

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 16:14

And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds [of spices] prepared by the apothecaries' art: and they made a very great burning for him.

Jeremiah 34:5

[But] thou shalt die in peace: and with the burnings of thy fathers, the former kings which were before thee, so shall they burn [odours] for thee; and they will lament thee, [saying], Ah lord! for I have pronounced the word, saith the LORD.