2 Chronicles 21:4

KJV

Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and [divers] also of the princes of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now when Jehoram {H3088} was risen up {H6965} to the kingdom {H4467} of his father {H1}, he strengthened {H2388} himself, and slew {H2026} all his brethren {H251} with the sword {H2719}, and divers also of the princes {H8269} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when Y'horam had taken control of his father's kingdom and consolidated his rule, he put to the sword all his brothers and a number of the leading men in Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

When Jehoram had established himself over his father’s kingdom, he strengthened himself by putting to the sword all his brothers along with some of the princes of Israel.

American Standard Version

Now when Jehoram was risen up over the kingdom of his father, and had strengthened himself, he slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Upon his ascension to the throne of Judah, King Jehoram immediately embarked on a brutal campaign of power consolidation, ruthlessly eliminating all his brothers and numerous influential princes. This shocking act of fratricide and political assassination marked a dark and violent departure from the generally righteous reign of his father, Jehoshaphat, setting an ominous tone for a period of profound moral and spiritual decline within the Davidic monarchy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of King Jehoshaphat's death and burial in [2 Chronicles 21:1-3](/2_chronicles/21-1-3 "2 Chronicles 21:1-3 - Jehoram's Succession and His Brothers"). The transition is abrupt and stark, moving from a king who "walked in the ways of the Lord" to a son who begins his reign with extreme violence. The Chronicler highlights Jehoram's immediate actions as king, emphasizing that this was a deliberate act of securing his power, rather than a reaction to a specific threat. This initial act of wickedness foreshadows the entirety of Jehoram's reign, which the subsequent verses describe as marked by apostasy, idolatry, and divine judgment, culminating in his ignominious death (e.g., [2 Chronicles 21:12-20](/2_chronicles/21-12-20 "2 Chronicles 21:12-20 - Elijah's Letter and Jehoram's Death")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the elimination of potential rivals, especially siblings, was a grim but not uncommon practice among monarchs seeking to secure their succession and prevent future challenges to their authority. While the Davidic covenant promised a stable dynasty, the actions of individual kings often reflected the brutal realities of power politics. Jehoram's mother was Athaliah, the daughter of King Ahab and Jezebel of Israel, whose family was notorious for their Baal worship and political ruthlessness. Her influence, coupled with the prevailing cultural norms of power consolidation, likely contributed to Jehoram's depraved decision to purge his own family and the leading figures of Judah. This act also reflects a disregard for the Mosaic Law and the sanctity of life, which were foundational principles for the people of God.
* **Key Themes:** Jehoram's actions in [2 Chronicles 21:4](/2_chronicles/21-4 "2 Chronicles 21:4 - Jehoram's Violent Ascent") contribute to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **unchecked power and its corrupting influence**. Jehoram's ambition overrides any moral or familial obligations. Secondly, it highlights the **moral degeneration** within the Davidic line, demonstrating that a godly heritage (from Jehoshaphat) does not guarantee personal righteousness. This contrasts sharply with the Chronicler's emphasis on the importance of righteous kingship and obedience to God, seen in earlier accounts of kings like David and Solomon, and even Jehoram's own father. Finally, this act of violence sets the stage for the **consequences of apostasy and divine judgment**, a recurring motif throughout the book of Chronicles, as Jehoram's reign would be plagued by foreign invasions and a debilitating disease as a direct result of his wickedness (e.g., [2 Chronicles 21:16-19](/2_chronicles/21-16-19 "2 Chronicles 21:16-19 - Divine Judgment on Jehoram")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strengthened himself (Hebrew, _ḥāzaq_):** This verb, often translated as "to be strong," "firm," or "courageous," carries a dual meaning. While it can denote positive resolve (e.g., "strengthen yourself in the Lord"), here it is used in a negative sense, indicating Jehoram's forceful and ruthless consolidation of power. He "made himself strong" not through righteous governance or divine reliance, but through violent means, asserting his authority by eliminating all perceived threats.
* **Slew (Hebrew, _harag_):** This verb specifically means "to kill" or "to murder." Its use here emphasizes the deliberate and violent nature of Jehoram's actions. It is not an accidental death but a premeditated act of fratricide and political assassination, highlighting the king's profound moral depravity.
* **Brethren (Hebrew, _'akh_):** Referring to his own brothers, the sons of Jehoshaphat. The term underscores the heinous nature of the act – the shedding of familial blood. This was not merely a political purge but a violation of the deepest familial bonds, a direct affront to the sanctity of life within the covenant community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father":** This clause establishes the immediate context of Jehoram's actions. His ascent to the throne was the catalyst for his subsequent violence, indicating that these acts were part of his strategy for establishing and securing his reign. The transition from his father's rule to his own is marked by this pivotal and destructive decision.
* **"he strengthened himself":** This phrase describes Jehoram's active and intentional effort to consolidate his power. Unlike the positive strengthening in faith or righteous governance, this "strengthening" is achieved through brute force and the elimination of rivals, reflecting a king driven by fear, ambition, and a desire for absolute control, rather than by divine guidance.
* **"and slew all his brethren with the sword":** This is the shocking core of the verse. Jehoram committed fratricide, murdering all his male siblings. This act was designed to eliminate any potential claimants to the throne, ensuring his unchallenged rule. The mention of "the sword" emphasizes the violent and bloody nature of the purge, a direct and brutal act of execution.
* **"and [divers] also of the princes of Israel":** Beyond his own family, Jehoram extended his purge to include "divers" (meaning "various" or "sundry") princes or officials of Judah (the KJV uses "Israel" here, but in the context of Chronicles, it refers to the southern kingdom of Judah). This indicates a broader political cleansing, removing any influential figures who might oppose his rule or challenge his authority, thereby solidifying his tyrannical grip on the kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in this verse to emphasize the gravity of Jehoram's actions. **Contrast** is immediately evident, as Jehoram's brutal beginning stands in stark opposition to the generally righteous and God-fearing reign of his father, Jehoshaphat. This highlights the profound moral decline. **Foreshadowing** is also powerfully present; this initial act of extreme wickedness sets the ominous tone for Jehoram's entire reign, signaling that it will be characterized by further apostasy and ultimately, divine judgment. The phrase "strengthened himself" carries a strong sense of **irony**, as Jehoram's attempt to secure his power through violence ultimately leads to weakness, instability, and a reign marked by divine disfavor and a painful, ignominious end.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse starkly portrays the corrupting influence of unchecked power and the depths of human depravity when leadership is not submitted to divine authority. Jehoram's actions are a chilling demonstration of how fear, ambition, and a desire for absolute control can lead to horrific acts, even against one's own family. The narrative underscores the principle that a godly heritage does not guarantee personal righteousness; individual accountability before God is paramount. Despite Jehoram's attempts to secure his throne through violence, his reign would be marked by instability and divine judgment, illustrating God's ultimate sovereignty over human affairs and His commitment to justice, even when allowing wicked rulers to rise.

* [Genesis 4:8](/genesis/4-8 "Genesis 4:8 - Cain Murders Abel")
* [1 Kings 15:29](/1_kings/15-29 "1 Kings 15:29 - Baasha Destroys Jeroboam's House")
* [Proverbs 28:15](/proverbs/28-15 "Proverbs 28:15 - A Roaring Lion and a Ranging Bear Is a Wicked Ruler")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling account of Jehoram's ascent to power serves as a potent and enduring warning about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrupting nature of power when divorced from moral and spiritual principles. It reminds us that true strength does not come from eliminating rivals or asserting control through violence, but from humility, justice, and submission to a higher authority. For leaders today, whether in government, business, or the church, Jehoram's story is a stark reminder that character and integrity are paramount. A legacy built on ruthlessness and self-interest, no matter how seemingly effective in the short term, ultimately leads to spiritual bankruptcy and often, historical condemnation. This passage calls us to examine our own hearts for any seeds of envy, ambition, or a desire for control that might lead us astray, and to actively cultivate virtues of humility, compassion, and service, recognizing that true authority is found in serving others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the pursuit of power without moral constraint manifest in contemporary society, and what are its consequences?**
* **In what ways can a "godly heritage" (like Jehoram's from Jehoshaphat) be squandered, and what does this teach us about individual responsibility?**
* **What safeguards can individuals and communities put in place to prevent the corrupting influence of unchecked power?**
* **How does this narrative challenge our understanding of leadership and authority in both secular and spiritual contexts?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jehoram kill his own brothers and the princes of Judah?**

Answer: Jehoram's actions were a brutal, though not uncommon, tactic in ancient Near Eastern monarchies to secure absolute power and eliminate any potential rivals to his throne. By slaying his own brothers, he eradicated any alternative claimants from the direct Davidic line, and by eliminating "divers of the princes," he removed influential figures who might have opposed his rule or challenged his authority. This was a ruthless consolidation of power driven by fear, ambition, and a desire for unchallenged control, rather than a response to any specific rebellion or threat.

**How does Jehoram's reign compare to his father Jehoshaphat's?**

Answer: Jehoram's reign stands in stark contrast to that of his father, Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat is largely portrayed as a righteous king who "sought the Lord" ([2 Chronicles 17:3-4](/2_chronicles/17-3-4 "2 Chronicles 17:3-4 - Jehoshaphat's Early Reign")) and initiated reforms in Judah, despite some compromising alliances. Jehoram, however, immediately upon ascending the throne, demonstrates profound wickedness through fratricide and political assassination. His reign is subsequently described as one marked by idolatry, apostasy, and divine judgment, leading to foreign invasions and a terrible disease ([2 Chronicles 21:5-20](/2_chronicles/21-5-20 "2 Chronicles 21:5-20 - Jehoram's Wicked Reign and Death")). This stark difference highlights the individual accountability of kings before God, regardless of their heritage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jehoram's reign, inaugurated by such brutal violence and self-serving ambition, stands in stark contrast to the kingdom of God established by Jesus Christ. Jehoram sought to "strengthen himself" through the death of others, securing an earthly throne through bloodshed and fear. Christ, however, "strengthened" His eternal kingdom not by taking life, but by laying down His own life, demonstrating ultimate humility and self-sacrifice ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). While Jehoram's reign was characterized by terror and the elimination of rivals, Christ's reign is one of grace, truth, and reconciliation, inviting all to become co-heirs with Him, not rivals ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The Davidic covenant, which Jehoram's actions seemed to threaten with their depravity, finds its true and perfect fulfillment not in any flawed earthly king, but in Jesus, the Son of David, whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")) and whose reign is eternal, righteous, and brings life, not death ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")). He is the true King who truly secures His people, not by slaying them, but by saving them.

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

Judges 9:5

And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, [being] threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.

2 Chronicles 21:17

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.

Genesis 4:8

¶ And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

2 Chronicles 22:10

¶ But when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal of the house of Judah.

Judges 9:56

Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren:

Judges 9:57

And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God render upon their heads: and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.

1 John 3:12

Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.