TRV
Translation
King James Version
So Joram went over to Zair, and all the chariots with him: and he rose by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed him about, and the captains of the chariots: and the people fled into their tents.
KJV (with Strong's)
Complete Jewish Bible
In response, Yoram crossed to Tza'ir with all his chariots. At night he and his chariot commanders set out and attacked Edom who had surrounded him; then the people fled to their tents.
Berean Standard Bible
So Jehoram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots. When the Edomites surrounded him and his chariot commanders, he rose up and attacked by night. His troops, however, fled to their homes.
American Standard Version
Then Joram passed over to Zair, and all his chariots with him: and he rose up by night, and smote the Edomites that compassed him about, and the captains of the chariots; and the people fled to their tents.
World English Bible Messianic
Then Joram passed over to Zair, and all his chariots with him: and he rose up by night, and struck the Edomites who surrounded him, and the captains of the chariots; and the people fled to their tents.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore Ioram went to Zair, and all his charets with him, and he arose by night, and smote the Edomites which were about him with the captains of the charets, and the people fled into their tents.
Young's Literal Translation
and Joram passeth over to Zair, and all the chariots with him, and he himself hath risen by night, and smiteth Edom, that is coming round about unto him, and the heads of the chariots, and the people fleeth to its tents;
See also
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 9,749 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Kings 8 verses 16–24
16 ¶ And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign.
17 Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.
18 And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife: and he did evil in the sight of the LORD.
19 Yet the LORD would not destroy Judah for David his servant's sake, as he promised him to give him alway a light, and to his children.
20 In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves.
21 So Joram went over to Zair, and all the chariots with him: and he rose by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed him about, and the captains of the chariots: and the people fled into their tents.
22 Yet Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. Then Libnah revolted at the same time.
23 And the rest of the acts of Joram, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
24 And Joram slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.
We have here a brief account of the life and reign of Jehoram (or Joram), one of the worst of the kings of Judah, but the son and successor of Jehoshaphat, one of the best. Note, 1. Parents cannot give grace to their children. Many that have themselves been godly have had the grief and shame of seeing those that came forth out of their bowels wicked and vile. Let not the families that are thus afflicted think it strange. 2. If the children of good parents prove wicked, commonly they are worse than others. The unclean spirit brings in seven others more wicked than himself, Luk 11:26. 3. A nation is sometimes justly punished with the miseries of a bad reign for not improving the blessings and advantages of a good one.
Concerning this Jehoram observe,
I. The general idea here given of his wickedness (Kg2 8:18): He did as the house of Ahab, and worse he could not do. His character is taken from the bad example he followed, for men are according to the company they converse with and the copies they write after. No mistake is more fatal to young people than a mistake in the choice of those whom they would recommend themselves to and take their measures from, and whose good opinion they value themselves by. Jehoram chose the house of Ahab for his pattern rather than his father's house, and this choice was his ruin. We have a particular account of his wickedness (2 Chr. 21), murder, idolatry, persecution, everything that was bad.
II. The occasions of his wickedness. His father was a very good man, and no doubt took care to have him taught the good knowledge of the Lord, but, 1. It is certain he did ill to marry him to the daughter of Ahab; no good could come of an alliance with an idolatrous family, but all mischief with such a daughter of such a mother as Athaliah the daughter of Jezebel. The degeneracy of the old world took rise from the unequal yoking of professors with profane. Those that are ill-matched are already half-ruined. 2. I doubt he did not do well to make him king in his own life-time. It is said here (Kg2 8:16) that he began to reign, Jehoshaphat being then king; hereby he gratified his pride (than which nothing is more pernicious to young people), indulged him in his ambition, in hopes to reform him by humouring him, and so brought a curse upon his family, as Eli did, whose sons made themselves vile and he restrained them not. Jehoshaphat had made this wicked son of his viceroy once when he went with Ahab to Ramoth-Gilead, from which Jehoshaphat's seventeenth year (Kg1 22:51) is made Jehoram's second (Kg2 1:17), but afterwards, in his twenty-second year, he made him partner in his government, and thence Joram's eight years are to be dated, three years before his father's death. It has been hurtful to many young men to come too soon to their estates. Samuel got nothing by making his sons judges.
III. The rebukes of Providence which he was under for his wickedness. 1. The Edomites revolted, who had been under the government of the kings of Judah ever since David's time, about 150 years, Kg2 8:20. He attempted to reduce them, and gave them a defeat (Kg2 8:21), but he could not improve the advantage he had got, so as to recover his dominion over them: Yet Edom revolted (Kg2 8:22), and the Edomites were, after this, bitter enemies to the Jews, as appears by the prophecy of Obadiah and Psa 137:7. Now Isaac's prophecy was fulfilled, that this Esau the elder should serve Jacob the younger; yet, in process of time, he should break that yoke from off his neck, Gen 27:40. 2. Libnah revolted. This was a city in Judah, in the heart of his country, a priests' city; the inhabitants of this city shook off his government because he had forsaken God, and would have compelled them to do so too, Ch2 21:10, Ch2 21:11. In order that they might preserve their religion they set up for a free state. Perhaps other cities did the same. 3. His reign was short. God cut him off in the midst of his days, when he was but forty years old, and had reigned but eight years. Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days.
IV. The gracious care of Providence for the keeping up of the kingdom of Judah, and the house of David, notwithstanding the apostasies and calamities of Jehoram's reign (Kg2 8:19): Yet the Lord would not destroy Judah. He could easily have done it; he might justly have done it; it would have been no loss to him to have done it; yet he would not do it, for David's sake, not for the sake of any merit of his which could challenge this favour to his family as a debt, but for the sake of a promise made to him that he should always have a lamp (that is, a succession of kings from one generation to another, by which his name should be kept bright and illustrious, as a lamp is kept burning by a constant fresh supply of oil), that his family should never be extinct till it terminated in the Messiah, that Son of David on whom was to be hung all the glory of his Father's house and in whose everlasting kingdom that promise to David is fulfilled (Psa 132:17), I have ordained a lamp for my anointed.
V. The conclusion of this impious and inglorious reign, Kg2 8:23, Kg2 8:24. Nothing peculiar is here said of him; but we are told (Ch2 21:19, Ch2 21:20) that he died of sore diseases and died without being desired.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 16–24. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying 2 Kings 8:21 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Second Kings 8:21 vividly recounts a critical military engagement during the reign of King Joram of Judah, detailing his swift and strategic night assault against the rebellious Edomites who had encircled his forces. This verse captures a moment of intense conflict and Joram's desperate but effective tactical maneuver to break the siege, highlighting the precarious nature of Judah's dominion over its long-standing vassal state following Edom's declaration of independence.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The narrative in 2 Kings 8:21 employs Narrative Economy, presenting a complex military engagement with remarkable brevity. The author efficiently conveys the dire situation (encirclement), Joram's strategic response (night attack), and the immediate tactical outcome (Edomite flight) in a single sentence. This conciseness emphasizes the decisive nature of the event without dwelling on unnecessary details. There is also a subtle Irony at play: despite Joram's courageous and tactically successful maneuver in breaking the siege and routing the Edomites, the subsequent verse reveals that Edom ultimately retained its independence. This highlights the limited scope of Joram's victory, showcasing that a tactical win does not always translate into a strategic triumph, and hinting at the broader decline of Judah's power.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while describing a military event, offers profound theological insights into the nature of power, rebellion, and divine oversight. Joram's desperate but successful night attack underscores the human capacity for strategic thinking and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. However, the broader narrative, where Edom ultimately secures its independence, reminds us that human efforts, no matter how valiant, are ultimately subject to a larger divine purpose and the unfolding of history. It reflects the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and the futility of relying solely on military might for lasting dominion. The rebellion of Edom, a nation with a long history of animosity towards Israel, can be seen as part of the consequences of Judah's own spiritual decline, as God often used foreign nations as instruments of judgment or discipline.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Joram's night attack, though set in ancient warfare, offers timeless lessons on leadership, resilience, and the nature of success. It teaches us that even when "compassed about" by challenges, whether personal, professional, or spiritual, strategic thinking and decisive action can lead to crucial breakthroughs or at least prevent complete defeat. Joram's willingness to "rise by night" speaks to the courage required to confront daunting situations head-on, even when the odds seem stacked against us. It also provides a sober reminder that not every "victory" results in a complete triumph over the original problem; sometimes, success is measured by survival, a tactical gain, or the ability to mitigate loss. For believers, this can translate into perseverance in faith, understanding that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness, and that even in partial victories, His hand can be seen. It encourages us to seek divine wisdom and act with courage, knowing that our ultimate hope rests not in our own strength but in God's sovereign plan.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Joram (Jehoram) of Judah, and what was his reign like?
Answer: Joram, also known as Jehoram, was the son of King Jehoshaphat and reigned over Judah for eight years (c. 848-841 BC). His reign is generally depicted negatively in the biblical narrative, largely due to his marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel of Israel. This marriage led to the introduction of Baal worship into Judah, a significant departure from the righteous path of his father, Jehoshaphat. As a result, the kingdom faced various troubles, including the successful rebellion of Edom mentioned in 2 Kings 8:20-22 and a revolt by Libnah. The prophet Elijah also sent him a letter prophesying his death by a severe illness, which came to pass, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 21:12-19.
What was the significance of Edom's rebellion against Judah?
Answer: Edom's rebellion was highly significant for several reasons. Historically, Edom had been a long-standing vassal state of Judah since King David's conquest (e.g., 2 Samuel 8:14). Their independence meant a loss of tribute, resources, and, crucially, control over vital trade routes, particularly those leading to the Red Sea and the lucrative Arabian trade. Thematically, it signaled a weakening of Judah's power and influence, often interpreted as a consequence of Joram's unfaithfulness to God. The narrative in 2 Kings 8:22 explicitly states that Edom remained independent "to this day," underscoring the lasting impact of this event on Judah's geopolitical standing.
Where was Zair, and why was it important?
Answer: The exact location of "Zair" is debated among scholars. Some identify it with Zoar, a city mentioned in the region of the Dead Sea (e.g., Genesis 19:22). Others suggest it refers to Seir, the mountainous region that was the primary territory of Edom, or simply a strategic military outpost within Edomite territory. Regardless of its precise location, its importance lies in its role as the site of this critical confrontation. It was where Joram's forces found themselves encircled by the Edomites, necessitating his desperate night attack. The fact that the battle took place deep within Edomite territory indicates Joram's determination to reassert control over his rebellious vassal.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The limited and ultimately unsuccessful military campaign of Joram against Edom, despite his tactical ingenuity, serves as a poignant Old Testament shadow pointing to the infinitely superior and eternally decisive victory of Jesus Christ. Joram's temporary triumph in breaking the encirclement contrasts sharply with Christ's ultimate and complete triumph over all spiritual enemies. While Joram fought for an earthly kingdom and its fleeting dominion, Jesus came to establish an eternal, spiritual kingdom, not of this world (John 18:36). The Edomites, though smitten, eventually retained their independence, symbolizing the persistent nature of sin and death under the Old Covenant. However, Christ, through His death and resurrection, "smote" sin and death decisively, disarming the powers and authorities and triumphing over them by the cross (Colossians 2:15). His "night attack" was not a desperate military maneuver but a purposeful descent into the darkness of sin and death, from which He rose victorious, securing not a temporary escape but eternal freedom for all who believe (Hebrews 2:14-15). Thus, Joram's partial success foreshadows the perfect and everlasting reign of the true King, Jesus, who will ultimately put all His enemies under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:25).