2 Chronicles 21:12

¶ And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of David thy father, Because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah,

And there came {H935} a writing {H4385} to him from Elijah {H452} the prophet {H5030}, saying {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of David {H1732} thy father {H1}, Because thou hast not walked {H1980} in the ways {H1870} of Jehoshaphat {H3092} thy father {H1}, nor in the ways {H1870} of Asa {H609} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063},

A letter came to him from Eliyahu the prophet which said, "Here is what ADONAI, the God of David your ancestor, says: 'You have not lived by the examples of Y'hoshafat your father or Asa king of Y'hudah.

Then a letter came to Jehoram from Elijah the prophet, which stated: “This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘You have not walked in the ways of your father Jehoshaphat or of Asa king of Judah,

And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of David thy father, Because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah,

Commentary

Context

2 Chronicles 21:12 marks a significant turning point in the reign of King Jehoram of Judah. Jehoram, the son of the righteous King Jehoshaphat, quickly abandoned his father's godly ways upon ascending the throne. He began his reign by brutally murdering all his brothers and introducing idolatry, leading the people of Judah astray. This verse details an extraordinary event: a written message delivered to him from the prophet Elijah. This message is notable not only for its content but also because Elijah's primary ministry was typically associated with the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and his ascension to heaven is recorded in 2 Kings 2:11, which some scholars place before Jehoram's full reign. Regardless of the precise timing or method of delivery, the text clearly presents it as a direct, authoritative word from God via His prophet Elijah, rebuking Jehoram for his wickedness and deviation from the paths of his godly ancestors.

Key Themes

  • Divine Rebuke and Warning: The letter serves as a direct, unvarnished warning from God Himself, delivered through His prophet, highlighting Jehoram's severe transgressions.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The message immediately establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between Jehoram's unrighteous actions and the impending divine judgment.
  • Spiritual Legacy and Lineage: The verse explicitly contrasts Jehoram's conduct with the righteous reigns of his father Jehoshaphat and grandfather Asa king of Judah, emphasizing the importance of upholding a godly heritage.
  • God's Covenant Faithfulness: By invoking "the LORD God of David thy father," the message subtly reminds Jehoram of the enduring covenant God made with the Davidic line, even as Jehoram himself dishonored it.

Linguistic Insights

The term "writing" (Hebrew: mikhtav, מִכְתָּב) suggests a formal, authoritative, and permanent document, emphasizing the gravity of the message. It was not merely a spoken word but a recorded decree. The phrase "LORD God of David thy father" (Hebrew: Yahweh Elohim David אביך) is particularly potent. It underlines God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with the Davidic dynasty, even as its current king, Jehoram, was proving unfaithful. This title serves as a powerful reminder of the high standard of righteousness set by King David and the expectations God had for his descendants.

Historical and Cultural Significance

This episode illustrates the crucial role of prophets in ancient Israel and Judah. Prophets acted as God's direct spokesmen, often confronting kings and leaders with divine truth, even when unpopular or dangerous. Elijah's intervention, regardless of its unique circumstances, underscores the principle that no king was above God's law or beyond His judgment. It also highlights the constant struggle within the Davidic monarchy between adherence to God's covenant and the temptation to adopt pagan practices, a recurring theme throughout the books of Chronicles and Kings.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Chronicles 21:12 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Accountability in Leadership: Those in positions of influence, whether in family, church, or society, bear a significant responsibility before God. Their choices have far-reaching spiritual consequences.
  • Valuing Spiritual Heritage: We are called to honor and build upon the godly examples and teachings passed down to us, rather than abandoning them for worldly trends or personal gain.
  • God's Warnings Precede Judgment: God, in His mercy, often sends clear warnings before judgment. This verse is a powerful reminder to pay heed to divine rebukes and calls to repentance, whether through Scripture, conscience, or the counsel of godly individuals.
  • Consequences of Sin: Deviating from God's ways, especially when rejecting clear righteous examples, inevitably leads to negative outcomes, both personally and corporally, underscoring the importance of righteous living.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 17:3 (5 votes)

    And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;

  • 2 Chronicles 17:4 (5 votes)

    But sought to the [LORD] God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.

  • 2 Chronicles 14:2 (5 votes)

    And Asa did [that which was] good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God:

  • 2 Chronicles 14:5 (5 votes)

    Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him.

  • 2 Kings 2:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

  • Jeremiah 36:23 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, [that] when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast [it] into the fire that [was] on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that [was] on the hearth.

  • Daniel 5:5 (2 votes)

    In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.