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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Second Chronicles 21:17 records a devastating invasion during the reign of King Jehoram of Judah, detailing the immense loss he suffered as a direct consequence of his wickedness.

Context

This verse describes the culmination of God's judgment upon King Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat. Unlike his righteous father, Jehoram "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). He even murdered all his brothers to solidify his rule. As a result, the prophet Elijah sent him a letter prophesying severe calamities, including a great plague upon his people, sons, wives, and possessions, and a grievous disease upon himself (2 Chronicles 21:12-15). Verse 17 depicts the fulfillment of this prophecy: the Philistines and the Arabians invaded Judah, plundering the royal palace and taking captive all of Jehoram's sons and wives, sparing only his youngest son, Jehoahaz (also known as Ahaziah or Azariah in other passages).

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment for Unfaithfulness: The invasion and subsequent losses are presented as a direct result of Jehoram's idolatry and cruelty. This highlights the biblical principle that actions have consequences, especially for those in leadership who turn away from God.
  • God's Sovereignty in Calamity: Even through foreign invaders like the Philistines and Arabians, God orchestrates events to bring about His purposes and administer justice.
  • Profound Loss and Humiliation: Jehoram not only lost his material wealth but also his family, a deeply personal and humiliating consequence for a king in ancient times.
  • A Glimmer of Mercy: The sparing of Jehoahaz, the youngest son, though a small detail, shows that even in severe judgment, God's plan for the Davidic line (through which the Messiah would come) was preserved. This son would eventually succeed him as king (2 Chronicles 22:1).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "substance" (rekush - רְכוּשׁ) refers to accumulated goods, wealth, or property. Its usage here emphasizes the totality of the plunder, indicating that nothing of value was left in the king's house. The phrase "brake into it" suggests a violent and forceful entry, underscoring the destructive nature of the invasion.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a stark reminder of the principle of sowing and reaping. Jehoram's ungodly choices led to devastating personal and national consequences. For believers today, it underscores the importance of:

  • Faithfulness to God: Our actions, especially in leadership, have far-reaching implications.
  • Understanding Consequences: While God is merciful, there are often natural and spiritual consequences for persistent sin and rebellion.
  • God's Enduring Plan: Even amidst severe judgment, God's overarching purposes and promises (like the Davidic covenant) remain secure, often through unexpected means.

Reflection

2 Chronicles 21:17 vividly portrays the severe and personal judgment that befell King Jehoram due to his deviation from the Lord's ways. It is a powerful narrative demonstrating God's justice and His consistent character in dealing with human rebellion, while also subtly hinting at His continued preservation of His divine plan.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 22:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Job 5:4 (2 votes)

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