2 Chronicles 21:8
In the days of Jehoram, Edom rebelled against the hand of Judah and appointed their own king.
In the days of Jehoram
This phrase sets the historical context for the events described. Jehoram was the son of Jehoshaphat and became king of Judah. His reign is marked by a departure from the ways of his father, who was known for his faithfulness to God. Jehoram's rule is characterized by idolatry and alliances with the house of Ahab, which led to spiritual and political decline. The phrase reminds us of the importance of godly leadership and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments.

Edom rebelled
The rebellion of Edom signifies a significant political shift. Historically, Edom had been under the control of Judah since the time of King David. The Hebrew root for "rebelled" (פָּשַׁע, pasha) implies a breaking away or revolt. This rebellion is a direct consequence of Jehoram's unfaithfulness, illustrating how spiritual decline can lead to the loss of political power and influence. It serves as a warning that disobedience to God can result in the unraveling of established order and authority.

against the hand of Judah
The "hand of Judah" symbolizes the dominion and control that Judah, under previous godly leadership, had exercised over Edom. The hand is often used in Scripture to denote power and authority. This phrase highlights the weakening of Judah's power due to Jehoram's failure to follow God's ways. It is a reminder that true strength and authority come from adherence to God's will and that turning away from Him can lead to the erosion of influence and control.

and appointed their own king
This action by Edom represents a complete severance from Judah's rule. By appointing their own king, Edom asserts its independence and self-governance. This move is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context, where vassal states were expected to remain loyal to their suzerain. The appointment of a king signifies a new era for Edom, free from Judah's oversight. Spiritually, it reflects the consequences of a leader's failure to uphold God's covenant, leading to fragmentation and division. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of faithfulness and the potential for loss when God's people stray from His path.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehoram
The king of Judah during this period, Jehoram was the son of Jehoshaphat. His reign was marked by a departure from the ways of his father, leading to significant political and spiritual decline in Judah.

2. Edom
A neighboring nation to Judah, historically under Judah's control. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, and had a long-standing, often contentious relationship with Israel.

3. Rebellion of Edom
This event marks a significant political shift, as Edom successfully revolted against Judah's control and established its own monarchy, symbolizing a loss of power and influence for Judah.
Teaching Points
Consequences of Unfaithfulness
Jehoram's departure from the ways of his father, Jehoshaphat, led to spiritual and political decline. This serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the potential consequences of turning away.

The Importance of Godly Leadership
The rebellion of Edom under Jehoram's rule illustrates the impact of leadership on a nation's stability. Godly leadership can lead to peace and prosperity, while ungodly leadership can result in division and loss.

Historical Tensions and Their Spiritual Implications
The ongoing conflict between Judah and Edom reflects deeper spiritual battles. Understanding these historical tensions can provide insight into the spiritual struggles we face today.

God's Sovereignty in Political Affairs
Despite the rebellion and loss of control, God's sovereignty remains. This encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate plan, even when political situations seem unfavorable.
Bible Study Questions
1. How did Jehoram's actions contribute to the rebellion of Edom, and what can we learn about the impact of personal choices on broader communities?

2. In what ways does the historical relationship between Israel and Edom reflect the spiritual battles we face today?

3. How can we apply the lessons of godly leadership from Jehoram's reign to our roles in our families, churches, and communities?

4. What does the rebellion of Edom teach us about the consequences of turning away from God's commands?

5. How can we find comfort in God's sovereignty when facing political or personal challenges, as seen in the events of 2 Chronicles 21:8?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 27
The origins of the Edomites can be traced back to Esau, Jacob's brother. The historical tension between Jacob and Esau is reflected in the ongoing conflicts between their descendants, Israel and Edom.

2 Kings 8
Provides a parallel account of Jehoram's reign and the rebellion of Edom, offering additional context and details about the political climate of the time.

Obadiah 1
The book of Obadiah prophesies against Edom, highlighting the consequences of their actions and the eventual judgment they would face.
A Life Spent in UndoingW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 21:1-11
The Character of JehoramT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 21:2-11
People
Ahab, Ahaziah, Arabians, Asa, Azariah, Cushites, David, Edomites, Elijah, Ethiopians, Jehiel, Jehoahaz, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Michael, Shephatiah, Zechariah
Places
Edom, Jerusalem, Libnah, Mareshah
Topics
Cause, Dominion, Edom, Edomites, Free, Judah, Rebelled, Reign, Revolted, Rule, Themselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 21:4-20

     5366   king

2 Chronicles 21:5-10

     7245   Judah, kingdom of

Library
The Prophecy of Obadiah.
We need not enter into details regarding the question as to the time when the prophet wrote. By a thorough argumentation, Caspari has proved, that he occupies his right position in the Canon, and hence belongs to the earliest age of written prophecy, i.e., to the time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. As bearing conclusively against those who would assign to him a far later date, viz., the time of the exile, there is not only the indirect testimony borne by the place which this prophecy occupies in
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Jericho Itself.
We read, that this city was not only wasted by Joshua with fire and sword, but cursed also. "Cursed be he before the Lord, who shall rise up and build that city Jericho," Joshua 6:26. "Nor was another city to be built (says the Talmudists), which was to be called by the name of Jericho: nor was Jericho itself to be built, although to be called by another name." And yet I know not by what chance this city crept out of dust and rubbish, lived again, and flourished, and became the second city to Jerusalem.
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

A Discourse of Mercifulness
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 These verses, like the stairs of Solomon's temple, cause our ascent to the holy of holies. We are now mounting up a step higher. Blessed are the merciful . . '. There was never more need to preach of mercifulness than in these unmerciful times wherein we live. It is reported in the life of Chrysostom that he preached much on this subject of mercifulness, and for his much pressing Christians to mercy, he was called of many, the alms-preacher,
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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