REIGN OF JEHORAM (2 Chronicles 21:2-18).
THE NEW KING MURDERS HIS SIX BROTHERS
(2 Chronicles 21:2-4).
(2) Azariah... and Azariah. — Heb. ‘Azaryâh... and Azaryâhû, different forms of the same name. All the versions give one form only. An old error of transcription may be involved (comp. 1 Chronicles 3:6; 1 Chronicles 3:8); but it is also possible that Jehoshaphat named two of his sons Azariah, “Iah helpeth,” in pious recognition of two several mercies. Shephatiah, “Iah judgeth,” repeats his own name in inverted shape.
The other names are — “God liveth,” “Iah remem-bereth,” “Who is like God? “ — all significant of the king’s faith.
Jehoshaphat king of Israel. — The southern kingdom is called “Israel” in 2 Chronicles 12:1; 2 Chronicles 12:6; 2 Chronicles 21:4; 2 Chronicles 28:19; 2 Chronicles 28:27, and elsewhere, as enjoying the legitimate monarchy, and maintaining the orthodox ritual and priesthood. Here, however, some Hebrew MSS., the LXX., Syriac, Vulg., and Arabic, read “Judah.”
(3) And their father gave them great gifts. — Jehoshaphat before his death had provided for his sons, as Rehoboam before him had done for his, by appointing them resident governors of the national fortresses, and sending them away with valuable presents (2 Chronicles 11:23).
Of silver, and of gold. — The preposition (le) belongs to the chronicler’s style.
Precious things (migdônôth; Genesis 24:53). — Such as jewels, robes, and spices.
Because he was the firstborn. — This was the rule. (Comp. Deuteronomy 21:15-17.) For exceptions, see 1 Chronicles 28:5; 2 Chronicles 11:22; 2 Chronicles 36:1.
(4) Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father. — Literally, And Jehoram arose over the kingdom, &c., a peculiar expression, only found here. It seems to mean, established himself on the throne. (See Exodus 1:8 for a similar phrase, and comp. the use of the same verb, 1 Samuel 24:20.)
He strengthened himself. — Secured his hold of power (2 Chronicles 1:1; 2 Chronicles 1:12, &c).
And slew all his brethren. — In order to prevent intrigues against himself. Such ruthless crimes have been customary at Oriental accessions, and are one of the natural results of polygamy. (Comp. the conduct of Abimelech (Judges 9:5) and of Athaliah (2 Chronicles 22:10). It was thus that Jehoram “strengthened himself.”
And divers also of the princes of Israel. — Some of the great chiefs of the clans, whose power or sympathy with his murdered brothers Jehoram may have dreaded. Or, like other Oriental despots, Jehoram may have acted from no other motive than a rapacious desire to confiscate their wealth. Some suppose that both his brethren and these “princes” had given signs of dissatisfaction at Jehoram and Athalian’s heathen policy. (Comp. 2 Chronicles 21:13, “thy brethren... which were better than thyself.”)