Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and [divers] also of the princes of Israel.
Ver. 4. He strengthened himself.] By gifts, likely, he gained to his party vain men, as Jeroboam also did, in those cities that were given to his brethren.
He slew all his brethren with the sword.] All, lewd losel (profligate)! what a bloody foundation was here laid of his kingdom - not unlike that of Cain, of Cambyses, of Romulus, of Jugurtha, of Caracalla, of the cruel Turks at this day - but it came home to him, as God is the avenger of all such. See God's judgments upon his sons shortly after, 2Ch 21:17 and also upon his grandchildren. 2Ch 22:10-11 Only Jehoahaz was left of the one, and Joash of the other; and these also merely for God's promise' sake to David. 2Ch 21:7