King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 21:10 Mean?

“So the Edomites revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. The same time also did Libnah revolt from under his hand; because he had forsaken the LORD God of his fathers.”

Context

In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king. dominion: Heb. hand

Then Jehoram went forth with his princes, and all his chariots with him: and he rose up by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed him in, and the captains of the chariots.

So the Edomites revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. The same time also did Libnah revolt from under his hand; because he had forsaken the LORD God of his fathers.

Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah thereto.

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,

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **Unto this day.**—See on 2Chronicles 5:9. The date thus assigned is some time prior to the captivity. No account is taken of Amaziah’s reduction of Edom (2Chronicles 25:11-15), which was probably not permanent. **The same time also.**—Literally, *then revolted Libnah at that time.* 2Kings 8:22 ends here. The chronicler adds, “from under his (*i.e.,* Jehoram’s) hand,” and assigns a moral ground for the successful rebellion: “For he had forsaken Jehovah, the God of his fathers.” (Thenius can hardly be right in asserting that the chronicler meant to say that Libnah, *as a city of the priests,* refused obedience to the idolatrous king; nor Hitzig, in explaining the revolt as merely a *religious* secession. ) He forsook Jehovah, by “walking in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab,” *i.e.,* by adopting and popularising the worship of the Tyrian Baal, to please his wife and her people. In those days friendship with an alien race seems to have involved recognition of their gods. (Comp. Amos 1:9 for the alliance between Tyre and Judah.) **Libnah.**—Syriac, “the Edomites that lived in Libnah.”

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 21:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.