King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 21:11 Mean?

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

Context

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,

But hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring, like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab, and also hast slain thy brethren of thy father's house, which were better than thyself:

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Moreover he made.**—There is a stress on the pronoun, “*he* made,” in contrast with Asa and Jehoshaphat, his worthier predecessors (2Chronicles 17:6). Or *he himself,* and not the people. LXX., καὶ γὰρ αὐτὸς ἐποίησεν*.* From this point to the end of the reign the narrative is peculiar to the chronicler. **High places.**—For the worship of the foreign gods, as well as of the God of Israel. **Mountains.**—Many Heb. MSS., LXX., and Vulg., “cities” (a similar word); Syriac, “Moreover *he* made high places in the mountain of Judah, and caused the Nazarites of Jerusalem to drink wine, and scattered those who were of the house of Judah.” **And caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication**—*i.e.,* the spiritual fornication of unfaithfulness to Jehovah, the only lawful spouse of Israel. (Comp. Hosea 2:5; Hosea 2:8; Hosea 2:13; Hosea 2:16-17; Hosea 2:19 :1Chronicles 5:25.) **And compelled.**—Or, *seduced* (Deuteronomy 13:6; Deuteronomy 13:11). LXX., ἀπεπλάνησε*.*

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 21:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.