King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 21:17 Mean?

And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons. carried: Heb. carried captive Jehoahaz: also called, Ahaziah, Chap.22.I. or, Azariah, ver.6.

Context

15

And thou shalt have great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day.

16

Moreover the LORD stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that were near the Ethiopians:

17

And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons. carried: Heb. carried captive Jehoahaz: also called, Ahaziah, Chap.22.I. or, Azariah, ver.6.

18

And after all this the LORD smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease.

19

And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **And brake into it.**—Literally, *clave it asun-der* (Exodus 14:16). Here as in 1Chronicles 11:18; 2Samuel 23:16. **And carried away all the substance . . . his wives.**—This statement implies that the enemy entered Jerusalem, although the chronicler has not expressly said it. In the same way (2Chronicles 12:9) he omitted to state that Shishak captured the city before plundering the Temple and palace. The desire to be concise accounts for both omissions. (See on 2Chronicles 22:1.) **All the substance that was found in the king’s house.**—Literally, *that belonged to the king’s house.* (Comp. 2Chronicles 34:32 for *in;* comp. also Deuteronomy 21:17.) It is not said that the Temple was plundered; but nothing can be inferred from the writer’s silence on this point. **So that there was never a son left him.**—They were not only taken, but slain (2Chronicles 22:1). **Save Jehoahaz.**—Called Ahaziah in 2Chronicles 22:1, which is the same name with the elements of it reversed. It means “Iah holdeth.” The “Azariah” of 2Chronicles 22:6 seems to be a mistake. LXX., Syriac, Arabic, and Targum, “Ahaziah.”

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 21:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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