King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 21:7 Mean?

2 Chronicles 21:7 in the King James Version says “Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he pr...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever. light: Heb. lamp, or, candle”

2 Chronicles 21:7 · KJV

Context

5

Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.

6

And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD.

7

Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever. light: Heb. lamp, or, candle

8

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

9

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.

Read 2 Chronicles 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Complete apostasy bringing divine judgment. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָבָ֣ה2 of 20

“would”

H14

to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

יְהוָ֗ה3 of 20

“Howbeit the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְהַשְׁחִית֙4 of 20

“not destroy”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

אֶת5 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בֵּ֣ית6 of 20

“the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לְדָוִ֑יד7 of 20

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְמַ֣עַן8 of 20
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

הַבְּרִ֔ית9 of 20

“because of the covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

כָּרַ֖ת11 of 20

“that he had made”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

לְדָוִ֑יד12 of 20

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְכַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר13 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אָמַ֗ר14 of 20

“and as he promised”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָתֵ֨ת15 of 20

“to give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

ל֥וֹ16 of 20
H0
נִ֛יר17 of 20

“a light”

H5216

a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)

וּלְבָנָ֖יו18 of 20

“to him and to his sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

כָּל19 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיָּמִֽים׃20 of 20

“for ever”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

Study Guide

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 21:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 21:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 11:36Psalms 132:17-182 Samuel 7:12-17Luke 1:69Luke 1:791 Kings 11:13

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