King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 21:9 Mean?

2 Chronicles 21:9 in the King James Version says “Then Jehoram went forth with his princes, and all his chariots with him: and he rose up by night, and smote the Edomites...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Chronicles 21:9 · King James Version

Context

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.

10

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.

11

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

Read 2 Chronicles 21 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיַּֽעֲבֹ֤ר1 of 18

“went forth”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

יְהוֹרָם֙2 of 18

“Then Jehoram”

H3088

jehoram, the name of a syrian and of three israelites

עִם3 of 18
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

שָׂרֵ֥י4 of 18

“and the captains”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

וְכָל5 of 18
H3605

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

הָרָֽכֶב׃6 of 18

“and all his chariots”

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

עִמּ֑וֹ7 of 18
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וַֽיְהִי֙8 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

קָ֣ם9 of 18

“with him and he rose up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

לַ֔יְלָה10 of 18

“by night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

וַיַּ֗ךְ11 of 18

“and smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת12 of 18
H853

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

אֱדוֹם֙13 of 18

“the Edomites”

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

הַסּוֹבֵ֣ב14 of 18

“which compassed him in”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֵלָ֔יו15 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאֵ֖ת16 of 18
H853

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

שָׂרֵ֥י17 of 18

“and the captains”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הָרָֽכֶב׃18 of 18

“and all his chariots”

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

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 21:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Places in This Verse

EdomRegion · Modern: Buseira · 30.75°N, 35.60°E111 verses across 21 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 21 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Chronicles 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Chronicles 21 with CommentaryAll 2 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 2 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes