What does 2 Chronicles 21:8 mean?
"¶ In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king." - 2 Chronicles 21:8
2 Chronicles 21:8 - "¶ In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king."
The Bible verse 2 Chronicles 21:8, taken from the King James Version, states, "In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king." This verse is part of the larger historical account of the reign of Jehoram, the son of King Jehoshaphat, over the kingdom of Judah. To truly understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to delve into the historical and cultural context of the time, as well as the themes and symbolism present in the verse.
Historical Context:
During the time of Jehoram's reign, the kingdom of Judah was facing internal and external threats. This verse specifically mentions the revolt of the Edomites, a neighboring tribe that was subject to the dominion of Judah. The Edomites' rebellion and the establishment of their own king was a significant event that threatened the stability and authority of Judah. It signaled a breakdown in the political and social order, and posed a direct challenge to the leadership of Jehoram. This event had far-reaching consequences for the kingdom of Judah and its relations with neighboring nations.
Themes:
The themes present in this verse include rebellion, the consequences of sin, and the failure of leadership. The revolt of the Edomites reflects the consequences of sin and disobedience to God's commandments. Throughout the historical accounts in the Bible, rebellion against God's authority is often met with severe repercussions. In this case, the Edomites' defiance of Judah's rule can be seen as a broader metaphor for the consequences of turning away from God.
Additionally, this verse highlights the failure of leadership. Jehoram's reign was marked by a departure from the ways of the Lord, as indicated in preceding verses in 2 Chronicles. His actions and policies had led to a weakening of the kingdom and the emboldening of neighboring nations to revolt against Judah. The consequence of poor leadership is evident in the open rebellion of the Edomites. This serves as a warning about the importance of righteous and just leadership, and the impact of leadership on the nation as a whole.
Symbolism:
The revolt of the Edomites can also be seen as symbolic of the persistent struggle between the forces of good and evil. Throughout the Bible, Edom is often used as a symbol of the enemies of God's people. The Edomites' uprising can therefore be interpreted as a manifestation of the ongoing spiritual battle between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness. It serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and faithfulness in the face of opposition and rebellion.
Furthermore, the establishment of a new king among the Edomites symbolizes the pursuit of power and autonomy outside of God's ordained order. This act of self-rule and self-determination mirrors the broader human tendency to seek independence from divine authority. The consequences of this rebellion, as seen in the subsequent events in Jehoram's reign, emphasize the futility and ultimate emptiness of seeking autonomy apart from God.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 21:8 provides a powerful and multi-layered insight into the historical, thematic, and symbolic aspects of the biblical narrative. It offers a cautionary tale about the consequences of rebellion, the failure of leadership, and the ongoing spiritual struggle. As with all biblical verses, it invites readers to reflect on its timeless lessons and apply them to their own lives.
2 Chronicles 21:8 Artwork
2 Chronicles 21:8 - "¶ In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king."
1 Chronicles 8:21 - "And Adaiah, and Beraiah, and Shimrath, the sons of Shimhi;"
1 Chronicles 2:8 - "And the sons of Ethan; Azariah."
2 Chronicles 11:8 - "And Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,"
1 Chronicles 8:2 - "Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth."
2 Chronicles 8:3 - "And Solomon went to Hamath-zobah, and prevailed against it."
2 Chronicles 4:21 - "And the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, made he of gold, and that perfect gold;"
2 Chronicles 21:18 - "¶ And after all this the LORD smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease."
2 Corinthians 8:21 - "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."
2 Chronicles 23:21 - "And all the people of the land rejoiced: and the city was quiet, after that they had slain Athaliah with the sword."
2 Chronicles 24:8 - "And at the king's commandment they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 24:21 - "And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 15:21 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Chronicles 8:17 - "¶ Then went Solomon to Ezion-geber, and to Eloth, at the sea side in the land of Edom."
2 Chronicles 8:2 - "That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there."
2 Kings 21:25 - "Now the rest of the acts of Amon which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Chronicles 13:21 - "¶ But Abijah waxed mighty, and married fourteen wives, and begat twenty and two sons, and sixteen daughters."
2 Chronicles 21:16 - "¶ Moreover the LORD stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that were near the Ethiopians:"
1 Chronicles 21:8 - "And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly."
2 Chronicles 21:2 - "And he had brethren the sons of Jehoshaphat, Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and Azariah, and Michael, and Shephatiah: all these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel."
2 Chronicles 20:8 - "And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying,"
2 Chronicles 21:5 - "¶ Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem."
2 Chronicles 31:8 - "And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD, and his people Israel."
2 Chronicles 8:4 - "And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store cities, which he built in Hamath."
2 Chronicles 12:8 - "Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries."
2 Chronicles 33:21 - "¶ Amon was two and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned two years in Jerusalem."
2 Chronicles 8:8 - "But of their children, who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel consumed not, them did Solomon make to pay tribute until this day."
2 Kings 8:23 - "And the rest of the acts of Joram, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Chronicles 21:14 - "Behold, with a great plague will the LORD smite thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods:"
2 Chronicles 8:15 - "And they departed not from the commandment of the king unto the priests and Levites concerning any matter, or concerning the treasures."