This verse, 2 Chronicles 21:15, is a particularly gruesome prophecy against King Jehoram of Judah. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: The verse is part of a larger prophecy delivered by Elijah (though it's written communication, not a face-to-face encounter, as Elijah had likely already been taken up to heaven) against Jehoram due to his wickedness. Jehoram had murdered his brothers to secure his throne and had led Judah into idolatry, turning away from the God of Israel.
"And you will have great sickness...": This is a direct pronouncement of judgment. Jehoram will be afflicted with a severe illness.
"...with a disease of your bowels...": This specifies the location and nature of the sickness: it will target his intestines.
"...until your bowels fall out by reason of the sickness, day by day.’": This is the most graphic and shocking part of the prophecy. It describes a progressive and agonizing condition where his intestines will deteriorate and prolapse (fall out) due to the severity of the disease. The "day by day" emphasizes the prolonged suffering and the unrelenting nature of the affliction.
In essence, the verse means that Jehoram would suffer a terrible and protracted illness of the bowels that would ultimately lead to a horrific death.
Theological Implications:
Divine Judgment: This verse is a clear example of divine judgment for wickedness. God is portrayed as actively intervening in human affairs to punish those who rebel against him.
The Severity of Sin: The graphic nature of the prophecy underscores the seriousness of Jehoram's sins in God's eyes. His actions had severe consequences, not only for himself but also for his kingdom.
Literal vs. Symbolic: While the verse is explicitly literal, some may consider that it might be read as symbolic of the moral corruption and internal decay of Jehoram's reign. However, the historical account confirms that Jehoram did, in fact, suffer a similar and horrific death.
Historical Fulfillment:
2 Chronicles 21:18-19 records the fulfillment of this prophecy: "After all this, the Lord afflicted Jehoram with an incurable disease of the bowels. In the course of time, at the end of the second year, his bowels came out because of the disease, and he died in great pain."
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 21:15 is a stark and disturbing prophecy foretelling a gruesome and fatal illness as divine punishment for King Jehoram's wickedness. The prophecy was literally fulfilled, demonstrating the consequences of turning away from God.
This verse, 2 Chronicles 21:15, is a particularly gruesome prophecy against King Jehoram of Judah. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: The verse is part of a larger prophecy delivered by Elijah (though it's written communication, not a face-to-face encounter, as Elijah had likely already been taken up to heaven) against Jehoram due to his wickedness. Jehoram had murdered his brothers to secure his throne and had led Judah into idolatry, turning away from the God of Israel.
"And you will have great sickness...": This is a direct pronouncement of judgment. Jehoram will be afflicted with a severe illness.
"...with a disease of your bowels...": This specifies the location and nature of the sickness: it will target his intestines.
"...until your bowels fall out by reason of the sickness, day by day.’": This is the most graphic and shocking part of the prophecy. It describes a progressive and agonizing condition where his intestines will deteriorate and prolapse (fall out) due to the severity of the disease. The "day by day" emphasizes the prolonged suffering and the unrelenting nature of the affliction.
In essence, the verse means that Jehoram would suffer a terrible and protracted illness of the bowels that would ultimately lead to a horrific death.
Theological Implications:
Divine Judgment: This verse is a clear example of divine judgment for wickedness. God is portrayed as actively intervening in human affairs to punish those who rebel against him.
The Severity of Sin: The graphic nature of the prophecy underscores the seriousness of Jehoram's sins in God's eyes. His actions had severe consequences, not only for himself but also for his kingdom.
Literal vs. Symbolic: While the verse is explicitly literal, some may consider that it might be read as symbolic of the moral corruption and internal decay of Jehoram's reign. However, the historical account confirms that Jehoram did, in fact, suffer a similar and horrific death.
Historical Fulfillment:
2 Chronicles 21:18-19 records the fulfillment of this prophecy: "After all this, the Lord afflicted Jehoram with an incurable disease of the bowels. In the course of time, at the end of the second year, his bowels came out because of the disease, and he died in great pain."
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 21:15 is a stark and disturbing prophecy foretelling a gruesome and fatal illness as divine punishment for King Jehoram's wickedness. The prophecy was literally fulfilled, demonstrating the consequences of turning away from God.