2 chronicles 21:6 - He walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did Ahab’s house; for he had Ahab’s daughter as his wife. He did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight.

Generated Verse: 2 chronicles 21:6

What does "2 chronicles 21:6" mean?


This verse, 2 Chronicles 21:6, is a condemnation of King Jehoram of Judah and provides the reason for that condemnation. Let's break it down:

"He walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did Ahab’s house..." This means Jehoram followed the example of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, specifically the dynasty of King Ahab. Ahab and his wife Jezebel were notorious for promoting Baal worship and rejecting the worship of Yahweh. The Kings of Judah were expected to follow the commands of Yahweh. To follow the examples of the Kings of Israel, especially Ahab, would have been considered an abomination to the followers of Yahweh.

"...for he had Ahab’s daughter as his wife." This is likely Athaliah. Marrying into the family of Ahab cemented a political alliance between Judah and Israel, but it also brought pagan influences into the royal court of Judah. Athaliah, like her mother Jezebel, was a strong proponent of Baal worship and likely influenced Jehoram to turn away from Yahweh.

"He did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight." This is the key takeaway. Because Jehoram followed the sinful example of Ahab's dynasty and was influenced by his wife Athaliah, he engaged in practices that were considered wicked by Yahweh, the God of Israel. Specifically, this likely refers to the introduction or promotion of idolatry within Judah. The Deuteronomic Code prohibited the worship of any other God other than Yahweh, and Jehoram would have been in direct violation of it.

In summary:

The verse explains that King Jehoram was considered evil because he followed the idolatrous practices of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, particularly those associated with King Ahab and his family. His marriage to Ahab's daughter, Athaliah, further cemented this influence and led him to commit acts that were considered sinful and offensive to Yahweh. This verse sets the stage for the negative consequences and divine judgment that Jehoram will face later in the narrative.

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