Question 1

What does 2 Chronicles 21:10 mean?

Accepted Answer

2 Chronicles 21:10 says that the Edomites and the people of Libnah broke away from the control of Judah during King Jehoram’s reign, and this break continued up to the time the book was written. The verse explains that this happened because Jehoram abandoned the LORD, the God his ancestors had followed. The Chronicler is describing a turning point in Judah’s history: King Jehoram, who ruled after Jehoshaphat, lost control over neighboring territories. The Edomites (a neighboring nation) and Libnah (a city in Judah) both rebelled, which the text links directly to Jehoram’s decision to forsake (abandon) the LORD. This verse is part of a larger story about the consequences of a king’s unfaithfulness to God.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 21:10

Accepted Answer

"Forsaken" — עָזַב (ʿazav): This word means to abandon or leave behind. The verse emphasizes that Jehoram’s loss of control was not just political but a direct result of his choice to abandon the LORD. "Revolted" — פָּשַׁע (pashaʿ): This word carries the sense of rebellion or breaking away from authority. The use of this word for both Edom and Libnah highlights the seriousness of their actions and the breakdown of Judah’s power. "Hand" — יָד (yad): Often used to mean power or control. The phrase “from under the hand of Judah” means these places were no longer under Judah’s authority.

Question 3

Why 2 Chronicles 21:10 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clarifies that the loss of territory was not just a political accident but was seen as a direct result of the king’s spiritual choices. The mention that Edom’s revolt lasted “unto this day” shows the long-lasting impact of Jehoram’s actions, affecting Judah for generations. The verse connects the king’s personal faithfulness (or lack of it) with national consequences, a major theme throughout Chronicles.

2 Chronicles 21:10 (KJV)