2 Chronicles 21:17 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 21:17 mean?

2 Chronicles 21:17 describes how invading enemies entered Judah, broke into the king’s palace, and took away everything valuable, including the king’s sons and wives, leaving only his youngest son, Jehoahaz. This verse shows the extent of the disaster that struck King Jehoram’s household as a result of the invasion.

The setting is the reign of King Jehoram of Judah. Foreign raiders, likely from the Philistines and Arabs, attacked Jerusalem and looted the royal palace. The verse emphasizes that all of Jehoram’s sons except Jehoahaz were taken, highlighting the severe blow to the royal family and the line of succession.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 21:17

• "Brake" (בָּקַע, baqa‘): This word means to split, break open, or burst through. It suggests a violent entry, not just a simple opening of doors, showing the forcefulness of the invasion.
• "Carried away" (שָׁבָה, shavah): This word is often used for taking captives. Here, it underlines that the king’s family and possessions were not just stolen but forcibly taken away as prisoners or spoils.
• "Substance" (רְכוּשׁ, rekush): This word refers to possessions, wealth, or property. The verse is not just about people being taken, but also the loss of all valuables from the king’s house.
• "Left" (שָׁאַר, sha’ar): This word means to remain or be left behind. The verse stresses that only one son, Jehoahaz, was left, emphasizing the completeness of the loss.

Why 2 Chronicles 21:17 matters

• This verse clarifies the seriousness of the judgment against Jehoram, showing that the consequences affected not just him but his entire family and future.
• The detail that only Jehoahaz was left sets up the next events in the story, as he becomes the sole heir to the throne, shaping the future of Judah’s royal line.
• The verse connects to the wider theme in Chronicles of how unfaithfulness leads to national and personal disaster, making the historical consequences clear to the reader.