2 Chronicles 21:20
Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings.
2 Chronicles 21:20 (KJV)
Context
This verse closes the account of King Jehoram of Judah, the son of Jehoshaphat. He became king at thirty-two years of age and ruled in Jerusalem for eight years. His reign was short and marked by evil. Earlier in the chapter, he murdered his brothers and led Judah into idolatry (2 Chronicles 21:4, 11). The Chronicler records these details to show that Jehoram’s life stood in sharp contrast to the faithfulness of his father. Jehoram was part of the Davidic line, yet he chose a path that brought shame rather than honor.
Meaning
The phrase “departed without being desired” means that no one regretted his death. He was not mourned or missed by his people. This was a direct result of his wickedness. His burial “in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings” was a deliberate dishonor. Faithful kings received honorable burials in the royal tombs, but Jehoram was denied that privilege. The lack of funeral burning, mentioned in the previous verse, further showed the people’s disdain. His end was lonely and dishonorable because he lived for himself.
Biblical connections
This verse illustrates the principle that God honors those who honor Him, and those who despise Him are lightly esteemed (1 Samuel 2:30). Jehoram’s dishonorable end contrasts with the honorable burial given to his father Jehoshaphat. The Chronicler uses this contrast to teach that a life of unfaithfulness leads to a legacy of being forgotten or unwanted. The Bible consistently shows that how we live affects how we are remembered.
Application
Jehoram’s story warns us that our actions in life shape how we are remembered. He had every advantage: he was a son of a godly king and part of the Davidic line. Yet he chose evil and lost the honor that could have been his. We should examine our own choices and ask whether they lead toward honor or shame. Living faithfully may not bring immediate reward, but it builds a legacy that pleases God.
The consequences of unfaithfulness are real. Turning away from God’s commands leads to a lack of honor and desirability, both in life and in death.
Leaving a positive legacy matters. Our actions and choices should reflect our faith, so that we may be remembered for righteousness rather than failure.
Repentance is always available. Jehoram did not turn back to God, but his example reminds us to recognize our sins and seek forgiveness with a humble heart.
Reflection
How do we want to be remembered? Jehoram’s end was lonely and dishonorable because he lived for himself. In contrast, those who walk in God’s ways leave a lasting good name. Let us strive to live so that our departure is not “without being desired,” but marked by gratitude for a life that honored God. True honor comes from walking in God’s ways, and that honor can begin today.
