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.”

This verse is part of a larger passage that describes the reign of King Jehoram (also known as Joram) of Judah. Jehoram was the son of King Jehoshaphat and the fifth king of Judah in the Davidic lineage. Unfortunately, his reign was characterised by evil and unfaithfulness to God.

Context:Understanding the historical and biblical context of a passage is essential to grasp its meaning fully. At this point in the narrative, Jehoram had ascended to the throne of Judah following the death of his father, Jehoshaphat. He reigned in Jerusalem for eight years.

Age and Reign:The verse begins by stating that Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he began to reign. This detail emphasises that he was in his prime when he assumed the throne. Despite his relatively young age, Jehoram ruled for eight years. However, it is worth noting that his reign was not successful or desirable.

Departure without being desired:The verse mentions that “departed without being desired.” This phrase suggests that his death was not mourned or lamented. Jehoram’s reign was marked by his wickedness and unfaithfulness to God. He led the people of Judah astray, introducing idol worship and encouraging the people to forsake the commandments of the Lord. As a result, Jehoram did not leave a positive legacy, and his death was not met with sorrow or longing.

Burial:Despite his negative reputation and lack of desirability, Jehoram was still buried in the city of David. The city of David refers to the place where King David was buried, which was an honour. However, he was not buried in the sepulchres of the kings, indicating that he did not receive the same honour as his predecessors who had faithfully served God.

Lessons from 2 Chronicles 21:20:

• The consequences of unfaithfulness:Jehoram’s reign serves as a reminder of the consequences that come with turning away from God’s commands. His wickedness led to a lack of honour and desirability both in life and in death. This teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to God and living according to His principles.
• The importance of leaving a positive legacy:Jehoram’s unfaithfulness left a lasting negative impact. As believers, we should strive to leave a positive legacy for those who come after us. Our actions and choices should reflect our faith and commitment to God, so that we may be remembered for our righteousness rather than our failures.
• The power of repentance:While Jehoram’s story does not depict him repenting or turning back to God, his example serves as a warning to us. It highlights the importance of recognising our sins and seeking forgiveness and restoration through repentance. God is always ready to forgive and restore those who turn to Him with a humble heart.