2Ch 21:8 | KingComments | STEP | Unfaithfulness to the Lord always brings with it loss of power over enemies. We see that here too. Edom, who is subject to Judah, rebels against the authority of Judah and establishes his own kingdom ( ). Jehoram doesn’t accept that. He tries to submit Edom to himself again ( ). He goes up against Edom and defeats them. However, the victory is not complete, because Edom continues to resist and has not been brought back entirely under the authority of Judah ( ). Also Libnah, a priest city, withdraws from his power. The reason is: “Because he had forsaken the LORD God of his fathers.” Possibly the priests revolted against this wicked king because he led the people to idolatry. Jehoram also makes high places ( ). With this he goes further than his ancestors, of whom we read that they have not removed the high places. However, Jehoram not only lets idolatry exist, but even stimulates it, he encourages it. He causes the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the city which the LORD has chosen to make His Name dwell there, to play the harlot, which is idolatry ( ). He seduces Judah to do that. This is outright rebellion against the LORD.

‏ 2 Chronicles 21:8

Rebellion of Edom and Libnah

Unfaithfulness to the Lord always brings with it loss of power over enemies. We see that here too. Edom, who is subject to Judah, rebels against the authority of Judah and establishes his own kingdom (2Chr 21:8). Jehoram doesn’t accept that. He tries to submit Edom to himself again (2Chr 21:9). He goes up against Edom and defeats them. However, the victory is not complete, because Edom continues to resist and has not been brought back entirely under the authority of Judah (2Chr 21:10).

Also Libnah, a priest city, withdraws from his power. The reason is: “Because he had forsaken the LORD God of his fathers.” Possibly the priests revolted against this wicked king because he led the people to idolatry. Jehoram also makes high places (2Chr 21:11).

With this he goes further than his ancestors, of whom we read that they have not removed the high places. However, Jehoram not only lets idolatry exist, but even stimulates it, he encourages it. He causes the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the city which the LORD has chosen to make His Name dwell there, to play the harlot, which is idolatry (Exo 34:15-16). He seduces Judah to do that. This is outright rebellion against the LORD.