In the days of Jehoram, Edom rebelled against the hand of Judah and appointed their own king. In the days of JehoramJehoram was the son of Jehoshaphat and king of Judah. His reign is noted for its departure from the ways of his father, who was a godly king. Jehoram's rule is marked by idolatry and alliances with the northern kingdom of Israel, particularly through his marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. This period is characterized by spiritual decline and political instability, setting the stage for the events described in this verse. Edom rebelled against the hand of Judah
Edom, a nation descended from Esau, had been under the control of Judah since the time of King David. The rebellion signifies a significant shift in power dynamics, as Edom had been a vassal state providing tribute to Judah. This rebellion can be seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy given to Esau in Genesis 27:40, where it was foretold that Esau's descendants would eventually break free from Jacob's yoke. The rebellion reflects the weakening of Judah's influence and the consequences of Jehoram's unfaithfulness to God. and appointed their own king
By appointing their own king, Edom asserted its independence and rejected Judah's authority. This act of self-governance indicates a complete break from subjugation and highlights the political fragmentation occurring during Jehoram's reign. The appointment of a king also suggests a desire for stability and leadership amidst the power vacuum created by Judah's declining control. This event foreshadows further challenges to Judah's dominance and serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's covenant. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoramThe king of Judah during this period, son of Jehoshaphat. His reign is marked by a departure from the ways of his father, leading to spiritual and political decline. 2. EdomA neighboring nation to Judah, historically under Judah's control. The Edomites are descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, and have a long-standing, tumultuous relationship with Israel. 3. Rebellion of EdomThis event marks a significant political shift, as Edom successfully revolts against Judah's control and establishes its own monarchy, symbolizing a loss of power and influence for Judah. Teaching Points Consequences of UnfaithfulnessJehoram's departure from God's ways led to political instability and loss of control over Edom. This serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands. The Sovereignty of GodDespite human rebellion and political shifts, God's sovereign plan continues. The rebellion of Edom was part of a larger account that God was orchestrating. Historical Enmity and ReconciliationThe conflict between Judah and Edom reflects the deeper historical enmity between Jacob and Esau. It challenges us to seek reconciliation and peace in our own relationships. Leadership and InfluenceJehoram's failure as a leader resulted in the loss of influence and control. This underscores the importance of godly leadership and its impact on a nation or community. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jehoram's leadership compare to that of his father, Jehoshaphat, and what lessons can we learn about the impact of leadership on a nation's spiritual and political health? 2. In what ways does the rebellion of Edom fulfill the prophecy given to Rebekah about her sons, Jacob and Esau, and how does this inform our understanding of God's sovereignty? 3. How can the historical enmity between Judah and Edom inform our approach to resolving conflicts and seeking reconciliation in our personal relationships? 4. What are the consequences of unfaithfulness to God as seen in Jehoram's reign, and how can we apply this lesson to our own spiritual walk? 5. How does the account of Edom's rebellion challenge us to consider the areas of our lives where we may be resisting God's authority, and what steps can we take to submit to His will? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 25:23The prophecy concerning Jacob and Esau, foretelling the struggle between their descendants, which is evident in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Edom. 2 Chronicles 21:8-10Provides a parallel account of Edom's rebellion, offering additional details about Jehoram's response and the spiritual implications of his reign. Obadiah 1:1-4A prophecy against Edom, highlighting the consequences of their pride and rebellion against God's chosen people. People Ahab, Ahaziah, Aram, Athaliah, Ben, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, David, Edomites, Elisha, Gehazi, Hadad, Hazael, Israelites, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jezreel, Joram, Omri, SyriansPlaces Damascus, Edom, Jerusalem, Jezreel, Libnah, Ramah, Ramoth-gilead, Samaria, Syria, ZairTopics Cause, Edom, Free, Judah, Rebelled, Reign, Revolted, Rule, ThemselvesDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 8:16-22 7245 Judah, kingdom of 2 Kings 8:16-29 5366 king Library The Story of Hazael
'So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Ben-hadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease? 10. And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the Lord hath shewed me that he shall surely die. 11. And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept. 12. And Hazael said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureHazael
BY REV. J. G. GREENHOUGH, M.A. "But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing?"--2 KINGS viii. 13. Hazael was the chief minister and prime favourite of Benhadad, the Syrian king. He had been raised from a humble lot and promoted to that high post by the partiality of his sovereign, who had doubtless discerned his exceptional abilities, and certainly placed implicit trust in him. Just now the king was dangerously ill, and Hazael had been sent to inquire of the prophet of Israel …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 The Prophet Jonah.
It has been asserted without any sufficient reason, that Jonah is older than Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Obadiah,--that he is the oldest among the prophets whose written monuments have been preserved to us. The passage in 2 Kings xiv. 25, where it is said, that Jonah, the son of Amittai the prophet, prophesied to Jeroboam the happy success of his arms, and the restoration of the ancient boundaries of Israel, and that this prophecy was confirmed by the event, cannot decide in favour of this assertion, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Christ's Prophetic Office
'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet,' &c. Deut 18:85. Having spoken of the person of Christ, we are next to speak of the offices of Christ. These are Prophetic, Priestly, and Regal. 'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet.' Enunciatur hic locus de Christo. It is spoken of Christ.' There are several names given to Christ as a Prophet. He is called the Counsellor' in Isa 9:9. In uno Christo Angelus foederis completur [The Messenger of the Covenant appears in Christ alone]. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Original Sin
Q-16: DID ALL MANKIND FALL IN ADAM'S FIRST TRANSGRESSION? A: The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him, by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression. 'By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin,' &c. Rom 5:12. Adam being a representative person, while he stood, we stood; when he fell, we fell, We sinned in Adam; so it is in the text, In whom all have sinned.' Adam was the head …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 8:20 NIV2 Kings 8:20 NLT2 Kings 8:20 ESV2 Kings 8:20 NASB2 Kings 8:20 KJV
2 Kings 8:20 Commentaries
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