Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 21 - Verse 20

This verse from 2 Chronicles 21:20 describes the short and somewhat unremarkable reign of King Jehoram of Judah. It notes that Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king and reigned in Jerusalem for only eight years. The phrase "departed without being desired" suggests that his death was not mourned or regretted by his people. Despite this lack of regard, Jehoram was still given a proper burial in the city of David, although he was not laid to rest in the sepulchres of the kings, reserved for the most esteemed rulers. This verse serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly power and the importance of character and virtue in leadership. By omitting him from the sepulchres of the kings, the verse implicitly criticizes Jehoram's reign and emphasizes the consequences of his actions during his time as king.

One possible theological interpretation of this verse, found in 2 Chronicles 21:20, lies in the idea of the consequences of a king's actions. Here, King Jehoram of Judah began his reign at the age of thirty-two and ruled for only eight years before his death. Despite being buried in the city of David, he was not laid to rest in the sepulchres of the kings, indicating that he was not honored or revered in the same way as his ancestors. This can serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of righteousness and faithfulness to God's laws, as those who stray from these principles may not receive the same recognition or respect in death as those who walk in obedience. The specificity of Jehoram's reign length and burial location can also prompt further exploration through word studies, delving into the significance of numbers like thirty-two and eight in biblical contexts, as well as the symbolism of being buried in the city of David but not among the kings.