Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Chronicles 21:3
And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he [was] the firstborn.
3. their father gave them ] Rehoboam did the same; 2Ch 11:23.
precious things ] Heb. migdnth; cp. 2Ch 32:23 (“presents,” A.V.; “precious things,” R.V.).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Jehoshaphat departed from Rehoboams policy (2Ch 11:23 note), actually making over to his sons the fenced cities in which they dwelt. This, it is probable, provoked the jealousy of Jehoram, and induced him to put them to death 2Ch 21:4.
Because he was the firstborn – Compare Deu 21:15-17. Exceptions to this rule in the northern and southern kingdoms are Solomon, where divine appointment superseded the natural order, Abijah 2Ch 11:22 note), and Jehoahaz (2Ki 23:30 note).
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 3. The kingdom gave he to Jehoram] He made him co-partner with himself in the kingdom about three years before his death; so that he reigned only five years after the death of his father Jehoshaphat. See the notes on 2Kg 8:16, c. and on the same, 2Ch 1:17, where an attempt is made to settle this disturbed chronology.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Whom he conceived that he ought to prefer by virtue of that law of God, Deu 21:15, though otherwise he would not have done it, having probably ere this time perceived his perverse and wicked inclinations, and how much he was swayed by his idolatrous wife. Now he saw his error when it was too late.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things,…. As jewels and precious stones; or precious garments, as the Targum, in like manner as Abraham gave to his sons, when he sent them from Isaac:
with fenced cities in Judah; not as their own property, but he appointed them governors in them, to defend them against an enemy, and as a mark of honour to them:
but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn; strictly observing the law in De 21:16, which was not always done; though it was reckoned by the Heathens contrary to the law of nations to give the kingdom to the younger y.
y Justin. e Trogo, l. 16. c. 2.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
2Ch 21:3 And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he [was] the firstborn.
Ver. 3. With fenced cities. ] Herein he dealt wisely; as it is said of Rehoboam for the like. 2Ch 11:2-3 But “the race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor yet bread to the wise,” &c. Ecc 9:11-12
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
gave them: 2Ch 11:23, Gen 25:6, Deu 21:15-17
the kingdom: He associated him with himself in the kingdom about three years before his death, and in the fifth year of Joram king of Israel; so that Jehoram reigned three years with his father, and five years alone, in all eight years.
Jehoram: “Jehoram made partner of the kingdom with his father, 1Ki 8:16.
Reciprocal: Gen 24:53 – precious Deu 21:16 – General Eze 46:16 – If the prince
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Ch 21:3. With fenced cities of Judah Over which he made them governors. This he seems to have done prudently; thus providing well for them, that they might not be tempted to envy their brother the kingdom, nor to quarrel among themselves: but things excellently designed, says Strigelius, from Cicero, have often a very ill event. This wealth and authority of theirs, made their brother first fear them, and then, through his wicked covetousness, contrive to cut them off, that he might get possession of their riches and power. Because he was the firstborn Whom Jehoshaphat supposed he ought to prefer on account of the law, recorded Deu 21:15, though otherwise, it is probable, he would not have done it, having doubtless, before this time, observed his perverse and wicked inclinations, and how much he was swayed by his idolatrous wife.