2 Kings 8:21

2 Kings 8:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So Jehoram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots. When the Edomites surrounded him and his chariot commanders, he rose up and attacked by night. His troops, however, fled to their homes.

King James Version KJV

So Joram went over to Zair, and all the chariots with him: and he rose by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed him about, and the captains of the chariots: and the people fled into their tents.

American Standard Version ASV

Then Joram passed over to Zair, and all his chariots with him: and he rose up by night, and smote the Edomites that compassed him about, and the captains of the chariots; and the people fled to their tents.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Joram went over to Zair, with all his war-carriages; ... made an attack by night on the Edomites, whose forces were all round him, ... the captains of the war-carriages; and the people went in flight to their tents.

Free Bible Version FBV

So Jehoram went over to Zair with all his chariots. The Edomites surrounded him and his chariot commanders, but he took action and attacked at night. But his army ran back to their homes.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore Ioram went to Zair, and all his charets with him, and he arose by night, and smote the Edomites which were about him with the captains of the charets, and the people fled into their tents.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Joram passeth over to Zair, and all the chariots with him, and he himself hath risen by night, and smiteth Edom, that is coming round about unto him, and the heads of the chariots, and the people fleeth to its tents;

World English Bible WEB

Then Joram crossed over to Zair, and all his chariots with him; and he rose up by night and struck the Edomites who surrounded him with the captains of the chariots; and the people fled to their tents.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

So Joram went over to Zair, and all the chariots with him: and he rose by night, and smote the Edomites who encompassed him, and the captains of the chariots: and the people fled into their tents.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Joram came to Seira, and all the chariots with him: and he arose in the night, and defeated the Edomites that had surrounded him, and the captains of the chariots, but the people fled into their tents.

Translation for Translators T4T

So Jehoram went with his army and all their chariots to Zair city near the border of Edom. There the army of Edom surrounded them. But during the night, Jehoram and the commanders in their chariots were able to get through the enemy lines and escaped. And all his soldiers also fled to their homes.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 8:21

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Kings 8:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יַּעֲבֹ֤ר יוֹרָם֙ צָעִ֔ירָ/ה וְ/כָל הָ/רֶ֖כֶב עִמּ֑/וֹ וַֽ/יְהִי ה֞וּא קָ֣ם לַ֗יְלָה וַ/יַּכֶּ֨ה אֶת אֱד֜וֹם הַ/סֹּבֵ֤יב אֵלָי/ו֙ וְ/אֵת֙ שָׂרֵ֣י הָ/רֶ֔כֶב וַ/יָּ֥נָס הָ/עָ֖ם לְ/אֹהָלָֽי/ו

וַ/יַּעֲבֹ֤ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יוֹרָם֙ Yôwrâm H3141 Joram N-proper

צָעִ֔ירָ/ה Tsâʻîyr H6811 Zair N-proper | Suff

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms

הָ/רֶ֖כֶב rekeb H7393 chariot Art | N-ms

עִמּ֑/וֹ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff

וַֽ/יְהִי hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

ה֞וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

קָ֣ם qûwm H6965 -kamai V-Qal

לַ֗יְלָה layil H3915 night N-ms

וַ/יַּכֶּ֨ה nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

אֱד֜וֹם ʼĔdôm H123 Edom N-proper

הַ/סֹּבֵ֤יב çâbab H5437 to turn Art | V-Qal

אֵלָי/ו֙ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

וְ/אֵת֙ ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

שָׂרֵ֣י sar H8269 ruler N-mp

הָ/רֶ֔כֶב rekeb H7393 chariot Art | N-ms

וַ/יָּ֥נָס nûwç H5127 to flee Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

לְ/אֹהָלָֽי/ו ʼôhel H168 tent Prep | N-mp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 8:21

וַ/יַּעֲבֹ֤ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

יוֹרָם֙ Yôwrâm H3141 "Joram" N-proper

Joram was a king of Judah who lived during the time of the Divided Monarchy, and is mentioned in 1 Kings and 2 Kings. He was the son of Jehoshaphat and the father of Ahaziah, and his name is also translated as Joram in some Bible versions.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.22.50; son of: Jehoshaphat (H3092I); brother of: Azariah (H5838Q), Jehiel (H3171J), Zechariah (H2148J), Azariahu (H5838R), Michael (H4317O) and Shephatiah (H8203K); married to Athaliah (H6271); father of: Ahaziah (H0274H) and Jehosheba (H3089); also called Joram at 2Ki.8.21,23,24; 11.2; 2x Another name of ye.ho.ram (יְהוֹרָם "Jehoram" H3088G) § Joram = "Jehovah is exalted" 1) son of king Jehoshaphat of Judah and himself king of Judah for 8 years; his wife was the wicked Athaliah who was probably the instigator for his returning the nation of Judah to the worship of Baal 2) son of king Ahab of the northern kingdom of Israel and king of Israel himself for 12 years; he was murdered by Jehu on the plot of land for which his father had murdered Naboth thus fulfilling the prophecy of Elijah to the very letter 3) a Levite in the time of David and an ancestor of Shelomith 4) son of Toi, king of Hamath

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Joram. See also: 2 Samuel 8:10; 2 Kings 9:14; 2 Chronicles 22:7.

צָעִ֔ירָ/ה Tsâʻîyr H6811 "Zair" N-proper | Suff

Zair is a place in Idumaea, also known as Edom. The name means small, and it is another name for the city of Zoar. It is mentioned in the KJV as Zair.

Definition: Zair = "small" a city in Edom Another name of tso.ar (צֹ֫עַר "Zoar" H6820)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Zair. See also: 2 Kings 8:21.

וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הָ/רֶ֖כֶב rekeb H7393 "chariot" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.

Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)

Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.

עִמּ֑/וֹ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

וַֽ/יְהִי hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

ה֞וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

קָ֣ם qûwm H6965 "-kamai" V-Qal

Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.

Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai

Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.

לַ֗יְלָה layil H3915 "night" N-ms

Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.

Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.

וַ/יַּכֶּ֨ה nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.

Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)

Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

אֱד֜וֹם ʼĔdôm H123 "Edom" N-proper

Edom was the twin brother of Jacob and the region where he lived. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and his story is told in Genesis 25. Edom is also another name for Esau.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.25; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Israel (H3478); married to Oholibamah (H0173), Judith (H3067), Adah (H5711H) and Mahalath (H4258); father of: Eliphaz (H0464), Reuel (H7467), Jeush (H3266), Jalam (H3281) and Korah (H7141); also called Edom at Gen.25.30; 36.1,8,19,21; 1x,54; Another name of e.sav (עֵשָׂו "Esau" H6215G) § Edom = "red" 1) Edom 2) Edomite, Idumean-descendants of Esau 3) land of Edom, Idumea-land south and south east of Palestine

Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: Edom, Edomites, Idumea. See also: Genesis 25:30; 1 Chronicles 1:54; Psalms 60:2.

הַ/סֹּבֵ֤יב çâbab H5437 "to turn" Art | V-Qal

To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.

Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded

Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.

אֵלָי/ו֙ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

וְ/אֵת֙ ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

שָׂרֵ֣י sar H8269 "ruler" N-mp

A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.

Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden

Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.

הָ/רֶ֔כֶב rekeb H7393 "chariot" Art | N-ms

Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.

וַ/יָּ֥נָס nûwç H5127 "to flee" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.

Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)

Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.

הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

לְ/אֹהָלָֽי/ו ʼôhel H168 "tent" Prep | N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.

Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)

Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 8:21

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Context
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2 Kings 8:21 Summary
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Context — Edom and Libnah Rebel

19Yet for the sake of His servant David, the LORD was unwilling to destroy Judah, since He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever. 20In the days of Jehoram, Edom rebelled against the hand of Judah and appointed their own king.

21So Jehoram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots. When the Edomites surrounded him and his chariot commanders, he rose up and attacked by night. His troops, however, fled to their homes.

22So to this day Edom has been in rebellion against the hand of Judah. Likewise, Libnah rebelled at the same time. 23As for the rest of the acts of Jehoram, along with all his accomplishments, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Samuel 18:17	They took Absalom, cast him into a large pit in the forest, and piled a huge mound of stones over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled, each to his home.

2 Kings 8:21 Summary

This verse tells us about a time when King Jehoram of Judah went to fight against the Edomites, who had rebelled against Judah. Even though Jehoram and his chariot commanders fought bravely at night, his troops were afraid and ran away. This event shows that even when we try to do things on our own, we may not always succeed, and it's essential to trust in God's power and guidance, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:5-6. Just like God preserved Judah because of His promise to David, we can trust that He will be with us and guide us, even in difficult times, as seen in Psalm 32:8.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the relationship like between Judah and Edom at this time?

According to 2 Kings 8:20, Edom rebelled against the hand of Judah, and in 2 Kings 8:21, we see the king of Judah, Jehoram, launching a military campaign against Edom, indicating a state of conflict and rebellion.

Why did Jehoram's troops flee to their homes?

The Bible does not provide a direct reason, but it can be inferred that the troops may have been intimidated or overwhelmed by the Edomites, leading to their flight, as seen in 2 Kings 8:21, similar to other instances of fear and retreat in the Bible, such as Deuteronomy 20:8.

What can we learn from Jehoram's actions in this verse?

Jehoram's decision to attack by night, as seen in 2 Kings 8:21, may demonstrate his bravery or desperation, but it also highlights the importance of trusting in God's power and guidance, as emphasized in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 20:7.

How does this event relate to God's promise to David?

Although this event does not directly fulfill God's promise to David, as mentioned in 2 Kings 8:19, it shows that God's preservation of Judah is not necessarily tied to the actions of its kings, but rather to His own faithfulness and covenant, as seen in 1 Kings 11:36 and Psalm 89:28-37.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can apply the concept of trusting in God's power and guidance in my own life, especially in times of conflict or uncertainty?
How can I balance bravery and wisdom in my decision-making, as seen in Jehoram's actions in this verse?
What are some areas in my life where I may be 'fleeing to my home' or giving up, and how can I find the courage to stand firm and trust in God?
In what ways can I be a 'lamp' for God, as He promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants, and how can I reflect His light in my community?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 8:21

So Joram went over to Zair,.... A city in Edom, the same with the Zaara of Ptolemy (i); some take it to be the same with Seir, the mountain or country of that name: and all the chariots with him; all

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 8:21

Yet the LORD would not destroy Judah for David his servant's sake, as he promised him to give him alway a light, and to his children. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 8:21

i.e. The common soldiers of the Edomites, herein following the example of their captains.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 8:21

2 Kings 8:21 So Joram went over to Zair, and all the chariots with him: and he rose by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed him about, and the captains of the chariots: and the people fled into their tents.Ver. 21. So Joram went over to Zair.] That is, To Idumea, then a flourishing country; now it liveth by fame only, being wholly swallowed up, as very many other countries are, in the greatness of the Turkish empire.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 8:21

(21) So Joram went over to Zair.—No town called Zair is otherwise known. Hitzig and Ewald would read Zoar, but Zoar lay in Moab, not in Edom. (Jeremiah 48:34; Isaiah 15:5; Genesis 19:30; Genesis 19:37.) The Vulg. has Seira, and the Arabic Sβ‘ξra, which suggest an original reading, “to Seir,” the well-known mountain chain which was the headquarters of the Edomite people. Perhaps the reading of the text Ηβ‘ξrβh represents a dialectic pronunciation. (Comp. the forms Yishβq and Yiηhβq for Isaac.) And he rose by night.—There may be a lacuna of a few lines in the text here, or the compiler, in his desire to be brief, may have become obscure. Jehoram appears to have been hemmed in by the Edomites in the mountains, and to have attempted escape under cover of night. Smote the Edomites which compassed him about.—Cut his way through their ranks. And the captains of the chariots.—Part of the object of the verb “smote.” Jehoram smote (cut his way through) the Edomites—that is to say, the captains of the Edomite war-chariots which hemmed him and his army in. And the people fled into (unto) their tents.—That is to say, the army of Jehoram was glad to escape from the scene of its ill success, and made its way homeward as best it could. (Comp. for the proverbial expression, “to their tents,” 1 Samuel 20:1; 1 Kings 8:66.) From Joe 3:19 (“Edom shall be a desolate wilderness for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land”) it has been conjectured that when the Edomites revolted they massacred the Jews who had settled in the country in the time of subjection. (Comp. Genesis 27:40.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 8:21

Verse 21. Joram went over to Zair] This is the same as Seir, a chief city of Idumea. So Isaiah 21:11: The burden of Dumah (Idumea.) He calleth to me out of Seir. Smote the Edomites] It appears that the Israelites were surrounded by the Idumeans; and that in the night Joram and his men cut their way through them, and so got every man to his tent, for they were not able to make any farther head against these enemies; and therefore it is said, that Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 8:21

21. So Joram went [R.V. Then Joram passed] over to Zair] The name Zair is only found here. In the parallel passage of 2 Chronicles 21. we find ‘with his princes’ instead of ‘to Zair’, and as there is some similarity of sound between the two Hebrew forms, it has been thought by some that there is a mistake in Kings from some misreading of the scribe. Others have suggested that ‘Zair’ is for ‘Zoar’, through which place troops marching from Judζa into Edom would have to pass. Others with much more probability have taken Zair (φςιψ), to be a miswriting for Seir (ωׂ ?ςιψ) the name of the mountain ridge which extends southward from the Dead Sea through the desert. It is true ‘Seir’ is not named elsewhere by the writer of Kings, but there seems to be no occasion where he might be expected to mention it. and he rose [R.V. inserts up] by night and smote the Edomites which compassed him about] Joram appears to have been surrounded by the Edomite forces, and for some time to have had the worst of the contest. It was only by a sudden sally in the night time that he forced his way out, and escaped. The captains of the Edomite chariots, mentioned here, most likely formed the outer circle of the enclosing force, and through them Joram passed last. and the people fled into [R.V. to] their tents] ‘The people’ are the army of Joram, which after escaping from their encircling enemy made the best of their way home, feeling that Edom was too strong for them.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 8:21

Zair - Perhaps Seir, the famous mountain of Edom Genesis 14:6. The people - i. e., The Edomites.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 8:21

21. Zair — This some have thought identical with Zoar, others a corruption of Seir, and others an erroneous reading of ùׂ ?øéå, his princes, which is found in the parallel passage. 2 Chronicles 21:9.

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