Definition: Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and [divers] also of the princes of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 21:4. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about Jehoram’s reign. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a very violent and destructive act by Jehoram, the king of Israel. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “When Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father…” – This tells us that Jehoram was taking over the throne of Israel after his father, Ahab, had been exiled. He was essentially starting a new reign. “…he strengthened himself…” – He was becoming more powerful and assertive than before. “…and slew all his brethren with the sword…” – This is the key part. Jehoram was leading armies and using the sword to kill his own family members - his brothers, sons, and even his own advisors! It suggests a brutal and ruthless campaign of violence. “and [divers] also of the princes of Israel.” – He wasn’t just killing his family; he was also killing important leaders and officials of Israel. This reinforces the idea that he was acting with immense force and power, and perhaps with a desire for control. What's the significance? This verse is often seen as a sign of Jehoram’s downfall. It points to a period of intense instability and violence in Israel during his reign. It suggests that he wasn’t a wise or just king, but rather one who used power to inflict harm. Overall, this verse paints a picture of a king who was driven by anger, ambition, and perhaps even madness – leading to a catastrophic outcome. Important Note: The Bible doesn't always provide a detailed explanation why Jehoram did this. It’s often interpreted as a consequence of his actions and choices, rather than a straightforward justification for the violence. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail? Talk about what biblical scholars think it means?