What does 2 Kings 8:21 mean?
"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." - 2 Kings 8:21
2 Kings 8:21 King James Version (KJV)
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.
The verse 2 Kings 8:21 is part of the historical account of the reign of Joram, the son of Ahab, as the king of the northern kingdom of Israel. This verse specifically depicts a military campaign in which Joram, along with his army, went over to Zair and successfully defeated the Edomites who were encamped around them. The King James Version of the Bible uses poetic and archaic language, which adds a sense of grandeur and significance to this verse.
The chapter begins with the introduction of Joram, the son of Ahab, as the king of Israel. The narrative then shifts to his reign, during which he attempted to follow in the wicked ways of his father and the house of Ahab. Throughout the chapter, there are references to his involvement in idol worship, wars, and alliances with foreign nations. The verse 2 Kings 8:21 specifically highlights a moment of military victory for Joram and his army against the Edomites.
The verse describes how Joram and his chariots went to Zair, a region located in southern Judah near the border of Edom. It mentions that Joram carried out a surprise attack on the Edomites, who had surrounded him, and defeated both their chariot commanders and the rest of their army. The defeated Edomites fled into their tents, signaling a significant victory for Joram and his troops.
On a literal level, this verse serves as a historical record of a military campaign during the reign of King Joram. It showcases his ability as a military leader and highlights a moment of triumph for the nation of Israel. The use of chariots and the reference to the people fleeing into their tents provide a vivid and dramatic portrayal of the battle.
However, on a deeper level, this verse also carries symbolic and thematic significance. It reflects the ongoing struggle between the nation of Israel and their neighboring enemies, particularly the Edomites. Throughout the Old Testament, the Edomites are depicted as adversaries of the Israelites, and this victory serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of the Israelite army.
Moreover, this verse can also be seen as a representation of the broader themes of power, victory, and the providence of God. The unexpected and successful military maneuver by Joram and his troops demonstrates the idea of divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's will. It illustrates the biblical concept of God's favor and support for His chosen people, as well as the idea of triumph over adversity through faith and courage.
In a broader theological context, this verse can also be interpreted as a reminder of the importance of relying on God in times of conflict and battle. The narrative of Joram's victory serves as a testament to the idea of divine assistance and the belief in the ultimate authority of God in the face of military challenges.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 8:21 is a verse that captures a moment of military success during the reign of King Joram. It serves as a historical account of a significant victory for the nation of Israel while also carrying symbolic and thematic significance. This verse carries themes of power, victory, divine intervention, and the providence of God, offering a profound and multifaceted message for readers of the Bible.
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2 Kings 8:21 Artwork
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."
2 Kings 8:21 (KJVA) 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.
"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." - 2 Kings 8:21
1 Kings 8:21
1 Kings 8:21
1 Kings 8:21
1 Kings 8:21
2 Kings 2:21
2 Kings 15:21 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 KINGS 8:29
2 Kings 21:25 - "Now the rest of the acts of Amon which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 21:10 - "¶ And the LORD spake by his servants the prophets, saying,"
2 Kings 21:21 - "And he walked in all the way that his father walked in, and served the idols that his father served, and worshipped them:"
2 Kings 21:8 - "Neither will I make the feet of Israel move any more out of the land which I gave their fathers; only if they will observe to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the law that my servant Moses commanded them."
2 samuel 23:8-21
2 Kings 11:21 - "Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign."
2 Kings 21:17 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 8:23 - "And the rest of the acts of Joram, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 21:23 - "¶ And the servants of Amon conspired against him, and slew the king in his own house."
2 Kings 21:22 - "And he forsook the LORD God of his fathers, and walked not in the way of the LORD."
2 Kings 21:5 - "And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 13:8 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 20:21 - "And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 21:20 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did."
1 Kings 2:21 - "And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife."
2 Kings 21:2 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel."
2 Kings 3:21 - "¶ And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armour, and upward, and stood in the border."
1 Kings 8:21 - "And I have set there a place for the ark, wherein is the covenant of the LORD, which he made with our fathers, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt."
2 Corinthians 8:21 - "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."
2 Kings 17:8 - "And walked in the statutes of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made."