2 Chronicles 21:4

4 But when Jehoram had taken over his father's kingdom and had secured his position, he killed all his brothers along with some of the government officials.

2 Chronicles 21:4 Meaning and Commentary

2 Chronicles 21:4

Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father,
&c.] Succeeded him in it, and reigned alone, for he had reigned with his father some years before his death; (See Gill on 2 Kings 8:16), he strengthened himself;
in the kingdom, by some means or another closely attaching the greater part of the princes, and people of the land, unto him, when he thought himself well settled and established on the throne; though some understand it of making strong, or hardening his heart to do what is next mentioned: and slew all his brethren with the sword;
either to get their riches into his hands, or lest, being religious princes, they should oppose his restoring idolatry, and for that reason the people should depose him, and set up one of them; and therefore he dispatched them out of the way to secure himself, and carry his point: and [divers] also of the princes of Israel;
such who had removed out of the ten tribes, for the sake of religion, and therefore would never agree to the introduction of idolatry among them, for which reason Jehoram slew them; and perhaps they might express their disapprobation and abhorrence of his murder of his brethren.

2 Chronicles 21:4 In-Context

2 Jehoram's brothers were Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariahu, Michael, and Shephatiah - the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Judah.

3 Their father had lavished them with gifts - silver, gold, and other valuables, plus the fortress cities in Judah. But Jehoram was his firstborn son and he gave him the kingdom of Judah.

4 But when Jehoram had taken over his father's kingdom and had secured his position, he killed all his brothers along with some of the government officials.

5 Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king and ruled in Jerusalem for eight years.

6 He imitated Israel's kings and married into the Ahab dynasty. God considered him an evil man.