2 He had brothers , the sons of Jehoshaphat : Azariah , Jehiel , Zechariah , Azaryahu , Michael and Shephatiah . All these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel . 3 Their father gave them many gifts of silver , gold and precious things , with fortified cities in Judah , but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn . 4 Now when Jehoram had taken over the kingdom of his father and made himself secure , he killed all his brothers with the sword , and some of the rulers of Israel also .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 21:2-4
Commentary on 2 Chronicles 21:1-11
(Read 2 Chronicles 21:1-11)
Jehoram hated his brethren, and slew them, for the same reason that Cain hated Abel, and slew him, because their piety condemned his impiety. In the mystery of Providence such men sometimes prosper for a time; but the Lord has righteous purposes in permitting such events, part of which may now be made out, and the rest will be seen hereafter.