When Jehoram had established himself over his father’s kingdom, he strengthened himself by putting to the sword all his brothers along with some of the princes of Israel.
We find here, I. That Jehoshaphat was a very careful indulgent father to Jehoram. He had many sons, who are here named (Ch2 21:2), and it is said (Ch2 21:13) that they were better than Jehoram, had a great deal more wisdom and virtue, and lived up to their education, which he went counter to.
Commenting on 2 Chronicles 21:1-11
Jehoram was thirty two years old,.... Of these verses; see Gill on Kg2 8:17, Kg2 8:18, Kg2 8:19, Kg2 8:20, Kg2 8:21, Kg2 8:22 2 Chronicles 21:11 ch2 21:11 ch2 21:11 ch2 21:11Moreover, he made high places in the mountains of Judah,....
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. (b) Because the wicked always live in fear, and also are ambitious, they become cruel and spare not to murder them, whom by nature they ought most to cherish and defend. (c) Meaning, of Judah and Benjamin.