2 Chronicles 21:3

“And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, etc.] As jewels and precious stones; or precious garments, as the Targum, in like manner as Abraham gave to his sons, when he sent them from Isaac: with fenced cities in Judah; not as their own property, but he appointed them governors in them, to defend them against an enemy, and as a mark of honour to them: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn; strictly observing the law in (<052116>Deuteronomy 21:16,17), which was not always done; though it was reckoned by the Heathens contrary to the law of nations to give the kingdom to the younger f76.”

“Jehoshaphat departed from Rehoboam’s policy (2 Chronicles 11:23 note), actually making over to his sons the “fenced cities” in which they dwelt. This, it is probable, provoked the jealousy of Jehoram, and induced him to put them to death 2 Chronicles 21:4. Because he was the firstborn - Compare Deuteronomy 21:15-17. Exceptions to this rule in the northern and southern kingdoms are Solomon, where divine appointment superseded the natural order, Abijah 2 Chronicles 11:22 note), and Jehoahaz (2 Kings 23:30 note). return to 'Top of Page'”

“gave them: Ch2 11:23; Gen 25:6; Deu 21:15-17 the kingdom: He associated him with himself in the kingdom about three years before his death, and in the fifth year of Joram king of Israel; so that Jehoram reigned three years with his father, and five years alone, in all eight years. Jehoram: "Jehoram made partner of the kingdom with his father, Kg1 8:16. 2 Chronicles 21:4”