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21. Joram. This is an abbreviated form of the name Jehoram, and occurs in this form here and in vs. 23 and 24. In vs. 16, 25, 28, and 29 this is also the form employed for the contemporary king of Israel (v. 8). In ch. 1:17 and 2 Chron. 22:6 both kings are called Jehoram, and in 2 Chron. 22:5 the king of Israel is known both as Joram and also Jehoram (see note on p. 78).

Zair. This name occurs only here in the Bible. Its exact location is not known today.

All the chariots. It would be difficult to penetrate far into Edomite territory with a large force of chariots. Jehoram probably proceeded south only to the Edomite border, where the hostile forces of Edom had gathered.

Smote the Edomites. There is some difficulty in translating the Hebrew of this verse. The meaning seems to be that the king and his chariots smote the Edomites, who had surrounded them. Under cover of darkness the Edomites had advanced against the forces of Judah and finally had them surrounded. This being discovered, the chariots were able to fight their way through the enemy to safety.

Into their tents. That is, they fled home. For the meaning of the expression, “into their tents,” or “to their tents,” see 2 Sam. 20:1; 1 Kings 8:66. It was a defeat for the Hebrews, who were put to flight by the enemy and forced to return to their homes without having achieved their objective of putting down the revolt. Edom by its revolt succeeded in gaining its independence.