2 Chronicles 21:5
Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years.
Jehoram
The name Jehoram means "Yahweh is exalted" in Hebrew. Despite the noble meaning of his name, Jehoram's reign was marked by actions that did not exalt God. He was the son of Jehoshaphat, a king who sought to follow the ways of the Lord. However, Jehoram's life serves as a cautionary tale of how a godly heritage does not guarantee a godly life. His marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, led him astray, illustrating the importance of choosing relationships that honor God.

was thirty-two years old
This detail about Jehoram's age when he ascended to the throne provides insight into his maturity and readiness for leadership. At thirty-two, he was not a young, inexperienced ruler, yet his decisions reflect a lack of wisdom and spiritual discernment. This serves as a reminder that age does not necessarily equate to spiritual maturity or godly leadership.

when he became king
Jehoram's ascension to the throne was not just a political transition but a spiritual one as well. The role of a king in Israel was to lead the people in covenant faithfulness to God. However, Jehoram's reign was characterized by idolatry and apostasy, showing the consequences of failing to fulfill this divine mandate. His kingship highlights the importance of leaders who prioritize God's will above their own.

and he reigned
The word "reigned" indicates authority and governance. Jehoram's reign was marked by a departure from the ways of his father, Jehoshaphat. His leadership style was oppressive, as he killed his brothers to secure his throne. This act of violence set the tone for his reign and serves as a warning against the misuse of power and authority.

in Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of David, was the political and spiritual center of Israel. It was the location of the temple, the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. Jehoram's reign in Jerusalem is significant because it was here that he introduced the worship of foreign gods, defiling the holy city. This underscores the impact of leadership on the spiritual health of a nation and the importance of maintaining the sanctity of places dedicated to God.

eight years
The duration of Jehoram's reign was relatively short, reflecting the instability and turmoil of his leadership. His eight-year rule was marked by conflict, including revolts and invasions, which were seen as divine judgment for his unfaithfulness. This brief reign serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of earthly power and the enduring consequences of turning away from God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehoram
The son of Jehoshaphat, Jehoram became king of Judah. His reign is marked by a departure from the ways of his father, leading to significant spiritual and political decline.

2. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, Jerusalem is the center of religious and political life for the kingdom. It is where Jehoram reigned and made decisions that affected the entire nation.

3. Jehoshaphat
The father of Jehoram, Jehoshaphat was a king who sought to follow the ways of the Lord, contrasting with his son's later actions.

4. Kingdom of Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which Jehoram ruled. His reign is noted for its negative impact on the spiritual state of the nation.

5. Reign of Eight Years
Jehoram's relatively short reign is significant in the context of the consequences of his actions and the judgment that followed.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Godly Leadership
Jehoram's reign serves as a reminder of the impact that leadership can have on a nation. Godly leadership can lead to blessings, while ungodly leadership can bring about decline and judgment.

The Consequences of Departing from God
Jehoram's departure from the ways of his father Jehoshaphat illustrates the dangers of turning away from God. His reign resulted in spiritual and political turmoil.

Legacy and Influence
The legacy we leave is significant. Jehoram's actions affected not only his immediate family but the entire nation. Our choices can have far-reaching consequences.

The Role of Accountability
Jehoram's account highlights the need for accountability in leadership. Without it, leaders may stray from righteous paths, leading others astray.

The Shortness of Life and Reign
Jehoram's eight-year reign is a reminder of the brevity of life and the importance of making the most of the time we have to serve God faithfully.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jehoram's reign compare to that of his father Jehoshaphat, and what lessons can we learn about the importance of following Godly examples?

2. In what ways can the consequences of Jehoram's actions be seen in the spiritual and political state of Judah during his reign?

3. How does the account of Jehoram's reign in 2 Chronicles 21:5 challenge us to consider the legacy we are leaving for future generations?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are accountable in our leadership roles, whether in the church, family, or workplace?

5. Reflecting on the brevity of Jehoram's reign, how can we make the most of our time to serve God and others effectively?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 8:16-24
This passage provides a parallel account of Jehoram's reign, offering additional details about his actions and the consequences of his leadership.

1 Kings 22:50
This verse mentions the transition of power from Jehoshaphat to Jehoram, highlighting the continuity and change in leadership.

2 Chronicles 17:3-4
These verses describe Jehoshaphat's faithfulness to God, setting a contrast to Jehoram's later actions.

Proverbs 14:34
This proverb speaks to the righteousness that exalts a nation, contrasting with the sin that brings reproach, relevant to Jehoram's reign.
A Life Spent in UndoingW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 21:1-11
The Character of JehoramT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 21:2-11
People
Ahab, Ahaziah, Arabians, Asa, Azariah, Cushites, David, Edomites, Elijah, Ethiopians, Jehiel, Jehoahaz, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Michael, Shephatiah, Zechariah
Places
Edom, Jerusalem, Libnah, Mareshah
Topics
Eight, Jehoram, Jeho'ram, Jerusalem, Reign, Reigned, Reigning, Ruling, Thirty, Thirty-two
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 21:5

     7240   Jerusalem, history

2 Chronicles 21:4-20

     5366   king

2 Chronicles 21:5-10

     7245   Judah, kingdom of

Library
The Prophecy of Obadiah.
We need not enter into details regarding the question as to the time when the prophet wrote. By a thorough argumentation, Caspari has proved, that he occupies his right position in the Canon, and hence belongs to the earliest age of written prophecy, i.e., to the time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. As bearing conclusively against those who would assign to him a far later date, viz., the time of the exile, there is not only the indirect testimony borne by the place which this prophecy occupies in
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Jericho Itself.
We read, that this city was not only wasted by Joshua with fire and sword, but cursed also. "Cursed be he before the Lord, who shall rise up and build that city Jericho," Joshua 6:26. "Nor was another city to be built (says the Talmudists), which was to be called by the name of Jericho: nor was Jericho itself to be built, although to be called by another name." And yet I know not by what chance this city crept out of dust and rubbish, lived again, and flourished, and became the second city to Jerusalem.
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

A Discourse of Mercifulness
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 These verses, like the stairs of Solomon's temple, cause our ascent to the holy of holies. We are now mounting up a step higher. Blessed are the merciful . . '. There was never more need to preach of mercifulness than in these unmerciful times wherein we live. It is reported in the life of Chrysostom that he preached much on this subject of mercifulness, and for his much pressing Christians to mercy, he was called of many, the alms-preacher,
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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