2 Chronicles 21:6

And Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done. For he married a daughter of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD.

Study Bible

And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel
This phrase indicates a deliberate choice to follow the practices and policies of the northern kingdom of Israel, which had deviated from the worship of Yahweh. The Hebrew word for "walked" (הָלַךְ, halak) often signifies a manner of life or conduct. The "kings of Israel" refers to the rulers of the northern kingdom, who were notorious for their idolatry and apostasy. This choice reflects a departure from the Davidic covenant, which emphasized faithfulness to God.

just as the house of Ahab had done
The "house of Ahab" is a reference to the dynasty of Ahab, one of the most infamous kings of Israel, known for his idolatry and the influence of his wife, Jezebel. Ahab's reign was marked by the promotion of Baal worship and the persecution of Yahweh's prophets. The mention of Ahab here underscores the severity of Jehoram's actions, as Ahab's house was synonymous with rebellion against God.

for Ahab’s daughter was his wife
This phrase highlights the political alliance through marriage between the southern kingdom of Judah and the northern kingdom of Israel. Ahab's daughter, Athaliah, brought with her the idolatrous practices of her father's house. This marriage was a strategic alliance but spiritually disastrous, as it introduced and legitimized the worship of foreign gods in Judah. The Hebrew culture often viewed marriage as a means of covenantal union, and this union led to spiritual compromise.

and he did evil in the sight of the LORD
The phrase "did evil" (עָשָׂה הָרַע, asah hara) is a common biblical expression denoting actions that are morally and spiritually reprehensible. "In the sight of the LORD" emphasizes that Jehoram's actions were not just politically or socially wrong but were offensive to God Himself. This phrase serves as a divine evaluation of Jehoram's reign, highlighting the gravity of his sin and the breach of covenant faithfulness expected of a Davidic king.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoram
The king of Judah who followed the ways of the house of Ahab, leading to his downfall.

2. House of Ahab
A dynasty in the northern kingdom of Israel known for its idolatry and wickedness, particularly under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.

3. Ahab
A king of Israel notorious for his idolatry and evil practices, married to Jezebel.

4. Jehoram's Wife
The daughter of Ahab, whose influence led Jehoram to adopt the sinful practices of her family.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which Jehoram ruled, and which suffered due to his evil actions.

Teaching Points

The Influence of Relationships
Jehoram's marriage to Ahab's daughter led him to adopt sinful practices. This highlights the importance of choosing relationships that encourage godliness.

Consequences of Idolatry
Jehoram's actions brought evil in the sight of the LORD, reminding us of the serious consequences of turning away from God to follow idols.

Leadership and Responsibility
As a king, Jehoram's choices affected the entire nation of Judah. Leaders bear a significant responsibility for their actions and their impact on others.

The Danger of Compromise
Jehoram's compromise with the ways of Ahab's house serves as a warning against compromising our faith and values for worldly influences.

God's Perspective on Evil
The verse emphasizes that Jehoram's actions were evil "in the sight of the LORD," reminding us that God's perspective is what ultimately matters.

Bible Study Questions

1. How did Jehoram's marriage influence his spiritual and moral decisions, and what can we learn about the importance of choosing godly relationships?

2. In what ways do the actions of leaders impact those they lead, and how can we apply this understanding in our own spheres of influence?

3. What are some modern-day "idols" that can lead us away from God, and how can we guard against them?

4. How does the account of Jehoram illustrate the principle found in Proverbs 13:20 about the influence of companions?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a choice between compromise and faithfulness. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it guide your future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 16:30-33
Provides background on Ahab's reign and his marriage to Jezebel, highlighting the idolatry and evil that characterized his rule.

2 Kings 8:18
Confirms Jehoram's marriage to Ahab's daughter and his subsequent evil actions, paralleling the account in 2 Chronicles.

Exodus 20:3-5
The commandments against idolatry, which Jehoram violated by following Ahab's ways.

Proverbs 13:20
Discusses the influence of companions, relevant to Jehoram's choice of a spouse and his subsequent actions.

2 Corinthians 6:14
Advises against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, applicable to Jehoram's marriage and its consequences.