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. And he walkedThe phrase "he walked" in Hebrew is "וַיֵּלֶךְ" (vayeilech), which signifies a manner of life or conduct. In biblical terms, walking often symbolizes one's spiritual journey or moral conduct. Here, it indicates a deliberate choice to follow a particular path, suggesting that the individual actively chose to align his life with certain principles or behaviors. This choice reflects a conscious decision to adopt the practices and values of the house of Ahab, which were contrary to God's commandments. in the way of the house of Ahab
The "way of the house of Ahab" refers to the practices and policies established by King Ahab, who was notoriously one of the most wicked kings of Israel. Ahab's reign was marked by idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal, and moral corruption. The "way" here implies a lifestyle and governance that is steeped in these ungodly practices. Historically, Ahab's influence extended beyond his reign, affecting subsequent generations and neighboring kingdoms, as seen in this verse. and did evil in the sight of the LORD
The phrase "did evil in the sight of the LORD" is a recurring biblical expression that denotes actions and behaviors that are contrary to God's laws and expectations. The Hebrew word for "evil" is "רַע" (ra), which encompasses wickedness, immorality, and actions that provoke divine displeasure. This phrase underscores the gravity of the king's actions, emphasizing that they were not just politically or socially wrong, but fundamentally opposed to the divine will. like the house of Ahab
This comparison to "the house of Ahab" reinforces the extent of the king's deviation from righteousness. Ahab's house was infamous for its idolatry and opposition to the prophets of God, notably Elijah. By likening the king's actions to those of Ahab, the text highlights a continuation of spiritual rebellion and moral decay. It serves as a warning of the consequences of aligning with ungodly influences and the perpetuation of sin across generations. for he was related by marriage to Ahab’s family
The phrase "related by marriage" indicates a political and familial alliance through marriage, which was a common practice in ancient times to secure power and influence. This alliance with Ahab's family, likely through marriage to a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, brought with it the influence of Ahab's idolatrous and corrupt practices. It illustrates how personal relationships and alliances can impact one's spiritual and moral direction, often leading to compromise and departure from God's ways. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jehoram (King of Judah)The son of Jehoshaphat, who became king of Judah and followed the sinful ways of the house of Ahab. 2. House of AhabA royal family in the Northern Kingdom of Israel known for their idolatry and evil practices, particularly under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. 3. Ahab’s Daughter (Athaliah)The wife of Jehoram, who influenced him to follow the idolatrous practices of her family. 4. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, where Jehoram reigned as king. 5. The LORDThe God of Israel, who is displeased with Jehoram's actions and idolatry. Teaching Points Influence of RelationshipsThe people we associate with can significantly impact our spiritual walk. Jehoram's marriage to Athaliah led him away from God. We must choose relationships that encourage us in our faith. Consequences of IdolatryIdolatry leads to separation from God and His blessings. Jehoram's reign was marked by evil because he followed the idolatrous practices of Ahab's house. We must guard against modern forms of idolatry in our lives. Legacy and LeadershipLeaders have a profound impact on their followers. Jehoram's evil reign affected the entire nation of Judah. As Christians, we are called to lead by example and uphold God's standards. Faithfulness to GodDespite external influences, we are called to remain faithful to God. Jehoram's failure serves as a warning to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. Bible Study Questions 1. How did Jehoram's marriage to Athaliah influence his reign as king of Judah, and what can we learn about the impact of our relationships on our spiritual lives? 2. In what ways do modern Christians face similar temptations of idolatry, and how can we guard against them? 3. How does Jehoram's leadership compare to that of his father, Jehoshaphat, and what lessons can we learn about the importance of godly leadership? 4. Reflect on a time when you faced pressure to conform to ungodly practices. How did you respond, and what biblical principles can help you remain faithful in such situations? 5. Considering the warnings in Deuteronomy 7:3-4, how can we apply these principles to our lives today, especially in the context of relationships and partnerships? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 16:30-33Provides background on Ahab's reign and his introduction of Baal worship in Israel, setting the stage for the influence on Jehoram. 2 Chronicles 21:6Offers a parallel account of Jehoram's reign, emphasizing his evil actions and the influence of his wife, Athaliah. Exodus 20:3-5The commandments against idolatry, highlighting the seriousness of Jehoram's actions in the sight of God. Deuteronomy 7:3-4Warns against intermarriage with those who do not follow God, as it can lead to turning away from Him, which is evident in Jehoram's life. People Ahab, Ahaziah, Aram, Athaliah, Ben, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, David, Edomites, Elisha, Gehazi, Hadad, Hazael, Israelites, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jezreel, Joram, Omri, SyriansPlaces Damascus, Edom, Jerusalem, Jezreel, Libnah, Ramah, Ramoth-gilead, Samaria, Syria, ZairTopics Ahab, Daughter, Evil, Family, Kings, Married, Sight, Walked, Walketh, WifeDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 8:16-18 8739 evil, examples of 2 Kings 8:16-22 7245 Judah, kingdom of 2 Kings 8:16-29 5366 king Library The Story of Hazael
'So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Ben-hadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease? 10. And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the Lord hath shewed me that he shall surely die. 11. And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept. 12. And Hazael said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureHazael
BY REV. J. G. GREENHOUGH, M.A. "But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing?"--2 KINGS viii. 13. Hazael was the chief minister and prime favourite of Benhadad, the Syrian king. He had been raised from a humble lot and promoted to that high post by the partiality of his sovereign, who had doubtless discerned his exceptional abilities, and certainly placed implicit trust in him. Just now the king was dangerously ill, and Hazael had been sent to inquire of the prophet of Israel …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 The Prophet Jonah.
It has been asserted without any sufficient reason, that Jonah is older than Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Obadiah,--that he is the oldest among the prophets whose written monuments have been preserved to us. The passage in 2 Kings xiv. 25, where it is said, that Jonah, the son of Amittai the prophet, prophesied to Jeroboam the happy success of his arms, and the restoration of the ancient boundaries of Israel, and that this prophecy was confirmed by the event, cannot decide in favour of this assertion, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion 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 Christ's Prophetic Office
'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet,' &c. Deut 18:85. Having spoken of the person of Christ, we are next to speak of the offices of Christ. These are Prophetic, Priestly, and Regal. 'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet.' Enunciatur hic locus de Christo. It is spoken of Christ.' There are several names given to Christ as a Prophet. He is called the Counsellor' in Isa 9:9. In uno Christo Angelus foederis completur [The Messenger of the Covenant appears in Christ alone]. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Original Sin
Q-16: DID ALL MANKIND FALL IN ADAM'S FIRST TRANSGRESSION? A: The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him, by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression. 'By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin,' &c. Rom 5:12. Adam being a representative person, while he stood, we stood; when he fell, we fell, We sinned in Adam; so it is in the text, In whom all have sinned.' Adam was the head …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 8:18 NIV2 Kings 8:18 NLT2 Kings 8:18 ESV2 Kings 8:18 NASB2 Kings 8:18 KJV
2 Kings 8:18 Commentaries
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