2 Chronicles 21:11

Jehoram had also built high places on the hills of Judah; he had caused the people of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves and had led Judah astray.

Study Bible

Jehoram had also built high places
The phrase "Jehoram had also built high places" indicates a significant departure from the worship practices that were commanded by God. The "high places" were elevated sites often used for idol worship and pagan rituals, contrary to the centralized worship in Jerusalem at the temple. The Hebrew term for "high places" is "bāmôt," which were often associated with Canaanite religious practices. Jehoram's actions reflect a deliberate choice to embrace idolatry, which was a recurring issue for the Israelites, leading them away from the covenant relationship with Yahweh.

on the hills of Judah
The "hills of Judah" refers to the geographical region that was part of the southern kingdom of Judah. This area was known for its rugged terrain and numerous hills, which were often used for unauthorized worship. By building high places on these hills, Jehoram was not only defying God's command but also making idolatrous worship accessible throughout the land. This act symbolizes a spiritual decline and a turning away from the worship of the one true God, Yahweh, who had chosen Jerusalem as the place for His name to dwell.

he had caused the people of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves
The phrase "he had caused the people of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves" uses the metaphor of prostitution to describe spiritual unfaithfulness. In Hebrew, the word "zanah" is often used to depict idolatry as a form of spiritual adultery. Jehoram's leadership led the people into practices that were akin to being unfaithful to God, breaking the covenant relationship. This imagery is powerful, illustrating the severity of turning to other gods and the impact of a leader's influence on the spiritual state of the nation.

and had led Judah astray
The phrase "and had led Judah astray" underscores the responsibility of Jehoram as a leader who guided the nation away from God's commandments. The Hebrew root "ta'ah" means to err or wander, indicating a deliberate deviation from the path of righteousness. This highlights the consequences of poor leadership and the ease with which a nation can be led into sin. Jehoram's actions had far-reaching effects, not only corrupting the present generation but also setting a precedent for future disobedience and idolatry.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoram
The king of Judah, son of Jehoshaphat, who led the nation into idolatry and away from the worship of Yahweh.

2. High Places
Elevated sites often used for idol worship, contrary to the worship of Yahweh, which was to be centralized in the temple in Jerusalem.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, over which Jehoram reigned.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, where the temple of Yahweh was located, yet Jehoram led its people into idolatry.

5. Idolatry
The worship of idols or false gods, which was a direct violation of the first commandment and a recurring issue for the Israelites.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Leadership
Leaders have a profound impact on the spiritual direction of their people. Jehoram's actions led Judah into sin, reminding us of the responsibility leaders have to guide others toward righteousness.

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can be anything that takes the place of God in our lives. We must be vigilant in identifying and removing these idols.

Faithfulness to God's Commands
God's instructions are clear regarding worship and obedience. We must strive to follow His commands and avoid the pitfalls of cultural or societal pressures that lead us astray.

The Importance of Spiritual Heritage
Jehoram's departure from his father Jehoshaphat's faithful example shows the importance of maintaining and building upon a godly heritage rather than squandering it.

Repentance and Restoration
While Jehoram's account is one of failure, it serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and the possibility of restoration when we turn back to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How did Jehoram's actions as a leader affect the spiritual state of Judah, and what can we learn about the influence of leadership today?

2. In what ways might we be tempted to build "high places" in our own lives, and how can we actively work to remove them?

3. How does Jehoram's reign contrast with that of his father Jehoshaphat, and what does this teach us about the importance of spiritual legacy?

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

5. How can we apply the lessons from Jehoram's life to ensure we remain faithful to God's commands in our personal and communal worship?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 14:22-24
This passage describes similar actions by previous kings, showing a pattern of idolatry and its consequences in Judah.

Exodus 20:3-5
The Ten Commandments, where God explicitly commands against idolatry, highlighting the gravity of Jehoram's actions.

Deuteronomy 12:2-4
Instructions to destroy high places, emphasizing the importance of worshiping God in the prescribed manner.

2 Chronicles 17:3-6
Jehoshaphat's reign, contrasting Jehoram's actions by showing a king who sought to follow God and remove high places.

Hosea 4:12-14
The metaphor of spiritual prostitution, illustrating the unfaithfulness of Israel and Judah in their idolatry.