2 Chronicles 21:20

Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. He died, to no one's regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.

Study Bible

Jehoram
The name Jehoram means "Yahweh is exalted." Despite the noble meaning of his name, Jehoram's life and reign were marked by actions that did not exalt God. His account serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of living up to the divine calling and the consequences of failing to do so.

thirty-two years old
This phrase indicates the age at which Jehoram ascended to the throne. In the context of ancient Near Eastern monarchies, becoming king at this age was not uncommon. It suggests a level of maturity and experience, yet Jehoram's subsequent actions reveal a lack of wisdom and godliness.

when he became king
The transition to kingship is a significant moment, often accompanied by expectations of leadership and responsibility. Jehoram's ascension was marred by his immediate actions to secure his throne through violence, which set the tone for his reign.

reigned in Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of David, was the political and spiritual center of Judah. Jehoram's reign in this sacred city highlights the gravity of his failure to uphold the covenantal responsibilities expected of a Davidic king.

eight years
The relatively short duration of Jehoram's reign is indicative of its tumultuous nature. In biblical terms, a king's reign is often seen as a reflection of his faithfulness to God. Jehoram's brief rule underscores the divine disfavor he incurred through his actions.

he passed away
The phrase marks the end of Jehoram's life, which was characterized by spiritual decline and moral failure. His death serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of earthly power and the eternal consequences of one's actions.

to no one's regret
This stark statement reveals the extent of Jehoram's unpopularity and the negative impact of his reign. It suggests that his leadership was so detrimental that his passing was met with indifference, a tragic legacy for any leader.

buried in the City of David
Being buried in the City of David was an honor, reflecting one's connection to the royal lineage. However, the subsequent phrase indicates that Jehoram did not receive the full honor typically accorded to kings.

but not in the tombs of the kings
This exclusion from the royal tombs signifies a profound dishonor and a divine judgment on Jehoram's reign. It serves as a powerful symbol of his failure to live up to the standards of a godly king and the ultimate rejection by his people and God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoram
The son of Jehoshaphat, Jehoram became king of Judah and is noted for his wicked reign, which led to his unpopularity and lack of mourning at his death.

2. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, where Jehoram reigned as king. It holds significant historical and spiritual importance as the center of Jewish worship and governance.

3. City of David
A section of Jerusalem where Jehoram was buried, though not in the royal tombs, signifying a lack of honor due to his actions as king.

4. Jehoshaphat
Jehoram's father, who was a righteous king of Judah, contrasting with Jehoram's evil reign.

5. Tombs of the Kings
The burial place for the honored kings of Judah, from which Jehoram was excluded, indicating his dishonor.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Wicked Leadership
Jehoram's reign serves as a warning about the impact of ungodly leadership. His actions led to national suffering and personal disgrace.

Legacy Matters
The fact that Jehoram died "to no one’s regret" challenges us to consider the legacy we are leaving. Are we living in a way that honors God and blesses others?

The Importance of Godly Influence
Jehoram's marriage into Ahab's family led him astray. This highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with godly influences.

God's Justice and Mercy
Despite Jehoram's evil, God did not destroy Judah for David's sake, showing His faithfulness and mercy even amidst judgment.

Reflecting on Our Mortality
Jehoram's death reminds us of the brevity of life and the importance of living with an eternal perspective.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Jehoram's life about the impact of our choices on our legacy?

2. How does Jehoram's exclusion from the royal tombs reflect the biblical principle of reaping what we sow?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our leadership, whether in family, work, or community, aligns with godly principles?

4. How does Jehoram's account encourage us to evaluate the influences in our lives and their impact on our spiritual walk?

5. Reflecting on Hebrews 9:27, how should the certainty of death and judgment influence the way we live our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 8:16-24
Provides a parallel account of Jehoram's reign, emphasizing his marriage to Ahab's daughter and his evil actions, which led to God's judgment.

Proverbs 10:7
Discusses the memory of the righteous versus the wicked, highlighting how Jehoram's lack of regret at his death aligns with the fate of the wicked.

Hebrews 9:27
Reminds us of the inevitability of death and judgment, encouraging reflection on how we live our lives in light of eternity.