Introduction:
Elijah's letter to Jehoram is a unique and intriguing event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Chronicles 21:12-15. This letter is significant as it represents a rare instance of a prophetic message delivered in written form, rather than orally, by the prophet Elijah. The letter serves as a divine rebuke and a forewarning of judgment upon King Jehoram of Judah due to his apostasy and wickedness.

Historical Context:
Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, reigned as king of Judah from approximately 848 to 841 BC. His reign was marked by a departure from the godly ways of his father. Jehoram married Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, which led to the introduction of Baal worship and other idolatrous practices in Judah. His reign was characterized by moral and spiritual decline, including the murder of his own brothers to secure his throne.

The Letter:
The letter from Elijah is recorded in 2 Chronicles 21:12-15. It reads:

"Then a letter came to Jehoram from Elijah the prophet, which stated: 'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: Because you have not walked in the ways of your father Jehoshaphat or of Asa king of Judah, but have walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and have caused Judah and the people of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves like the house of Ahab, and you have also murdered your brothers, members of your own family, who were better than you, the LORD is now about to strike your people, your sons, your wives, and all your possessions with a heavy blow. You yourself will be struck with a severe illness, a disease of your bowels, until your bowels come out day by day because of the disease.'"

Analysis:
1. Authorship and Delivery:
· The letter is attributed to Elijah, a prominent prophet in Israel known for his confrontations with Ahab and Jezebel. The timing of the letter raises questions, as Elijah is traditionally believed to have been taken up to heaven before Jehoram's reign. Some scholars suggest that the letter was written earlier and delivered posthumously, while others propose that Elijah's ministry overlapped with Jehoram's early reign.

2. Content and Themes:
· Divine Authority: The letter begins with a declaration from "the LORD, the God of your father David," establishing the divine authority behind the message.
· Condemnation of Idolatry: Jehoram is condemned for abandoning the ways of his righteous predecessors and adopting the idolatrous practices of the northern kingdom of Israel.
· Judgment and Consequences: The letter outlines specific judgments, including the destruction of Jehoram's family and possessions and a personal affliction with a severe and painful disease.

3. Theological Implications:
· Covenant Faithfulness: The letter underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness to God, as Jehoram's actions are contrasted with the faithfulness of his forefathers.
· Divine Justice: The pronouncement of judgment reflects God's justice and the consequences of sin, particularly for leaders who lead their people astray.
· Prophetic Role: Elijah's role as a prophet is reaffirmed, even in written form, as a mouthpiece for God's warnings and judgments.

Impact and Legacy:
The fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy is recorded in the subsequent verses of 2 Chronicles 21, where Jehoram's family and kingdom suffer calamities, and he himself dies from the prophesied disease. This event serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of turning away from God and the inevitable consequences of such actions. Elijah's letter remains a testament to the enduring power and authority of prophetic words in the biblical narrative.