Jehoram, also known as Joram, was a king of Judah who reigned in the 9th century BC. He was the son of Jehoshaphat and the husband of Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel of Israel. His reign is noted for its departure from the ways of his father and for the introduction of idolatrous practices that provoked the anger of the Lord.

Background and Ascension to the Throne

Jehoram became king after the death of his father, Jehoshaphat. Unlike his father, who was known for his piety and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry, Jehoram chose a different path. His marriage to Athaliah, a princess of the northern kingdom of Israel, further influenced his reign, as she brought with her the idolatrous practices of her parents, Ahab and Jezebel.

Idolatry and Apostasy

Jehoram's reign was marked by a significant shift towards idolatry. The Berean Standard Bible records in 2 Chronicles 21:6, "And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for Ahab’s daughter was his wife. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD." This verse highlights Jehoram's alignment with the practices of the northern kingdom, which were characterized by the worship of Baal and other Canaanite deities.

Murder of His Brothers

One of Jehoram's most heinous acts was the murder of his own brothers. Upon ascending the throne, he killed all his brothers and some of the princes of Israel to secure his position. This act of fratricide is recorded in 2 Chronicles 21:4: "When Jehoram had established himself over his father’s kingdom, he strengthened himself by putting to the sword all his brothers along with some of the princes of Israel." This ruthless act was a stark departure from the Davidic tradition of leadership and further demonstrated his moral decline.

Divine Judgment and Prophetic Rebuke

Jehoram's evil practices did not go unchallenged. The prophet Elijah sent him a letter rebuking him for his idolatry and the murder of his brothers. The letter, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 21:12-15, warned of severe consequences: "This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘You have not walked in the ways of your father Jehoshaphat or of Asa king of Judah, but you have walked in the way of the kings of Israel; you have led Judah and the people of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves, just as the house of Ahab prostituted themselves. You have also murdered your brothers, members of your own family, men who were better than you. So now the LORD is 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.’"

Consequences of His Reign

Jehoram's reign brought about significant turmoil and divine judgment upon Judah. The Edomites and Libnah revolted against his rule, as noted in 2 Chronicles 21:8-10. Furthermore, the Philistines and Arabians invaded Judah, carrying away all the king's possessions, his sons, and his wives, leaving only his youngest son, Jehoahaz (also known as Ahaziah).

Ultimately, Jehoram suffered a painful and humiliating death as prophesied by Elijah. 2 Chronicles 21:18-19 describes his end: "After all this, the LORD afflicted Jehoram with an incurable disease of the bowels. In the course of time, after two years had passed, his intestines came out because of the disease, and he died in severe pain. His people did not make a fire in his honor, as they had for his fathers."

Jehoram's reign serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from the Lord and embracing idolatry and wickedness. His actions not only brought personal suffering but also turmoil and judgment upon the nation of Judah.