Jehoram, also known as Joram, was the son of Jehoshaphat and king of Judah. His reign is marked by significant departures from the ways of his righteous predecessors, leading to a period of spiritual and moral decline in the kingdom. Jehoram's account is primarily found in 2 Kings 8:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 21.

Ascension to the Throne

Jehoram became king of Judah during the fifth year of Joram, son of Ahab, king of Israel. He was thirty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem for eight years (2 Kings 8:17). Upon his ascension, Jehoram took drastic measures to secure his position by killing all his brothers and some of the princes of Israel (2 Chronicles 21:4). This act of fratricide was a stark departure from the godly example set by his father, Jehoshaphat, who had sought to walk in the ways of the Lord.

Marriage Alliance and Idolatry

Jehoram's marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, further entrenched the influence of idolatry in Judah. This alliance with the house of Ahab led Jehoram to walk in the ways of the kings of Israel, doing evil in the sight of the Lord (2 Kings 8:18). The influence of Athaliah and her family introduced the worship of Baal and other pagan practices into Judah, leading the people away from the worship of Yahweh.

Divine Judgment and Prophetic Rebuke

Jehoram's reign was marked by divine judgment due to his wickedness. The Lord stirred up the Philistines and the Arabians against him, and they invaded Judah, carrying away all the possessions found in the king's house, along with his sons and wives, leaving only his youngest son, Jehoahaz (also known as Ahaziah) (2 Chronicles 21:16-17).

Moreover, Jehoram received a letter from the prophet Elijah, a rare instance of a written prophetic rebuke. The letter condemned Jehoram for leading Judah into idolatry and for the murder of his brothers, warning him of severe consequences: "Behold, the LORD is going to strike your people, your sons, your wives, and all your possessions with a great calamity. And you yourself will suffer with a severe illness—a disease of your bowels—until your bowels come out day by day because of the disease" (2 Chronicles 21:14-15).

Death and Legacy

As prophesied, Jehoram was afflicted with a painful and incurable disease of the bowels, which eventually led to his death after two years of suffering (2 Chronicles 21:18-19). His death was met with indifference from his subjects, as he departed "to no one's regret" (2 Chronicles 21:20). Unlike his ancestors, Jehoram was not buried in the tombs of the kings, reflecting the dishonor and disgrace that marked his reign.

Jehoram's reign serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of turning away from God and embracing idolatry and wickedness. His actions not only brought personal suffering but also led the nation of Judah into a period of spiritual decline, setting the stage for further turmoil in the kingdom.