Jehoram, also known as Joram, was the son of Jehoshaphat and the king of Judah. His reign is chronicled in the Old Testament, primarily in 2 Kings 8:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 21. Jehoram's rule is marked by significant religious and political changes, as well as divine judgment due to his departure from the ways of his father, Jehoshaphat, who was known for his piety and reforms.

Ascension to the Throne

Jehoram became king of Judah during the fifth year of Joram, son of Ahab, king of Israel. He ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Jehoshaphat. To secure his position, Jehoram took drastic measures by killing all his brothers and some of the princes of Israel (2 Chronicles 21:4). This act of fratricide was a departure from the godly example set by his father and was influenced by his marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, which further aligned Judah with the idolatrous practices of the northern kingdom.

Religious Apostasy

Jehoram's reign was characterized by a significant shift towards idolatry. He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, and led Judah into sin by building high places and encouraging the worship of foreign gods (2 Chronicles 21:6, 11). This apostasy provoked the LORD's anger, as Jehoram abandoned the covenantal faithfulness that had been a hallmark of his father's reign.

Divine Judgment

The LORD's displeasure with Jehoram's actions was evident through various judgments. The prophet Elijah sent a letter to Jehoram, warning him of severe consequences for his idolatry and the murder of his brothers. The letter prophesied a great plague upon his people, his children, his wives, and all his possessions (2 Chronicles 21:12-15). True to the prophecy, the LORD stirred up the Philistines and the Arabians against Jehoram, who invaded Judah and carried away all his possessions, his sons, and his wives, leaving only his youngest son, Jehoahaz (also known as Ahaziah).

Furthermore, Jehoram was struck 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 ignominious, and he was not honored with a burial in the tombs of the kings, reflecting the people's disdain for his reign.

Legacy

Jehoram's reign lasted eight years, and he was succeeded by his son Ahaziah. His rule is often remembered as a period of spiritual decline and turmoil for Judah. The consequences of his actions served as a stark reminder of the importance of covenant faithfulness and the dangers of aligning with ungodly influences. Despite his failures, the LORD's promise to David ensured the continuation of the Davidic line, preserving Judah for the sake of the covenant made with David (2 Chronicles 21:7).