Jehoram, also known as Joram, was the son of Ahab and Jezebel and became the king of Israel following the death of his brother Ahaziah. His reign is chronicled in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, providing insight into the political and spiritual climate of the Northern Kingdom during his rule.

Background and Ascension to the Throne

Jehoram ascended to the throne of Israel in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and reigned for twelve years (2 Kings 3:1). His rise to power came after the death of his brother Ahaziah, who had no son to succeed him. Jehoram's reign marked a continuation of the Omride dynasty, which was characterized by its idolatrous practices and political alliances with surrounding nations.

Religious Practices and Idolatry

Jehoram's reign was marked by a partial departure from the practices of his father Ahab. While he removed the sacred pillar of Baal that his father had made, he did not fully turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who had led Israel into sin with the worship of golden calves (2 Kings 3:2-3). This syncretism reflected a persistent struggle within Israel to maintain fidelity to the covenant with Yahweh amidst the allure of Canaanite religious practices.

Military Campaigns and Alliances

One of the significant events during Jehoram's reign was the campaign against Moab. After the death of Ahab, the king of Moab rebelled against Israel. Jehoram allied with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and the king of Edom to suppress the Moabite rebellion. The campaign is notable for the intervention of the prophet Elisha, who provided guidance and assurance of victory to the allied kings (2 Kings 3:4-19). The campaign resulted in a temporary subjugation of Moab, although the victory was not as decisive as hoped.

Prophetic Interactions

Jehoram's reign was marked by significant interactions with the prophet Elisha, who succeeded Elijah as the leading prophet in Israel. Elisha's ministry during Jehoram's reign included miraculous acts and prophetic counsel, which served as a testament to God's continued presence and authority over Israel despite the nation's waywardness. One notable incident involved the miraculous provision of water for the allied armies in the desert, which was followed by a divinely orchestrated victory over Moab (2 Kings 3:16-24).

Legacy and Death

Jehoram's reign was ultimately characterized by a failure to fully return to the worship of Yahweh and a continuation of the idolatrous practices initiated by Jeroboam. His reign ended violently when he was killed by Jehu, who was anointed by Elisha to execute judgment on the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9:24). Jehoram's death marked the end of the Omride dynasty and a significant turning point in the history of the Northern Kingdom.

Jehoram's reign serves as a reminder of the consequences of partial obedience and the importance of wholehearted devotion to God. His interactions with Elisha highlight the enduring presence of God's prophetic word, even in times of national apostasy.