Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, was a king of Judah who reigned in the 9th century BC. His account is primarily recorded in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Jehoram's reign is marked by significant religious and political changes, as well as a departure from the godly legacy of his father, Jehoshaphat.

Family and Ascension to the Throne

Jehoram was the eldest son of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, and his wife, whose name is not recorded in the biblical texts. Jehoshaphat was known for his piety and efforts to bring the people of Judah back to the worship of Yahweh. Jehoram married Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, which was a politically motivated union intended to strengthen ties between the kingdoms of Judah and Israel.

Upon the death of Jehoshaphat, Jehoram ascended to the throne. His reign is noted in 2 Kings 8:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 21:1-20. Jehoram began his rule by consolidating his power, which included the execution of his brothers and some of the princes of Israel, as 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."

Religious Apostasy and Idolatry

Jehoram's reign was characterized by a significant departure from the religious reforms of his father. Influenced by his wife Athaliah and her family's idolatrous practices, Jehoram led Judah into apostasy. He constructed high places and encouraged the worship of Baal, as noted in 2 Chronicles 21:11: "Jehoram had also built high places on the hills of Judah; he had caused the people of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves and had led Judah astray."

This idolatry provoked the anger of the Lord, and Jehoram's reign was marked by divine judgment. The prophet Elijah sent a letter to Jehoram, warning him of the consequences of his actions and predicting calamity for his household and kingdom (2 Chronicles 21:12-15).

Political Turmoil and Divine Judgment

Jehoram's reign was fraught with political instability. The Edomites, who had been subject to Judah, revolted during his reign, as recorded in 2 Kings 8:20: "In his days Edom revolted from the rule of Judah and set up their own king." Additionally, the city of Libnah also revolted, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 21:10, due to Jehoram's abandonment of the Lord.

Jehoram's reign was further plagued by invasions from the Philistines and the Arabians, who looted the royal palace and carried off his family, except for his youngest son, Jehoahaz (also known as Ahaziah), as recorded in 2 Chronicles 21:16-17.

Death and Legacy

Jehoram's reign lasted eight years, and his death was marked by a severe and painful illness, as prophesied by Elijah. 2 Chronicles 21:18-19 describes his affliction: "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 his disease, and he died in severe pain."

Jehoram was not honored with a burial in the tombs of the kings, reflecting the people's disapproval of his reign. His legacy is one of apostasy and turmoil, a stark contrast to the godly leadership of his father, Jehoshaphat. His son, Ahaziah, succeeded him as king of Judah.