Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, was a king of Judah who reigned in the 9th century BC. His account is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 8:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 21. Upon ascending to the throne, Jehoram took decisive and ruthless actions to consolidate his power, a common practice among ancient Near Eastern monarchs to secure their rule.

Background and Ascension

Jehoram was the firstborn son of Jehoshaphat, a king noted for his piety and reforms that sought to bring the people of Judah back to the worship of Yahweh. Jehoshaphat had strengthened the kingdom through alliances, notably with the northern kingdom of Israel, by marrying his son Jehoram to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. This marriage, however, introduced idolatrous influences into Judah, as Athaliah brought with her the worship of Baal.

Upon Jehoshaphat's death, Jehoram ascended to the throne. The Berean Standard Bible records in 2 Chronicles 21:4, "When Jehoram had established himself over his father’s kingdom, he strengthened his position by putting to the sword all his brothers along with some of the princes of Israel." This act of fratricide was a drastic measure to eliminate any potential rivals and secure his rule, reflecting the political instability and the lengths to which rulers would go to maintain power.

Religious and Political Actions

Jehoram's reign marked a significant departure from his father's religious policies. Influenced by his wife Athaliah, Jehoram led Judah into idolatry, erecting high places and causing the people to stray from the worship of Yahweh. 2 Chronicles 21:11 states, "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."

Politically, Jehoram faced challenges from surrounding nations. Edom, a vassal state under Jehoshaphat, rebelled during Jehoram's reign. Despite his efforts to quell the rebellion, Edom successfully gained independence, as recorded in 2 Kings 8:20-22. This loss weakened Judah's regional influence and demonstrated the internal and external challenges Jehoram faced.

Divine Judgment and Legacy

Jehoram's actions and the resulting idolatry provoked divine judgment. The prophet Elijah sent a letter to Jehoram, warning him of severe consequences for leading Judah astray and for the murder of his brothers. The letter, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 21:12-15, foretold a great calamity upon his people, his family, and his own health.

True to the prophecy, Jehoram's reign was marked by turmoil. The Philistines and Arabians invaded Judah, carrying away his possessions and family, leaving only his youngest son, Ahaziah. Jehoram himself suffered from a painful and incurable disease, dying in agony. His death was met with indifference from his subjects, as noted in 2 Chronicles 21:20, "He passed away, to no one’s regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings."

Jehoram's reign serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of abandoning the covenant with God and the destructive influence of idolatry. His efforts to strengthen his position through violence and alliances with ungodly influences ultimately led to his downfall and the weakening of the kingdom of Judah.