Background and Context:

Jehoram, also known as Joram, was a king of Judah who reigned during the 9th century BC. He was the son of Jehoshaphat and succeeded his brother Ahaziah as king. The narrative of Jehoram's succession is found in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, which provide insight into his reign and the spiritual climate of Judah during his time.

Biblical Account:

The transition of power from Ahaziah to Jehoram is recorded in 2 Kings 8:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 21:1-20. Jehoram became king of Judah in the fifth year of Joram son of Ahab, king of Israel, when Jehoshaphat was still king of Judah. This overlap in reigns suggests a co-regency, a common practice in the ancient Near East to ensure a smooth transition of power.

2 Kings 8:16-17 : "In the fifth year of Joram son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then king of Judah, Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign. He was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years."

Reign and Actions:

Jehoram's reign was marked by significant religious and political changes. Unlike his father Jehoshaphat, who was known for his piety and reforms, Jehoram followed the ways of the kings of Israel, particularly the house of Ahab, due to his marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. This alliance brought the idolatrous practices of the northern kingdom into Judah.

2 Chronicles 21:6 : "And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for he married a daughter of Ahab, and he did evil in the sight of the LORD."

Jehoram's reign was characterized by a departure from the worship of Yahweh, leading to the introduction of Baal worship in Judah. This apostasy provoked the LORD's anger, resulting in divine judgment upon Jehoram and his kingdom.

Divine Judgment and Consequences:

Jehoram's actions led to severe consequences for Judah. The LORD stirred up the Philistines and the Arabs against Jehoram, who invaded Judah and carried away all the possessions found in the king's house, including his sons and wives, leaving only his youngest son, Jehoahaz (also known as Ahaziah).

2 Chronicles 21:16-17 : "Then the LORD stirred against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines and the Arabs who lived near the Cushites. They attacked Judah, invaded it, and carried off all the possessions found in the king’s house, as well as his sons and wives. Not a son was left to him except Ahaziah, his youngest."

Furthermore, Jehoram suffered from a severe and incurable disease as a direct consequence of his unfaithfulness to God. The prophet Elijah sent him a letter warning of the impending judgment due to his idolatry and the murder of his brothers.

2 Chronicles 21:12-15 : "Then a letter came to Jehoram from Elijah the prophet, which stated: 'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: Because you have not walked in the ways of your father Jehoshaphat or of Asa king of Judah, but have walked in the way of the kings of Israel and have led Judah and the people of Jerusalem into prostitution, just as the house of Ahab led Israel into prostitution, and also because you have murdered your brothers, members of your own family, who were better than you, the LORD is about to strike your people, your sons, your wives, and all your possessions with a heavy blow. 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.'"

Death and Legacy:

Jehoram's reign ended in tragedy and disgrace. After suffering for two years, he died from the disease, and his people did not honor him with a burial in the tombs of the kings. His death marked a period of instability and decline in Judah, setting the stage for further turmoil under his successors.

2 Chronicles 21:19-20 : "In the course of time, after the end of two years, his bowels came out because of his disease, and he died in severe pain. His people made no fire in his honor, like the fires made for his fathers. Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. 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 turning away from God and the importance of faithful leadership in accordance with divine commandments.