Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, became king of Judah following the death of his father. His reign marks a significant period in the history of the southern kingdom, characterized by a departure from the godly legacy of his predecessors. The account of Jehoram's succession and reign is primarily found in 2 Kings 8:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 21.

Background and Ascension to the Throne

Jehoram was the firstborn son of Jehoshaphat, who was a righteous king and sought to follow the ways of the LORD, as his father Asa had done. Jehoshaphat's reign was marked by religious reforms and efforts to strengthen the kingdom spiritually and militarily. In preparation for Jehoram's future rule, Jehoshaphat had made him co-regent, as noted in 2 Kings 8:16: "In the fifth year of Joram son of Ahab, king of Israel, Jehoshaphat was king of Judah, Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat began his reign as king of Judah."

Reign and Actions

Upon Jehoshaphat's death, Jehoram ascended to the throne and quickly consolidated his power by eliminating potential rivals. 2 Chronicles 21:4 states, "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 stark departure from the godly example set by his father.

Jehoram's marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, further influenced his reign. This alliance with the northern kingdom of Israel introduced idolatrous practices into Judah, as Jehoram "walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for he had married a daughter of Ahab" (2 Kings 8:18). His reign was marked by a turning away from the worship of Yahweh, leading the people of Judah into sin.

Divine Judgment and Consequences

Jehoram's apostasy provoked the LORD's anger, resulting in divine judgment upon his kingdom. The prophet Elijah sent a letter to Jehoram, warning him of the consequences of his actions. 2 Chronicles 21:12-15 records Elijah's message, which foretold a great calamity upon Jehoram's family and a severe illness that would afflict the king himself.

During Jehoram's reign, the Edomites and Libnah revolted against Judah's rule, as noted in 2 Kings 8:20-22. These revolts were seen as a direct consequence of Jehoram's unfaithfulness to God. The LORD allowed these adversities to weaken Jehoram's kingdom as a form of judgment.

Death and Legacy

Jehoram's reign lasted eight years, and his death was as ignominious as his life. 2 Chronicles 21:19-20 describes his end: "In the course of time, after 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 legacy is a cautionary tale of the dangers of forsaking the ways of the LORD and the consequences of aligning oneself with ungodly influences. His reign serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the impact of leadership on a nation's spiritual direction.