Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, reigned as king of Judah and is noted for his departure from the ways of his righteous predecessors, leading to divine judgment upon his reign. His account is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 8:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 21.

Background and Reign

Jehoram ascended to the throne of Judah following the death of his father, Jehoshaphat. Unlike his father, who was known for his devotion to the LORD and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry, Jehoram chose a different path. He married Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, aligning himself with the idolatrous practices of the northern kingdom of Israel. This alliance had a profound impact on his reign and spiritual direction.

Idolatry and Apostasy

Jehoram's reign was marked by a significant departure from the worship of Yahweh. He led Judah into idolatry, constructing high places and encouraging the people to worship foreign gods. This apostasy was a direct violation of the covenantal laws given to Israel, which demanded exclusive worship of the LORD.

Fratricide and Tyranny

In a bid to secure his throne, Jehoram committed fratricide, killing all his brothers and some of the princes of Israel (2 Chronicles 21:4). This act of brutality was unprecedented in the Davidic line and demonstrated his ruthless nature. His actions were not only politically motivated but also spiritually significant, as they represented a rejection of the Davidic covenant's principles of justice and righteousness.

Prophetic Rebuke

Jehoram's actions did not go unnoticed by the LORD. The prophet Elijah sent him a letter, a rare instance of written prophecy, condemning his idolatry and fratricide. The letter declared, "This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘You have not walked in the ways of your father Jehoshaphat or of Asa king of Judah, but you have walked in the ways of the kings of Israel; you have led Judah and the people of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves, just as the house of Ahab prostituted themselves. You have also murdered your own brothers, members of your own family, men who were better than you’" (2 Chronicles 21:12-13).

Divine Judgment

The judgment pronounced upon Jehoram was severe. The LORD stirred up the Philistines and the Arabs, who invaded Judah, plundering the king's house and carrying away his possessions, including his wives and sons, leaving only his youngest son, Jehoahaz (also known as Ahaziah). Furthermore, Jehoram was struck with a painful and incurable disease of the bowels, which eventually led to his death in great agony (2 Chronicles 21:18-19).

Legacy and Burial

Jehoram's reign ended in disgrace. He died to no one's regret, and unlike his ancestors, he was not buried in the tombs of the kings (2 Chronicles 21:20). His life and reign serve as a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from the LORD and leading others into sin. Jehoram's judgment was a fulfillment of the prophetic warnings and a testament to the LORD's justice and faithfulness to His covenant.