Background and Reign:
Jehoram, also known as Joram, was the son of Jehoshaphat and the king of Judah. His reign is chronicled in 2 Kings 8:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 21. Jehoram ascended to the throne of Judah in the fifth year of Joram, son of Ahab, king of Israel, and reigned for eight years. His rule is marked by a departure from the godly ways of his father, Jehoshaphat, as he followed the practices of the kings of Israel, particularly the house of Ahab, due to his marriage to Ahab's daughter, Athaliah.

Religious Practices and Apostasy:
Jehoram's reign was characterized by significant religious apostasy. He abandoned the ways of the LORD, the God of his fathers, and led Judah into idolatry. 2 Chronicles 21:6 states, "And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for Ahab’s daughter was his wife. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD." Jehoram's actions included the construction of high places in the hill country of Judah, leading the people of Jerusalem into idolatry and causing Judah to stray from the LORD.

Political and Military Challenges:
Jehoram's reign was fraught with political and military challenges. Edom revolted against Judah's rule and established their own king, as recorded in 2 Kings 8:20-22. Jehoram attempted to quell the rebellion by attacking Edom, but his efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, and Edom remained independent. Additionally, Libnah revolted at the same time, further weakening Jehoram's rule.

Prophetic Rebuke and Judgment:
Jehoram received a prophetic rebuke from Elijah, who sent him a letter warning of divine judgment due to his idolatry and the murder of his brothers. 2 Chronicles 21:12-15 records Elijah's message: "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 into prostitution, just as the house of Ahab did, and you have also murdered your own brothers, members of your father’s house, who were better than you. So now the LORD is about to strike your people, your sons, your wives, and all your possessions with a heavy blow. And you yourself will be struck with a severe illness, a disease of your bowels, day after day, until your bowels come out.’"

Death and Legacy:
Jehoram's reign ended in tragedy and disgrace. As prophesied, he suffered from a severe and painful disease of the bowels, which ultimately led to his death. 2 Chronicles 21:19 describes his demise: "In the course of time, after two years, his bowels came out because of his disease, and he died in severe pain. His people did not make a fire in his honor, as they had for his fathers." Jehoram was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings, reflecting the lack of honor and respect he garnered due to his actions and the consequences of his reign.

Jehoram's legacy is a cautionary tale of the dangers of idolatry and the abandonment of God's commandments. His reign serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to the LORD and the consequences of turning away from His ways.