The alliance with Jehoram, king of Israel, is a significant event in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the divided monarchy period. Jehoram, also known as Joram, was the son of Ahab and Jezebel and reigned over the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign is noted for its continuation of the idolatrous practices initiated by his parents, although he did make some reforms, such as removing the sacred pillar of Baal (2 Kings 3:2).

Background and Context

Jehoram's reign is chronicled in the books of Kings and Chronicles. He ascended to the throne of Israel after the death of his brother Ahaziah. During his reign, Jehoram sought to strengthen his position through political alliances, one of which was with Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah. This alliance was facilitated by the marriage of Jehoram's sister, Athaliah, to Jehoshaphat's son, also named Jehoram, who would later become king of Judah (2 Kings 8:18).

The Moabite Campaign

One of the most notable events involving the alliance between Jehoram of Israel and Jehoshaphat of Judah was the campaign against Moab. The Moabites, under King Mesha, had rebelled against Israel following the death of Ahab. Jehoram sought the assistance of Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom to suppress this rebellion. The three kings joined forces and marched through the wilderness of Edom to attack Moab (2 Kings 3:4-9).

During this campaign, the allied forces faced a severe water shortage, prompting Jehoshaphat to seek divine guidance. The prophet Elisha, who was present with the army, was consulted. Despite his disdain for Jehoram, Elisha agreed to seek the Lord's counsel out of respect for Jehoshaphat. Elisha prophesied that the valley would be filled with water without rain and that the Lord would deliver Moab into their hands (2 Kings 3:14-19). The prophecy was fulfilled, and the Moabites were defeated, although the campaign ended with the Moabite king's desperate act of sacrificing his son on the city wall, which caused great indignation among the Israelites (2 Kings 3:26-27).

Religious and Political Implications

The alliance between Jehoram of Israel and Jehoshaphat of Judah highlights the complex interplay of political and religious dynamics in the ancient Near East. While Jehoshaphat was a king who sought to follow the ways of the Lord, his alliance with the idolatrous house of Ahab through marriage and military cooperation is often viewed critically in the biblical narrative. The alliance brought temporary military success but also spiritual compromise, as seen in the subsequent influence of Athaliah in Judah.

The biblical account underscores the tension between political expediency and religious fidelity. Jehoshaphat's willingness to ally with Jehoram, despite the latter's association with idolatry, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of forming alliances that may lead to spiritual compromise. The narrative also illustrates the sovereignty of God, who, through the prophet Elisha, provided deliverance and guidance despite the flawed human alliances.

Scriptural References

· 2 Kings 3:1-27: The account of Jehoram's reign, the alliance with Jehoshaphat, and the campaign against Moab.
· 2 Kings 8:16-18: The marriage alliance between the houses of Ahab and Jehoshaphat through Jehoram of Judah and Athaliah.
· 2 Chronicles 18:1-3: Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab, Jehoram's father, which set the stage for future alliances.

The alliance with Jehoram of Israel serves as a reminder of the complexities faced by the kings of Israel and Judah in navigating political alliances while striving to remain faithful to the covenant with Yahweh.