Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, reigned as king of Judah from approximately 848 to 841 BC. His reign is notably marked by a departure from the religious reforms and faithfulness to Yahweh that characterized his father's rule. Jehoram's idolatry is a significant aspect of his reign, reflecting a broader pattern of apostasy that plagued the kingdom of Judah during this period.

Background and Ascension to the Throne

Jehoram was the firstborn son of Jehoshaphat, a king who had sought to follow the ways of the Lord and strengthen the spiritual and political state of Judah. Jehoshaphat's alliance with the house of Ahab through the marriage of Jehoram to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, set the stage for the introduction of idolatrous practices into Judah. Upon Jehoshaphat's death, Jehoram ascended to the throne and quickly consolidated his power by killing all his brothers and some of the princes of Israel (2 Chronicles 21:4).

Idolatrous Practices

Jehoram's reign is characterized by a significant shift towards idolatry, influenced heavily by his wife Athaliah and the practices of the northern kingdom of Israel. The Berean Standard Bible records, "He 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. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD" (2 Kings 8:18). This alignment with the house of Ahab led to the introduction and promotion of Baal worship and other pagan practices in Judah.

Jehoram's idolatry was not merely a personal failing but had national implications. He constructed high places in the hills of Judah, leading the people into spiritual adultery and provoking the anger of the Lord. The chronicler notes, "Moreover, he built high places on the hills of Judah and caused the people of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves and led Judah astray" (2 Chronicles 21:11).

Divine Judgment and Consequences

Jehoram's idolatry and departure from the covenantal faithfulness to Yahweh brought about divine judgment. The prophet Elijah sent a letter to Jehoram, warning him of the consequences of his actions. 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...'" (2 Chronicles 21:12-13). The prophecy foretold calamity upon Jehoram's family and a severe illness that would afflict him personally.

True to the prophetic word, Jehoram's reign was marked by turmoil and disaster. The Edomites and Libnah revolted against his rule, and the Philistines and Arabians invaded Judah, carrying away his possessions and family. Ultimately, Jehoram suffered a painful and incurable disease, dying in agony. The chronicler records, "He passed away, to no one's regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings" (2 Chronicles 21:20).

Legacy

Jehoram's idolatry left a lasting impact on the spiritual state of Judah. His actions set a precedent for future kings who would also lead the nation into idolatry and away from the worship of Yahweh. Despite the reforms of his predecessors, Jehoram's reign serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the enduring influence of ungodly alliances.