Topical Bible: Afflictions and Adversities: Jehoram

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jehoram, also known as Joram, was a king of Judah whose reign was marked by significant afflictions and adversities, both personal and national. He was the son of Jehoshaphat and reigned in Jerusalem for eight years (2 Kings 8:16-17). His life and reign are chronicled in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where his actions and their consequences are detailed.

Idolatry and Apostasy

Jehoram's troubles began with his departure from the ways of his father, Jehoshaphat, who had been a righteous king. Jehoram married Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, which led him to adopt the idolatrous practices of the house of Ahab. "He walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for Ahab’s daughter was his wife. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD" (2 Kings 8:18). This apostasy brought spiritual decline to Judah and set the stage for divine judgment.

Fratricide and Political Instability

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 treachery not only destabilized his rule but also sowed seeds of distrust and fear within the kingdom. His ruthless actions alienated him from his people and contributed to the internal strife that plagued his reign.

Divine Judgment and National Calamities

Jehoram's reign was characterized by a series of divine judgments. The LORD stirred up the Philistines and the Arabians against Judah, and they invaded the land, carrying away all the possessions found in the king’s house, along with his sons and wives, leaving only his youngest son, Jehoahaz (2 Chronicles 21:16-17). This invasion was a direct consequence of Jehoram's unfaithfulness to God and his leading the nation into idolatry.

Personal Afflictions

Jehoram's personal life was also marked by severe afflictions. The prophet Elijah sent him a letter warning of impending judgment due to his wickedness, stating, "You yourself will be struck with a severe illness, a disease of your bowels, until your bowels come out day by day because of the disease" (2 Chronicles 21:15). True to the prophecy, Jehoram suffered from a painful and incurable disease of the bowels, which eventually led to his death in great agony (2 Chronicles 21:18-19).

Legacy of Dishonor

Jehoram's death was ignominious; he was not honored with a burial in the tombs of the kings, and the people made no fire in his honor, as was customary for his ancestors (2 Chronicles 21:19-20). His reign left a legacy of turmoil and spiritual decay, and he departed without being mourned by his people. His life serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and leading others into sin.

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2 Chronicles 21:12-19
And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus said the LORD God of David your father, Because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah,
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